User Manual
Cricut Explore™ design-and-cut system
From inspiration to creation in just a few clicks!
Cricut Explore® User Manual Index
1. Machine Setup 9. Layers Panel
A. Set Up Mac A. Determine the Line Type (Cut, Write, Score)
B. Set Up PC B. Change Color on Image Layers
C. First Project C. Group/Ungroup Images and Layers
D. Duplicate/Delete an Image or Image Group
2. Smart Set™ Dial E. Hide/Unhide an Image Layer
A. Smart Set™ Dial F. Weld Tool
B. Custom Settings G. Contour Tool
H. Attach Tool
3. Cartridge Linking
10. Sync Panel
4. Image Library
A. Search/Insert Images 11. Canvas Panel
B. Search for Image Sets/Cartridges
C. Using Image Filters 12. Mat Preview
5. Make It Now™ Projects 13. Purchasing Images
A. Single Image
B. Image Sets
6. Cutting Your Own Images
C. Subscription
A. Basic Upload
D. Upgrade Your Purchase
B. Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files)
7. Working with Images/Edit Panel
A. Selecting an Image
B. Sizing Images
C. Rotate/Mirror/Position
8. Working with Text/Edit Panel
A. Adding Text
B. Editing Text, Selecting Text
C. Ungrouping Fonts
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup
Set up MAC users
Step 1 Plug in your Cricut Explore® machine and power it on.
Step 2 Connect your Cricut Explore® machine to your computer using the USB cord.
Section 1A Page 1
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 3 Open your web browser and go to www.cricut.com/setup
Step 4 Log in to your Cricut.com account. If you are new to Cricut.com,
click “Need a Cricut Account” to set up an account.
Section 1A Page 2
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 5 You are now ready to set up your Cricut Explore® machine and connect to Cricut Design Space™.
Click “Continue” to begin the set-up process.
Step 6 Click “Download.”
Section 1A Page 3
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 7 Open Finder in the Mac toolbar.
Step 8 Go to the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the CricutDesignSpace file.
Section 1A Page 4
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 9 Review and agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Step 10 Drag the npCricut.plugin icon to the Internet Plug-Ins folder.
Section 1A Page 5
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 11 Click “Authenticate.” Depending on your computer settings,
you may be prompted to enter your administrator name and password.
Step 12 Close the Cricut Design Space™ and Downloads windows to return to your browser.
Section 1A Page 6
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 13 Completely quit your browser; then reopen it and return to
www.cricut.com/setup to continue the set-up process.
Step 14 Click “Detect Machine.” When your machine has been detected, click “Continue.”
Section 1A Page 7
Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 15 Check the box to accept your trial subscription, and then click “Continue”.
Your free trial subscription to the Cricut Image Library gives you access to over 25,000 images
and 200 fonts. There are no strings attached and no credit cards required—just enjoy your access to all
non-licensed images in the Cricut Library, over 25,000 images during your free subscription trail.
Get more information including a list of all images and image sets included in the subscription, at
us.cricut.com/subscriptionlist
Tip: To gain access to your free trial subscription, please make sure the check box is marked before
clicking “Continue.”
Step 16 Your Cricut Explore® machine is all set up and you’re ready to write and cut your first project!
Section 1A Page 8
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Set up PC users
Step 1 Plug in your Cricut Explore® machine and power it on.
Step 2 Connect your Cricut Explore® machine to your computer using the USB cord.
Section 1B Page 1
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 3 Open your web browser and go to www.cricut.com/setup
Step 4 Log in to your Cricut.com account. If you are new to Cricut.com,
click “Need a Cricut Account” to set up an account.
Section 1B Page 2
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 5 You are now ready to set up your Cricut Explore® machine and connect to
Cricut Design Space™. Click “Continue” to begin the set-up process.
Step 6 Click “Download Plugin.”
Section 1B Page 3
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 7 Close your browser.
Step 8 Click the Start menu and then open your Documents folder.
Section 1B Page 4
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 9 Select the Downloads folder and then double-click on the CricutDesignSpace file.
Step 10 The Setup Cricut Design Space™ window will open. Click “Next” to continue.
Section 1B Page 5
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 11 Review and accept the Terms and Conditions. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 12 Decide where you would like the file to be installed
(it will default to the Program Files folder). Click “Next” to continue.
Section 1B Page 6
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 13 Decide if you would like a Desktop shortcut. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 14 Click “Next” to install the Internet plug in.
Section 1B Page 7
Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 15 Cricut Design Space™ has been successfully installed. Click “Finish,”
open your browser, and return to www.cricut.com/setup.
Step 16 Click “Detect Machine.” When your machine has been detected, click “Continue.”
Section 1B Page 8
Section 1B
4B
Machine
Image library
Setup- Insert/Search
- Set up PC users
for images
Machine Setup (cont.)
Step 17 Check the box to accept your trial subscription, and then click “Continue.”
Your free trial subscription to the Cricut Image Library gives you access to over 25,000 images
and 200 fonts. There are no strings attached and no credit cards required—just enjoy your access to all
non-licensed images in the Cricut Library—over 25,000 images—during your free subscription trial.
Get more information including a list of all images and image sets included in the subscription, at
us.cricut.com/subscriptionlist
Tip: To gain access to your free trial subscription, please make sure the check box is marked before
clicking “Continue.”
Step 18 Your Cricut Explore® machine is all set up and you’re ready to write and cut your first project!
Section 1B Page 9
