Master Guide on How to Print SVG on Cricut – Easy Steps

how to print svg on cricut

Learning how to use your Cricut machine can be both exciting and daunting. One of the biggest questions beginners ask is how to Print Then Cut with a Cricut? Today, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to print SVG on Cricut. We will cover the process of Print Then Cut, the supplies needed, the formats required for Print Then Cut projects, and how to calibrate your Cricut machine for accurate cuts. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Print Then Cut and explain the difference between a Print Then Cut image and a basic cut or layered SVG cut file. Additionally, we will provide tips on turning an SVG file into a Print Then Cut and recommend the best printer for Cricut. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and confidence to easily print SVG files on your Cricut machine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Print Then Cut is a feature available on most Cricut machines, allowing you to print colored images and have your Cricut machine cut them with precision.
  • To successfully accomplish Print Then Cut projects, you will need a Cricut machine, an inkjet printer, suitable materials like sticker paper or printable vinyl, a Cricut mat, and a brayer tool.
  • Calibrating your Cricut machine is crucial for accurate cuts in Print Then Cut projects.
  • You can make stickers using the Print Then Cut feature by uploading JPEG or PNG images to Cricut Design Space, scaling them, and printing them using an inkjet printer.
  • Learning how to print SVG on Cricut opens up a world of creative possibilities and enhances your crafting experience.

Understanding the Print Then Cut Process on Cricut

The Print Then Cut feature on Cricut machines is a powerful tool that allows you to print colored images from your computer and then have your machine cut them with precision. This eliminates the need for manual cutting and opens up a world of creative possibilities. However, it is important to understand how the Print Then Cut process works to get the best results.

The Print Then Cut feature is available on most Cricut machines, including Explore, Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Cricut Maker, and Maker 3. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with the compact Cricut Joy machine. When using Print Then Cut, you need to be familiar with the formats required and how to recognize a Print Then Cut image in Cricut Design Space.

In Cricut Design Space, a Print Then Cut image will have a colored border indicating the cut line, while the rest of the image will be printed. This is different from a basic cut or layered SVG cut file, where the entire design is cut from a single material. Knowing how to identify a Print Then Cut image will help you differentiate between different project types and ensure you select the correct settings in Design Space.

Recognizing a Print Then Cut Image in Design Space

  1. Open your project in Cricut Design Space.
  2. Click on the image you want to use.
  3. If it is a Print Then Cut image, you will see a colored border around the design.
  4. Ensure that the parts you want to print are within the colored border.
  5. Adjust the size and position of the image as desired.

By understanding the Print Then Cut process and how to recognize a Print Then Cut image in Cricut Design Space, you will be able to create stunning projects with ease. Remember to always calibrate your machine for accurate cuts and use the recommended supplies for the best results.

Table: Print Then Cut Process Comparison

Process Advantages Disadvantages
Print Then Cut
  • Allows for intricate, full-color designs
  • No manual cutting required
  • Requires compatible Cricut machine
  • Not suitable for all project types
Basic Cut or Layered SVG Cut File
  • Versatile for various project types
  • Can use different materials for different layers
  • May require manual cutting and assembly
  • Limited to single-color designs

“The Print Then Cut feature on Cricut machines is a game-changer for creating intricate, full-color designs with ease. Understanding how to identify a Print Then Cut image in Design Space and the differences between Print Then Cut and other project types will help you make the most of this powerful feature.” – Cricut Expert

Supplies Needed for Print Then Cut

When it comes to successfully executing Print Then Cut projects with your Cricut machine, having the right supplies is essential. Here are the key items you’ll need:

  • An inkjet printer: To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use an inkjet printer for printing your designs.
  • Cricut mat: A Cricut mat, particularly the standard green mat, is commonly used for Print Then Cut projects. This mat provides stability and ensures accurate cutting.
  • Sticker paper or printable vinyl: Depending on your specific project requirements, you’ll need either sticker paper or printable vinyl. Sticker paper is ideal for creating adhesive-backed designs, while printable vinyl allows for more versatility in application.
  • Brayer tool: When working with sticker paper or printable vinyl, a brayer tool can be helpful for smoothing out any air bubbles and ensuring proper adhesion to the Cricut mat.

Before embarking on your Print Then Cut journey, it’s important to check the specifications of your printer to ensure it can handle thicker materials like cardstock. This will ensure optimal results and prevent any potential issues during the printing process.

Print Then Cut Supplies

Recommended Print Then Cut Supplies

Supply Recommended Brand/Type
Inkjet Printer Epson SureColor P800
Cricut Mat Standard Grip (Green Mat)
Sticker Paper Avery Printable Sticker Paper
Printable Vinyl Oracal Printable Vinyl
Brayer Tool Speedball Deluxe Soft Rubber Brayer

These recommended supplies have been widely used and have proven to deliver excellent results in Print Then Cut projects. However, feel free to explore other options based on your personal preferences and project requirements.

How to Calibrate Your Cricut for Print Then Cut

Before attempting a Print Then Cut project with your Cricut machine, it’s crucial to calibrate it for accurate cuts. Calibration ensures that your machine knows precisely where to cut on your mat. This process needs to be done only once unless there is a significant software update in Cricut Design Space. The calibration process is relatively simple and involves following prompts in Design Space, printing a test cut, loading the sheet onto the Cricut mat, and allowing Cricut to scan the black registration box. After calibration, your Cricut is ready for Print Then Cut projects.

To calibrate your Cricut machine, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Cricut Design Space on your computer and ensure that your Cricut machine is connected and powered on.
  2. Click on the three parallel lines in the top left corner of the Design Space screen to open the menu. Select “Calibration” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Design Space will guide you through the calibration process with on-screen instructions. Make sure you have a standard printer loaded with regular plain white paper, and click “Next” to proceed.
  4. Design Space will prompt you to print a test cut. Follow the instructions to print the test cut on your plain paper.
  5. Once the test cut is printed, place it on your Cricut mat, aligning it with the upper left corner of the grid.
  6. Load the mat into your Cricut machine and press the “C” button to start the scanning process.
  7. Your Cricut machine will automatically scan the black registration box on the test cut to calibrate itself. Once the scanning is complete, your machine will be ready for Print Then Cut projects.

By calibrating your Cricut machine, you ensure that it cuts your designs accurately and precisely. This step is essential for achieving high-quality results and avoiding any misalignment during the Print Then Cut process. Remember to calibrate your Cricut whenever necessary, especially if you notice any inconsistencies in the cutting accuracy.

Benefits of Calibrating Your Cricut Machine

Calibrating your Cricut machine offers several benefits when working on Print Then Cut projects. Some of these benefits include:

  • Improved Accuracy: Calibration ensures that your machine cuts exactly where it’s supposed to on the mat, resulting in precise and accurate cuts every time.
  • Avoiding Waste: By calibrating your Cricut machine, you can reduce material wastage. Accurate calibration means you won’t have to re-cut or discard incorrectly cut designs, saving both time and materials.
  • Consistent Results: Calibration helps in achieving consistent results across multiple Print Then Cut projects. With accurate calibration, you can rely on your Cricut machine to consistently produce high-quality prints and cuts.
  • Optimal Performance: Calibrating your Cricut machine ensures that it operates at its best capacity, delivering the intended results with precision and reliability.

By following the calibration process and regularly checking the alignment of your Cricut machine, you can maximize its capabilities and ensure consistent and accurate results with your Print Then Cut projects.

How to Make Stickers with Cricut

One popular application of Print Then Cut is making stickers. With your Cricut machine, you can create custom stickers to personalize your belongings or add a unique touch to your crafts. Whether you want to make stickers for your planner, laptop, or scrapbook, Cricut makes it easy to bring your design ideas to life.

To begin making stickers with Cricut, you can either create your own designs or access sticker templates available in Cricut Design Space. These templates provide a convenient starting point and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add text, change colors, and resize the designs to create the perfect stickers for your project.

When it comes to the image formats for making stickers, Cricut supports both JPEG and PNG files. These file formats work well for single-layer images without any present layers. You can upload your chosen image to Cricut Design Space and select the Print Then Cut operation-type. Adjust the size of the image to fit your desired dimensions and ensure it will fit on your chosen sticker material.

Once you’re satisfied with your design, it’s time to print your stickers using an inkjet printer. Load your chosen sticker paper onto the Cricut mat, ensuring that it is properly aligned. Select the appropriate material option in Cricut Design Space to optimize the cut settings for stickers. Then, let your Cricut machine work its magic and cut out your stickers with precision.

Example Sticker Design Process:

  1. Open Cricut Design Space and select or create your sticker design.
  2. Upload the design as a JPEG or PNG file.
  3. Adjust the size of the design to fit your desired sticker dimensions.
  4. Load the sticker paper onto the Cricut mat.
  5. Select the correct material setting for stickers in Cricut Design Space.
  6. Print the design using an inkjet printer.
  7. Place the printed sticker paper on the Cricut mat and load it into the machine.
  8. Follow the prompts in Cricut Design Space to cut out your stickers.
  9. Once the cutting is complete, remove the stickers from the mat and enjoy!

With Cricut, you can unleash your creativity and make beautiful, custom stickers for any occasion. From personalizing gifts to adding a unique touch to your crafts, sticker-making with Cricut is a fun and versatile process.

make stickers with Cricut

Conclusion

Mastering the art of printing SVG on Cricut opens up a world of creative possibilities. With the Print Then Cut feature, you can effortlessly bring your designs to life by creating stickers and intricate projects on your Cricut machine. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary supplies, calibrating your machine, and following specific tips for making stickers, you can enhance your crafting experience and achieve professional-looking results.

This comprehensive Cricut printing guide provides you with the knowledge and confidence to explore the versatility of printable SVG files. As you delve deeper into the realm of Cricut printing, remember to experiment with different materials, designs, and techniques. Let your creativity soar and watch as your visions become reality.

With these Cricut SVG printing tips and the abundance of printable SVG options available, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re creating personalized stickers, custom labels, or intricate paper crafts, your Cricut machine offers boundless opportunities to express your creativity. So, don’t wait any longer. Grab your materials, fire up your Cricut, and let the magic happen!

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