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How to Use Cricut Design Space in 2024 on Desktop or Laptop! (Cricut Kickoff Lesson 3)

Jennifer Maker・140 minutes read

Jennifer Maker is teaching about Cricut Design Space updates in the Cricut kickoff lesson three, covering tools and materials. System requirements, features, and customization options in Cricut Design Space for desktop are highlighted, emphasizing project creation and efficiency in utilizing the app.

Insights

  • Cricut Design Space is a free app allowing design and cutting with Cricut machines, offering customization from scratch or using pre-existing images.
  • System requirements for Cricut Design Space are specific, varying for Windows and Mac, impacting the app's performance and usability.
  • The Layers panel in Cricut Design Space organizes items on the canvas, allowing for grouping, ungrouping, and layer management.
  • Cricut Access subscription provides exclusive projects, discounts, and features within Design Space, enhancing the user experience.
  • Cricut College Design to Shine course offers comprehensive guidance on Cricut functionalities, catering to various platforms, with registration closing on January 6.

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Recent questions

  • What is Cricut Design Space?

    Cricut Design Space is a free app for designing and cutting with Cricut machines, allowing users to create projects from scratch or use pre-existing images.

  • How can I improve Cricut Design Space performance?

    To enhance Cricut Design Space performance, ensure your computer meets system requirements, such as Windows 10 or later with 4GB+ RAM and 2GB+ free disk space, or OS 11 or later with similar specifications for Mac.

  • What are the features of Cricut Design Space?

    Cricut Design Space offers features like notifications, profile settings, design space settings, custom material adjustments, and access to various projects and inspiration through the Discover menu.

  • What is Cricut Access?

    Cricut Access is a subscription plan providing exclusive projects, discounts, and features within Design Space, enhancing the user's crafting experience.

  • How can I resize and manipulate designs in Cricut Design Space?

    In Cricut Design Space, you can resize and manipulate designs by using tools like the bounding box, corner box for rotation, Offset tool for outlines, and various functions like Slice, Weld, Unite, Attach, and Flatten for different design modifications.

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Summary

00:00

Cricut Design Space: Latest Updates and Lessons

  • Jennifer Maker is teaching about Cricut Design Space for desktop and laptop with the latest updates in the Cricut kickoff lesson three.
  • In lesson one, the free Cricut Design Space app was downloaded and installed from cricket.com setup, and a Cricut ID was created or signed in.
  • Lesson two covered tools, materials, and supplies that can be used with Cricut, with links to related videos on Cricket kickoff.com.
  • The updated Cricut kickoff principal handbook complements the lessons, offering detailed instructions and project guides.
  • Cricut Design Space is a free app allowing design and cutting with Cricut machines, enabling project creation from scratch or using pre-existing images.
  • System requirements for Cricut Design Space on Windows include Windows 10 or later, 4GB+ RAM, and 2GB+ free disk space; on Mac, OS 11 or later, 4GB+ RAM, and 2GB+ free space.
  • Slow performance in Cricut Design Space may be due to computer CPU, memory, or hard drive space limitations, as experienced with a $150 Windows laptop.
  • Cricut Design Space for desktop offers a home screen and canvas, with easy navigation between the two tabs.
  • The app includes features like notifications, profile settings, and design space settings for personalization and efficiency.
  • Custom material settings for different Cricut machines can be adjusted in the app, allowing for precise cutting results and material customization.

15:15

"Updated Discover Menu in Cricut Design Space"

  • The Discover menu in the app has been updated with various projects and inspiration.
  • The Discover window showcases projects, fonts, and a Cricut Community for sharing projects.
  • Users can access recent projects and organize them into collections.
  • Free accounts offer five collections, while Cricut Access provides unlimited collections.
  • The Canvas is where users design projects, with options and icons across the top and side.
  • The Layers panel on the right displays items on the canvas.
  • Users can switch between machines for specific features, like the Maker 3.
  • Multiple windows can be opened in Cricut Design Space for simultaneous projects.
  • Templates, projects, shapes, images, and text tools are available for designing.
  • Cricut Access is a subscription plan offering exclusive projects, discounts, and features in Design Space.

30:51

Text Editing and Design Features in Cricut

  • Clicking on text brings up a text box on the screen, defaulting to the word "text" highlighted for immediate typing.
  • Exiting editing mode is done by clicking elsewhere on the canvas, transitioning to selection mode.
  • To re-enter text editing, double-click on it, allowing for cursor movement and typing.
  • The bounding box around selected items indicates their selection status.
  • Corners of the bounding box can be used to resize any layer, including text.
  • Rotation of layers is possible by clicking, dragging, and holding a corner, with the shift key for precise 90-degree increments.
  • Phrases are a subset in the database for searching for phrases, particularly useful for creating designs like t-shirts.
  • Editable images, a Cricut Access exclusive, allows for quick customization by changing text on pre-designed images.
  • Monogram, another Cricut Access exclusive, enables the creation of cute monograms by inputting initials and selecting themes.
  • The operation menu allows for changing the type of operation for a layer, with options like cut, draw, and foil, varying based on the Cricut machine model.

46:46

Graphic Design Tools and Functions Explained

  • Rotating and flipping shapes can be done using the corner box feature.
  • The Offset tool creates a blue outline around shapes, useful for decals and stickers.
  • Warp is a text feature allowing for text manipulation like warping shapes.
  • The Size menu displays the dimensions of selected items and allows for precise resizing.
  • The Lock icon maintains proportions when resizing, and unlocking allows for changing proportions.
  • The Layers panel organizes items on the canvas, allowing for grouping and ungrouping.
  • The Color Sync tab helps synchronize colors of different elements on the canvas.
  • The Slice function separates one layer from another, useful for creating new shapes.
  • Weld permanently combines shapes, while Unite creates a new shape that can be modified.
  • Attach keeps separate layers together for cutting, while Flatten is used for print and cut designs.

01:02:52

"Master Cricut Design Space with Tips"

  • Contour tool allows manipulation of different parts of an image by turning cut on and off.
  • Contour tool helps modify designs to suit preferences by hiding all contours to revert to the original shape.
  • Zoom in and out using plus and minus icons in the lower left corner.
  • To access free files for projects, visit jennifermaker.com and enter the library using a password.
  • Search for specific files by using the search function with the designated number, like 277.
  • Unzip SVG files by right-clicking and selecting "extract all" on Windows or use a program like Inkscape or Illustrator.
  • Upload the SVG file to Cricut Design Space by clicking on the upload icon, selecting the image, and adding it to the canvas.
  • Ungroup multi-layered images to work with individual layers.
  • Resize multi-layered projects by selecting all elements on the canvas and resizing as a group to maintain proportions.
  • Add text by clicking on the text icon, typing the desired text, and resizing it as needed before changing the operation to draw with a pen for a handwritten effect.

01:18:12

Font menu customization in Cricut Design Space.

  • Font menu located at the top when text is selected, offering various options.
  • Font menu can be moved around the screen for convenience.
  • Organized with tabs for Cricut fonts, system fonts, bookmarked, and recently used fonts.
  • System fonts are fonts installed on the user's computer, accessible in the font menu.
  • Ability to search for specific fonts within the font menu.
  • Filters available for font search by style, category, language, etc.
  • Writing style filter allows for selection of fonts with a writing style.
  • Free filter displays only free writing fonts.
  • Instructions on changing font styles and accessing different font options.
  • Importance of attaching layers in Cricut Design Space for accurate cutting and drawing.

01:32:56

Cricut Maker 3: Pen and Blade Setup

  • More pressure results in a cleaner cut, so adjust pressure based on personal preference.
  • Check the "remember material settings" box to avoid repeated prompts for material type.
  • Load a black point4 pen into clamp A of the Cricut Maker 3.
  • Ensure the pen works by scribbling on a page before use.
  • Insert the pen into clamp A and secure it by closing the clamp.
  • Confirm the fine point blade is correctly seated in the clamp.
  • Use a green standard grip mat for the project, removing the clear protective cover.
  • Smooth the card stock onto the mat, ensuring it adheres well.
  • Load the mat by lightly pressing it against the rollers and pressing the load button.
  • Press the flashing button to initiate the cutting process, following the instructions on Cricut Design Space.

01:48:52

"Speedy Venture: Cricut's Impressive Performance"

  • The Venture is the fastest Cricut model, with a video showcasing its speed.
  • Demonstrating a project completion with the Cricut, emphasizing its impressive performance.
  • Cautioning about intricate layers in projects, advising careful handling to avoid damage.
  • Instructions on removing project pieces from the mat, ensuring a clean finish.
  • Importance of promptly covering the mat after use to maintain its quality.
  • Overview of project details in Cricut Design Space, including editing options and project information.
  • Encouragement to provide feedback through a survey, expressing satisfaction with the Cricut experience.
  • Instructions on assembling project pieces without the need for glue or tape, creating a certificate or card.
  • Invitation to share project photos in the Cricut Crafters group for community engagement.
  • Attempting to simultaneously cut and write with multiple Cricut machines, showcasing the software's capabilities and successful execution.

02:07:00

"Cricut College Design to Shine Enrollment"

  • Enrollment for the Cricut design space course, Cricut College Design to Shine, is open for one week until Saturday, January 6, with no guarantee of when it will reopen.
  • The course delves deeper into Cricut functionalities like print and cut, making stickers, and creating 3D objects.
  • Cricut College offers unbiased guidance, tips, hacks, and workarounds for using your Cricut effectively without the need for Cricut Access.
  • The course is structured logically, with step-by-step guidance, searchable videos, and printable workbooks, ensuring comprehensive learning.
  • Design to Shine emphasizes independence in crafting, providing support through Q&A sessions, behind-the-design videos, cheat sheets, and a private student group.
  • The program caters to all platforms, ensuring accessibility for desktop, iOS, and Android users.
  • Registration for Design to Shine closes on January 6, with no immediate plans for reopening until possibly summer or the following year.
  • Enrolling in Cricut College now grants access to the Cricut Reference Guide Collection, comprising eight digital guides with over 80 pages of tips and information.
  • Detailed instructions for calibrating the Cricut Maker and troubleshooting Design Space projects are available through tutorials and community support.
  • Projects in Design Space may lack detailed instructions, but resources like tutorials, community groups, and basic project listings within the platform can provide assistance.

02:22:22

Navigating Cricut Design Space on MacBook

  • Limited MacBook space may pose challenges for running Cricut with access from an external hard drive due to internal file saving requirements.
  • Design Space usability on Mac or PC is subjective, with personal preference often dictating the choice.
  • Projects on Cricut Access remain saved even after a year's break, accessible upon resubscription.
  • X and Y axes in Design Space control horizontal and vertical positioning, useful for precise adjustments.
  • Exporting projects from Design Space to a computer isn't possible; external programs like Inkscape or Illustrator are recommended for advanced design needs.
  • Text editing in Design Space is limited to editable images, not design nodes.
  • Updates to Design Space may relocate features like the hamburger menu, now found under the user's account name.
  • Grayed-out options like Slice, Combine, etc., indicate the need for multiple layers selected for functionality.
  • Cricut machines connect via Bluetooth (Joy) or USB (Explore, Maker), each offering distinct advantages.
  • The Cricut Kickoff event covered a wide range of topics, including project previews and tutorials for beginners, with ongoing support and resources available.

02:38:02

"Cricut Coach Playbook: Design Space Guide"

  • The book "Cricut Coach Playbook" is available for desktop, iPad, iPhone, and Android, with nearly half a million users already benefiting from it. It aids in understanding design space and can be purchased on Amazon or Cricketcoach.com for a digital copy that can be downloaded repeatedly, with updates available due to frequent changes in Cricut design space.
  • The Playbook covers various Cricut machines like The Joy, Joy Extra, Explorers, Makers, and Venture, focusing on Cricut design space. Updates can be obtained by revisiting the original email download link or contacting hello@jennifermaker.com for assistance, with a reminder to be patient due to high demand during the busy period of Cricut kickoff.
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