Are you just getting started with your new Cricut? Are you feeling overwhelmed, and just not sure where to start? Don’t worry! I’m here to walk you through the basics. After reading this post, you’ll be downloading SVG files and cutting everything in sight! 😉
Step 1:
Download the SVG file you want to use.
This first step is pretty simple. Just download the SVG file like you would for any other normal file. It doesn’t really matter where you download it, but I find it best to keep all my SVG files in one folder on my desktop to make it easier to find.
Step 2:
Unzip the file.
Most SVG files will be compressed as a zip file so it’s important to make sure to unzip (or extract) the file before trying to open it or upload it into Cricut Design Space. This step will vary a bit depending on the type of computer and operating system you have. Here are the basic steps to unzip a file:
Unzip the file on a Mac
To unzip a file on a Mac, simply double click the zipped file. It will automatically extract the file, in the same location you saved the original zipped file.
Unzip the file on a Windows
To unzip a file on a Windows computer, you will need to right-click on the zipped folder. Then select Extract All. Now you should find the unzipped file in the same location as you saved the original zipped file.
Step 3:
Upload the file to Cricut Design Space
Now comes the best part! Adding it to Cricut Design Space so we can start those fun craft projects! Log in to Cricut Design Space, or create your new username if you haven’t done so already. Then click New Project. On the left side of the screen you will see a list of differect options. Select the one at the bottom labeled Upload.
Next click Upload Image, and then hit Browse.
Select your SVG file from the location you saved it. You will then be able see the design on the screen.
To the right you can edit the name of the file if you want. You are also given the option to add tags to the file. I recommend adding a few tags because it will make it easier to search for images if you choose to for other projects. Once you’ve added tags just click Save. Now you should see something similar to the screen shot below. Congrats! You’ve uploaded an SVG file! Continue reading for a basic overview of how to prepare for cutting the design.
Step 4:
Setting up the SVG file to make cuts
Once the file has been uploaded into Cricut Design Space, we can start making changes and adjustments to prepare the design to be cut.
Click the image you uploaded and then select Insert Images.
You have now added the file to a blank canvas. You can resize the entire design to the perfect measurements of your craft project. If you only want to resize certain sections of the design, just click the ungroup tool. As you can see on the panel to the right there are three layers in this file. We can change the color of each layer by clicking on the black circle and then selecting colors you plan to use when you cut. Like this:
There are all kinds of changes you can make with the tools in Design Space. Just play around with it until you’re happy with your design. Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to click Make It. Your design will now show up on cutting mats, and they appear just how they will when it’s cut with the Cricut.
In this view you can change the material size if you want. As I mentioned earlier this view shows exactly where the images will cut. This is helpful if you want to adjust the images around the mat to put more or less space between the them. (If you are using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) don’t forget to use the mirror image option). Once everything is set how you want it, click Continue.
Make sure your Cricut machine is turned on. Select the material you will be cutting on the dial of the machine. Add the material to the mat. Your bluetooth should pair your computer with your machine. When it has paired the double arrow button on the Cricut machine will light up. Load you mat into the machine and click the arrow button. It will continure to load the mat into the machine. Now follow the prompts on the screen. When the C button on the Cricut lights up, it means your machine is ready to start cutting.
That’s all there is to getting started! If you are interested in the file shown throughout the screen shots you can purchase it from my shop here. If you have any questions leave me a comment below, and for more crafting tips be sure to follow Dara E Designs on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
