Once your project is ready to cut, follow these steps:
1. Connect your machine to your computer and power on the machine.
2. Click the CUT button.
3. Select your device if you have more than one connected. If you only have one machine connected, the Cricut Craft Room® design software will automatically select the machine you have connected.
4. Insert cartridges into your Cricut® machine if necessary.
5. On the Cut Settings screen, you can select the layer you want to cut and the material being cut.
Choosing your material
Select the material you are going to cut from the drop-down menu to see the recommended cut settings. The options listed here are the most commonly used materials.
- The lightweight paper setting is for thinner scrapbook paper. This is typically paper that is thinner than 60 lb paper.
- The medium cardstock setting is for cardstock or scrapbook paper that is equivalent to 60 lb paper.
- The heavy cardstock setting is for scrapbook paper and cardstock that is equivalent to 80 lb paper.
- The vinyl (kiss cut) setting will cut through the vinyl layer but not through the liner.
Checking your machine settings
After you have selected your material, the recommended machine settings will be displayed. Taking time to check each setting will assure you get your desired results.
- Adjust the blade depth to the setting listed on the Cut Settings screen by twisting the top of the blade assembly until the arrow points to the correct depth.
- The recommended pressure setting is listed on the Cut Settings screen. If up and down arrows appear, you can still leave the pressure at the recommended setting. If desired, you can use the arrows to adjust the pressure up or down. For some Cricut® machines, the pressure is adjusted directly on the machine. A diagram will indicate where and how to set the pressure lever or dial for your machine if that is the case.
- The recommended speed setting is listed on the Cut Settings screen. If up and down arrows appear, you can still leave the speed at the recommended setting. If desired, you can use the arrows to adjust the speed up or down. For some Cricut® machines, the speed will be automatically set.
- The recommended number of times to cut setting is listed on the Cut Settings screen. If up and down arrows appear, you can still leave the number at the recommended setting. If desired, you can use the arrows to adjust the number of times to cut up or down. This is also known as Multi-cut. Use this setting when cutting thicker materials such as chipboard, magnet material, fun foam, and more.
The materials and settings listed here are simply recommendations. You can adjust the settings to what you want before cutting.
6. When you’ve confirmed your settings, load your mat and click Cut.
7. Your project should now begin cutting. You can also pause or stop the cutting at any time by selecting either button.
8. When the cutting has finished, unload the mat by clicking the Unload Mat button on your computer 8. screen or pressing the Unload Mat button on your Cricut® machine.
Printing and cutting with the Cricut Imagine® machine
When using the Cricut Imagine® machine, you have all the same options given to standard Cricut® machines, but you also have the Cricut® Mode option on the Cut Settings screen. You can choose to Print & Cut, Print, or Cut.
The Print & Cut preview will also show you the bleed/border around the images.