Cricut® Expression™ Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Cricut® User,
We truly appreciate both your excitement and concerns on the many emerging areas of the Cricut® Personal Electronic Cutter™. We have received a tremendous amount of feedback regarding this most recent product release and have prepared the following to address those questions most frequently asked.
QUESTION: The Cricut product is less than a year old and I just got mine for Christmas. It’s already outdated and if I would have known a new one was coming, I would have waited.
ANSWER: This is truly understandable, but we assure you that your investment in the original Cricut is well worth it and far from outdated. Cricut Expression™ (the new 12" x 24" model) is an extension of the Cricut product line and not intended to replace the more portable and easy to use Cricut. It is intended to satisfy the needs of the crafter by offering a larger scale result as well as production level tools that assist in a classroom or workroom setting.
Cricut and Cricut Expression are different in multiple ways. As a consumer you will first notice the difference in cutting capability. The Cricut Expression will cut a 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" medium. Some consumers will find the additional size a necessity in their creative projects. Those of you who do not need to cut larger than 5 1/2" will find the ease and size of the Cricut machine more attractive. Cricut Expression is designed to be a stay in one place machine. The space requirement for Cricut Expression is more demanding on a craft room or kitchen table. Space-constrained consumers will also find the smaller Cricut machine easier to use. Some users will also find the portability of Cricut absolutely essential to their cropping lifestyle.
QUESTION: Will there be some sort of trade-in plan? I can’t afford another new model.
ANSWER: We are not able to offer any sort of trade-up service. Logistically, it’s just not possible. Cricut Expression will differentiate itself by a substantially higher price point, justified by its enhanced capabilities and functions. In turn, we feel that the lower price of the original Cricut is well worth its abilities.
QUESTION: Why doesn’t my current version just offer the capabilities and features of the new one?
ANSWER: The added features of Cricut Expression are natural to its bigger size and purpose. We’re just simply able to build even more powerful abilities into this based upon cost and development time. But this doesn’t mean that the smaller Cricut doesn’t carry its own weight in value and ability. It’s very much like the differences between a microwave and traditional oven. There are purposes for both and very useful reasons both are in your kitchen.
QUESTION: Why won’t you tell us any more about the USB port? I don’t want to buy yet another machine when something is finally announced!
ANSWER: Rest assured that we will not leave any machine behind in this area. The USB port has been included on both models with the very specific intent to tap into its expansive power once connected to the computer. We have been developing wonderfully exciting tools for this purpose for quite some time now and are close to being able to provide you many more details.
QUESTION: Are you discontinuing the first model?
ANSWER: Rest assured that the first model is not being discontinued. Cricut Expression is the next extension to the Cricut Electronic Cutting System and does not replace the original Cricut Cutter. In fact, many users will find the need for both depending on the type of projects they will do.
QUESTION: What is the price of the new machine (Cricut Expression)?
ANSWER: At this time, the price has not yet been set. We are still evaluating costs from the factories and need some more time establishing the wholesale price point. It will be more than the original Cricut machine, of course, but still priced competitively.
QUESTION: What is the Mix ’n Match feature?
ANSWER: This feature allows each character to have a separate Creative Feature assigned to it in the same session.
QUESTION: What is the Auto Fill feature?
ANSWER: This feature duplicates the selected character(s) as many times as possible over the remaining page area based upon the selected dial size.
QUESTION: What is the Fit to Page feature?
ANSWER: This feature resizes the selected character(s) to fit as big as possible on the remaining page area. The dialed size is bypassed.
QUESTION: What is the Fit to Length feature?
ANSWER: This feature allows the size dial to set to the length, not the height of the character(s). It will fit any selected character(s) to the dialed size.
QUESTION: What is the Portrait feature?
ANSWER: This feature enables the user to rotate selected characters and cut up to 23.5" tall using the length of the 12" x 24" mat and paper, or up to 11.5" tall using the 12" x 12" mat.
QUESTION: What is the Quantity feature?
ANSWER: This is a production feature, enabling the user to specify how many of the selected character(s) they would like at the dialed size. The Cricut calculates how many pages this will take and guides the user through loading each mat.
QUESTION: What is the Flip feature?
ANSWER: This feature mirrors or flips each selected character.
QUESTION: What is the Multi Cut feature?
ANSWER: This feature allows each contour of each glyph to cut 2, 3, or 4 times according to the Multi Cut setting instead of the usual single cut. This allows the Cricut Expression to cut deeper each time and eventually all the way through thicker stock such as chipboard.
QUESTION: What is the Center Point feature?
ANSWER: This feature enables the user to accurately position the blade over the center of a desired area (photos, etc.) in preparation for the cut.
QUESTION: What is the Line Return feature?
ANSWER: This feature allows the user to reposition the blade to the next line after a cut has been made.
QUESTION: What is the Mat Size feature?
ANSWER: This feature allows the user to set the 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" mat size.
QUESTION: What are the special settings?
ANSWER: The following preferences and options are available with the special settings:
- Language (English, Spanish, German, French)
- Units (Inches—1/4ths, Inches—10ths, Inches—100ths, cm, mm)
- Multiple Cut (2,3,4)
- Turn on/off display graphics
QUESTION: What do the Xtra Buttons do?
ANSWER: These two buttons are reserved for future abilities and features.
QUESTION: I didn’t see my question on this list. Where can I go to find out more information?
ANSWER: For more detailed information on the features of the machine, you can visit Cricut.com or call 1-877-7CRICUT (727-4288). If you are an independent retailer and have questions about Cricut, please call 1-800-937-7686, ext. 9600.
About Provo Craft & Novelty, Inc.: In 1963, Provo Craft® started as a single retail store in Provo, Utah, expanding dramatically over the years to become a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of craft and hobby products to the paper crafting, scrapbooking, arts & craft, home décor, and gift industries. Innovative designs and quality materials have allowed Provo Craft to receive more than 67 awards from leading industry publications. For more information, please visit www.provocraft.com or call (800) 937-7686.