Home » Cricut » How To Print Then Cut On Cricut – Print Then Cut vs Cut Image Cricut (Full Cricut Sticker Tutorial)
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How To Print Then Cut On Cricut – Print Then Cut vs Cut Image Cricut (Full Cricut Sticker Tutorial)

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Beginners tutorial to print then cut with your Cricut machine.

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? And what is the difference between a Print Then Cut and a basic cut or layered SVG cut file? Today I’m giving you a specific understanding of the distinct characteristics of a Print Then Cut image versus an SVG cut file, plus a full tutorial on how to make stickers with Cricut. I will also show you how to calibrate your machine if you have never done Print Then Cut before!

Print Then Cut works with most Cricut machines, Explore, Explore Air 2 and Explore 3, Cricut Maker, and Maker 3 but does not work with the new Cricut Joy machine because of its compact size.

In this tutorial, you will learn: 

How to print then cut with a Cricut and make custom stickers with your Cricut machine.

What does it mean to print then cut on Cricut?

The best way to understand Print Then Cut is to think of it like this, you printed a colored image out from your computer (for example, let’s say a gift tag), and naturally, without a Cricut, you would cut the printed gift tag out with scissors by hand.

But with Print Then Cut, Cricut replaces the part where YOU have to do the cutting. Instead, your Cricut machine does the work for you with incredible precision!

The Print Then Cut feature of your Cricut machine is a relatively simple process. The most important thing is that you know which formats to use and how to calibrate your Cricut machine, so the cut is accurate. 

Let’s get started and I will teach you how to Print Then Cut on Cricut and make stickers with cricut!

How to make easy Print Then Cut stickers with your Cricut machine. Download free sticker image templates.

What tools or supplies do I need for Print Then Cut with my Cricut?

Print Then Cut stickers with Cricut. A guide to print then cut with Cricut Maker, Maker 3, Explore Air 2, or Explore 3.

What format do I need for Print Then Cut?

Print Then Cut works with JPEG or PNG images. A JPEG or PNG image is a single layer image where all the colors have been flattened together; no layers are present – it is a color-blended pixelated image – this would be like a clipart image or a photo.

Download Free Sticker Image Templates for Cricut

You can download my FREE creativity takes courage and rainbow image designs to make stickers with Cricut as shown in this tutorial!

To access the free sticker image files, sign up via the form below or log into your existing account. Once inside, search design #485 for the at the top search bar or keyword “stickers.”

You can also access my free beach summer stickers in the Vault with the keyword “summer.”

Free summer stickers designs for Cricut.
How to determine Operation-type in Cricut Design Space for Print Then Cut projects.

How To Recognize a Print Then Cut Image in Design Space

By uploading your image to Cricut Design Space and importing it onto your Canvas, the Operation-type is then visible in the Layer’s Panel to your right, which is the easiest way to tell what kind of image is on your Canvas.

The importance of Print Then Cut Calibration

If you have never Print Then Cut with your Cricut before, you will need to take a few minutes to calibrate your machine. Calibration ensures you get the most accurate cut with your machine, so don’t skip this step! 

You only need to calibrate your Cricut once, not every time your Print Then Cut. The only time I have ever needed to calibrate my machine a second time is on the rare occasion when Cricut Design Space does a significant software update. 

The Print Then Cut process works with Explore, Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Maker, and Maker 3 machines. The Cricut Joy cannot perform Print Then Cut. 

How to make stickers with your Cricut machine.

How to Calibrate your Cricut machine for Print Then cut

Fortunately, calibrating your machine for Print Then Cut is pretty easy, and Cricut gives you prompts each step of the way. 

Settings in Design Space

Start Design Space and open up a new canvas. Click on your profile at the top right-hand side and select Settings.

Toggle over to the Machines tabs and look for the Calibration option. Select the dropdown and your model of Cricut machine, then click Start.

Calibrating your Cricut

Select which item you are calibrating. In our case, it would be for the Print Then Cut process.

Selecting a printer for Cricut.

You will need to select your Printer, and Cricut will print a test calibration sheet. You can use regular copy paper for this. 

Follow the cues and click continue to proceed to the next screen. Cricut will prompt you to load your printed calibration sheet.

Once you load this sheet onto the Cricut mat and press GO when prompted, Cricut scans the black registration box. A registration box is how Cricut knows where to cut on your mat! 

Calibrating your Cricut machine for Print Then Cut.

Cricut will ask you how accurate the cut is. Usually, the first time around is not very accurate, so in that case, select NO and let Cricut perform cuts where all the letters and numbers run on the top and sides.

Calibrating your Cricut machine for Print Then Cut.

When Cricut starts cutting out the lines along the top and the bottom, you will be prompted to select which letter and which number is most accurate. Look for the one that has the cut right down the center of the black line.

Steps 4-6 are usually performed a second time as prompted by Design Space. Once you go through it a second time, the calibration box will disappear, and you are all set!

Calibrating your Cricut machine for Print Then Cut.

How to Make Stickers with Cricut – Video Tutorial

How to make stickers with a Cricut. Beginners guide to easy Print Then Cut stickers.

Now that we have calibrated our Cricut machine, it’s time to Print Then Cut a design! 

To upload a Print Then Cut image go to the Upload button in the Design Panel to your left and import a PNG or JPEG image. If you want to use my sticker images here, you can get them FREE in my Freebie Vault (sign up above)!

You will be able to tell what kind of image you are bringing in by hovering over it when browsing the files on your desktop to reveal the specs.

Cricut will ask if you want the image to be simple or complex. I always select complex so that no details are lost. 

Upload a Print Then Cut image.

Bring the image into the canvas of Design Space by selecting it under Recently Uploaded. The Layer’s Panel to your right will tell you it is a Print Then Cut image.

Scale your image to size. Use the arrow at the bottom right corner of your image to scale it larger or smaller. Likewise, you can type in exact dimensions in the top edit bar.

SHow to scale images in Cricut Design Space.

How Big Can You Print On Cricut?

You might wonder how big Cricut can Print Then Cut? Because there has to be room for the registration marks, Cricut only allows images to be scaled as big as 9.25 x 6.75 inches as a Print Then Cut. You will know if it is sized right because a yellow exclamation point will appear in the Layers Panel otherwise. Plus, Cricut will notify you that the project is incompatible if you try and go to the Cut Screen.

How big can you Print Then Cut with a Cricut? A Cricut can print then cut up to 9.25 inches H x 6.75 inches wide.

How to Print From Design Space

Click on the Make It button, and Cricut will layout your Print Then Cut images as it sees fit. Notice the black outlined box around the images on each page. These are known as Registration Marks, and this is how Cricut knows precisely where to cut on your mat!

Next, send your images to your Printer. You will need an inkjet printer. Click the Send to the Printer button. 

To Add Bleed Or Not To Add Bleed?

I almost always recommend that you keep the Add Bleed on – this means that Cricut will print your image will a little extra color around the edges, so once cut, it will be edge-to-edge color and not result in a thin white border around your design. The only exception would be stickers, which look nice with a white offset (this is applicable to our sticker tutorial today).

Printing from Cricut Design Space.

With these free sticker designs for Cricut, I already added the white offset so you don’t need to. But if you want to learn how to use the Offset tool for stickers and other Print Then Cut Projects, click here.

Make sure System Dialog is also toggled on because we want control over our paper selection made with our printer system box. When you are ready and have loaded your Printer with your cardstock, printable vinyl, etc., click the green Print button.

Your Printer’s system dialog box will open, and you can select the paper type and print quality from there (refer to your Printer’s manual for help with this). 

Once the item has been printed, place it onto your mat at the top left corner exactly as shown on the Cut Screen. 

Free printable sticker templates for Cricut.

Load the mat onto your Cricut after selecting your material on the cut screen. Material options will generally be cardstock, printable vinyl, sticker paper, waterslide paper, etc. You can find these by clicking Browse All Materials on the final cut screen. 

Material settings for stickers in Cricut design space.

Click GO, and your Cricut will scan the black registration box, and then cut out the image design!

Advantages and Benefits of Print Then Cut

  1. It’s quick. Unlike layered SVG files, which take time to cut out many colors of material to complete the final project, Print Then Cut allows you to cut only once per image result while preserving all the colors of your design through printing.
  2. It’s colorful. Since you are using a printer, a blend of colors can be used with your image.
  3. Less material waste. The colors are blended as inkjet printed images and therefore do not require several different pieces of colored material to complete the project.

Disadvantages of Print Then Cut

  1. Smaller projects. One of the biggest downsides to Print Then Cut is the size. Because there has to be room for the registration marks, Cricut only allows images to be scaled as big as 9.25 x 6.75 inches.
  2. Inkjet printer required. Owning or having access to a colored inkjet printer is what makes Print Then Cut possible – this may be an incurred cost if you do not yet own a printer. 
  3. Limited materials. With SVG cut files, you can use paper, vinyl, wood, fabric, iron-on, leather, and more. However, Print Then Cut with a Cricut is used with cardstock, paper, waterslide, sticker paper, or printable vinyl. 
Free sticker printable images for Cricut.

One of the most common questions for Cricut beginners is, what is the difference between a Print Then Cut and SVG Cut File? First, we need to understand what an SVG file is to contrast a cut file to a Print Then Cut image.

An SVG cut file is a graphic format that stands for scalable vector graphics. In the world of Cricut, they are vital to crafters who wish to build a project from layers of materials in various colors, such as vinyl, fabric, paper, wood, etc.

A PNG or Jpeg Image (the format used for Print Then Cut) is just like clipart images or pictures you would take on your phone or camera.

Print Then Cut Vs. Basic Cut File

Print Then Cut (a.k.a PNG or Jpeg image format) – Blended image where all colors are flattened and printed as one single layer. You will use ink from a printer to manifest the image result. 

SVG Cut File – Each color is represented by a layer that can be ungrouped, cut out on a specific material, and built into a final design. You will use a material such as vinyl, paper, iron-on, infusible ink, etc., to build the design out in layers. 

Learn the important difference between SVG cut files and how to Print Then Cut with a Cricut machine. SVG files verses PNG or JPEG images for Cricut crafts.

Here is a side-by-side example of my creativity takes courage design. The one on the left is in layers (an SVG cut file) the one on the right is a flattened image (PNG or Jpeg).

What Printer is Best for For Cricut?

Many crafters ask me which Printer is best for Print Then Cut with your Cricut? Here’s the deal if you already have a printer don’t run out and buy a new one. Try a Print Then Cut with your printer first and check the printer settings on your computer to ensure the best results. You need to change the Print Quality from Standard to High in your printer dialog box. Refer to your printer’s manual for this.

Best printer for Cricut and Print Then Cut projects.

If you do not have a printer and are looking for recommendations I have three I usually suggest.

  • HP Envy (most afforable but tends to use more ink)
  • Canon Pixma models (more expensive but great print quality and is made for crafting)
  • Epson Ecotank (the most expesive model but is very economal on ink and these printers are great workhorses!)

How do I Turn an SVG into a Print Then Cut?

Cricut Design Space makes it super easy to turn any layered SVG into a Print Then Cut image with the help of the Flatten tool in the Layer’s Panel.

How to use the Flatten tool in Cricut Design Space. Turn any SVG cut file into a Print Then Cut image.

Here is how I change any layered SVG cut file in Design Space to a Print Then Cut design.

  1. Bring in your SVG of choice using the Upload button. 
  2. Select the image in full. 
  3. Click the Flatten tool at the bottom of the Layers Panel.

That’s it! Now you can print this image out instead of cutting it in layers!

Converting An Image (PNG or JPEG) into an SVG Cut File

To convert JPEG and PNG images into layered SVG files isn’t as easy. File conversion requires the image to be significantly altered and Cricut Design Space does not have the tech for this process. If you are interested in learning how to do some one-click magic, to convert an image into an SVG cut file review this post here.

How to change from print and cut to just cut on cricut. Convert an image file to an SVG cut file.

Ready to customize and make your own SVG Cut Files?

If you are ready to learn how to master photo to SVG conversions and design your own SVG cut files you don’t want to miss my FREE Magic of SVGs Workshop!

Where Can I Find the Best Images and SVG Files for My Cricut Crafts?

So the last question you might be asking is, where is the best place to find PNG, JPEG, or SVG cut files to use with Cricut?

Here is a list of my go-to resources

  • Abbi Kirsten Collections! Yes, I have a Freebie Vault with lots of goodies inside right here. Click here to set up a FREE account! Remeber to grab these free stickers to print with your Cricut!
  • Creative Fabrica – the largest digital platform for crafters full of images, SVG cut files, and fonts!
  • EtsyEtsy has a ton of sellers who have designed amazing clipart, and SVG cut files. A few of my favorite shops for Print Then Cut images are Lovely to C UWatercolor BeautyLagartixa Shop, and My Cute Lobster Designs. 
  • Design Bundles – not only does Design Bundles have lots of clipart art but also amazing fonts!
  • Freepik – one of my favorite free sources for clipart images and vectors!

Did you enjoy this tutorial on making Print Then Cut stickers with a Cricut? What other questions do you have? Ask away below in the comments!

Want more designs to make stickers with your Cricut machine? I have a Summer Lovin sticker collection for our Premium Members!

How to Print Then Cut with your Cricut machine. Make easy stickers with your Cricut and download free sticker templates for Cricut!

Want to Sell Stickers You Make with Cricut?

Discover how to create unique planner stickers so that you can stand out on Etsy. Now that you have learned how to make stickers with Cricut you can learn to sell the stickers that people actually want to buy! With 5-Star Etsy Sticker Pro, Mim Jenkinson

More Easy Cricut Crafts and Design Space Tutorials

Hey, Crafty bestie! I’m Abbi!

Abbi Kirsten Collections. Abbi smiles in her craft room, surrounded by paper flowers and supplies organized on the wall.

I’m thrilled you are here! I have spent the last 10+ years making messes and magic in my home studio to make the world a more colorful place, one craft at a time! I’m on a mission to nurture the creative magic inside your soul and bring that bursting imagination inside you to life with easy-to-learn tutorials. If you haven’t yet, be sure to join the subscriber community to gain access to all my freebies or visit my signature design shop, Catching Colorflies!

Cricut Design Space tutorial. Understanding Print Then Cut and the Flatten tool.

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5 Comments

  1. Mary Dixon says:

    Inkjet printers are not my favorite printer. Things from such printer can simply smudged if damp at all. I love the color laser printer I have. What makes it unusable for Print and Cut?

    1. Laser printers can be used with Cricut but depending on the image may not always cut successfully because the laser can be harder for the machine to read. Good quality printers like Canon Pixma or HP Envy have worked well for me and as long as I give it 2 minutes to dry I have never received any smudges. 🙂

  2. Elizabeth says:

    How do I make inkjet stickers waterproof?