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What is Cricut Access? – Is it Worth it and Do I Need it?

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There’s so much misinformation regarding Cricut Access out there. Some people will say you need it, other people say you don’t.

I am here to tell you everything you need to know about Cricut Access. I was so confused regarding this topic that I had to do tons of research to really understand what it is and how it works. There wasn’t a single post that could answer all of my questions regarding this topic.

Before we dig in let’s clarify what Cricut Access is:

Cricut Access is a paid membership that gives you instant access to an amazing and giant library filled with over 90.000 images, hundreds of fonts, and ready to cut projects.

Depending on the plan you have you can get other benefits like discounts on licensed images, fonts, and physical products.

If you were looking for a short answer that was it. 🙂

Here’s the thing, I don’t want you to buy something you don’t need or are never going to use. But I also don’t want you to miss out on cool stuff for you to make.

Preview Cricut Access Library Screenshot
Everything that is Marked with a Green A is available in Cricut Access

By the end of this post, you will know whether Cricut Access is a good fit for you or not.

Note: If you are still learning what a Cricut is and which one you should get; I highly recommend you to read this post where I walk you through 50+ questions before and after I got the Cricut. FYI I spent multiple hours of research and a whole week to put together this ultimate guide.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Page Content hide
What is the Difference between Cricut Access and Cricut Design Space?
Is Cricut Access Worth it and do I need it?
Cricut Access Plans Explained
The perfect starter plan
Annual Plan
Premium Plan
What is the Difference between Cricut Access and Cricut Cartridges, Licensed fonts, and images?
Do I have Cricut Access?
Pros & Cons for Cricut Access
Pros of Having Cricut Access
Cons of Having Cricut Access
Are there other alternative Options for Cricut Access?
Am I missing something?

What is the Difference between Cricut Access and Cricut Design Space?

This is where most of the confusion is. A lot of people – including myself in the early days – confuse Cricut Access with Cricut Design Space.

The difference between Cricut Design Space and Cricut Access is that the first one is the FREE software where you upload your projects, touch them up, and finally send to your Cricut Machine to be cut. And the second one is a paid membership full of graphics, fonts, and ready to cut projects that can be used within the Cricut Design Space.

Even if you don’t have a Cricut Access membership you are able to see and use all of the graphics that they offer inside Cricut Design Space. However, you will need to pay for those digital files when you send your project to be cut.

Pay as you go when you don't have a Cricut membership screenshot
You can always pay as you go!

It’s always very clear when something costs money or not. So if you don’t want to pay at the end or don’t have Cricut Access, stay clear from those designs.

With Cricut Design Space – and for free – you can upload your own designs, use your own fonts and also create minimal designs made with common shapes like squares, circles, hearts, etc.

Cricut Fonts Screenshot and Explanation
The Green A will show you what fonts are included with Cricut Access

Is Cricut Access Worth it and do I need it?

I think Cricut Access is worth it if it’s going to encourage you to use your machine more often, you don’t know how to illustrate or create your own projects, and you don’t want to look for free projects online.

Everything in life has a cost of opportunity, I love designing and creating my own projects. That’s what motivated me to buy my own Cricut, so I could cut them more easily. For me, designing is half of the fun.

Do you create your own illustration and projects? If you do, then you don’t need Cricut Access.

Are you willing to scour the Internet for free projects and ideas? If you said yes to that, then you don’t need Cricut Access.

As you can see you DON’T NEED Cricut Access in order to cut something. There are always other options for you to consider. However, there’s something you always need to trade-off, and that my friend is TIME!

Designing and searching for the perfect project can take a while – It can take me 3 hours to come up with something simple – and if you just want to cut something right away, it’s so much easy to find a ready to cut project.

When you find a project online there are always things you need to touch up, and extra steps for you to make sure that you will cut things the right way. However, when you use the images and ready to cut projects from Cricut Access all that second-guessing is pretty much gone. No extra doubt, you just have to press MAKE IT and follow the cutting instructions.

Cricut Project failed to cut. Letter were to intricate
Cricut Project Fail

Look at this project I created with my computer’s fonts. I totally ruined it lol.

I spent about an hour trying to design it, and then when the moment came I didn’t considerate that the letters were too tiny and intricate.

So, I ruined my materials and also left my husband without an anniversary card. (It was our 4th year anniversary)

However, I really don’t care. I am here for the process. My point is that If you don’t care either and just want to learn, then you don’t need Cricut Access.

If having Cricut Access is going to make your life more simple and just enjoy the fun part of cutting and putting together your project, then I think the membership is worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY!

I get it!

The membership can add up, and it’s an extra expense on top of your bills. But, if you think about it you’ll see you spend 10 dollars on so many silly things.

I spend that money 10 or 20 times on eating out, our buying things I don’t really need. So, if you need to justify the money, just cut your eating out spending.

Also if you are planning on buying more materials, accessories, and machines from cricut.com they have great discounts for Cricut Access Members. Therefore, if your purchases are big enough; technically Cricut Access would be free when you apply the discount.

Cricut Access Plans Explained

By now you must have an idea of whether Cricut Access is a good fit for you or not.

Right?

Now, let me explain to you their available plans, what they have in common and how they differ from one another.

ALL Cricut Access plans include Access to:

  • Unlimited use of 50.ooo+ images, graphics and ready to cut projects.
  • Unlimited use 400+ Fonts
  • 10% Savings on ALL of the physical products and goods purchased on cricut.com
  • 10% Savings on images, cartridges, cut ready projects on fonts from brands like Disney, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty, etc.
  • Priority Member Care Line (50% less wait time)

Now let’s see the names and differences of each plan:

The perfect starter plan

This is the perfect plan if you are just testing the waters and want to see if Cricut Access makes sense to you, if it doesn’t you can cancel anytime. This plan is billed monthly and it costs $9.99

Annual Plan

It has the same benefits as the Perfect Starter Plan. It’s billed annually, but you pay $7.99 per month – instead of $9.99 – Here you are making a one-year commitment and you pay upfront $95.88.

Premium Plan

In addition to all of the perks that I mentioned above. The best value also gives you:

  • More discounts! Up to 50% on licensed fonts, graphics and ready to make and cut projects. (It doesn’t include brands like Disney, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty, and other big brands)
  • When you order more than $50 you get Free Economy Shipping.

Billed Annually, You pay upfront $119.88. (Monthly would be $9.99)

My pick is The Perfect Starter Pack!

I like being able to cancel at any time, and if you really love it and find yourself using it a lot and buying extra licensed fonts you can always upgrade to either the big-time benefits or the best value plan.

Learn more on the Cricut Website

What is the Difference between Cricut Access and Cricut Cartridges, Licensed fonts, and images?

Cricut allows you to buy individual images and ready to cut projects individually and in packages. A Cartridge is a set of special images, graphics, and fonts.

The main difference between Cricut Access and Cricut Cartridges is that the first one is a membership, and the second one is a one time purchase that you can use at any time within any project inside Cricut Design Space.

Cricut Cartridges Screenshot
Not all cartridges are included with Cricut Access

With Cricut Access you get access to THEIR amazing and huge library. However, that doesn’t extend to Disney, Sesame Street, or other famous – licensed – illustrations, fonts, and ready to cut projects.

If you want those sorts of images and fonts you need to get them either in a set – cartridge-, or individually. Cricut has managed to come in agreements with big brands like Disney, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty and more to allow you to cut and create amazing crafts with your favorite characters.

Cricut Cartridges from licensed brands screenshot
Licensed Brands Like Disney, Sesame Street, etc are not included with Cricut Access

Do I have Cricut Access?

I don’t have it because for me designing what I am going to cut is what makes me happy and fulfilled. However, I might get it at some point.

There are just so many cool things to make and create that one day I might do it!

Update: After a year of having a Cricut I got Cricut Access and I gotta tell you that it is worth it. It’s nice to know that you can create any project you want without worrying

Pros & Cons for Cricut Access

If you are still on the verge of getting Cricut Access or not. Maybe these Pros and Cons will help you to finally decide:

What is Cricut Access?
Support my work by pinning this graphic!

Pros of Having Cricut Access

  • It encourages you to use your machine more often.
  • It’s so much easier for you to learn and making beautiful projects at the same time.
  • You get extra savings on machines, accessories, and materials from cricut.com
  • You don’t need any prior experience in order to make something beautiful
  • Find pretty much anything you want for any occasion, any time of the year
  • Rest assured that the graphics and fonts you have access to will work if you follow instructions (Remember my Cricut Project Failure above?)

Cons of Having Cricut Access

  • It’s a recurrent expense. When you stop paying you won’t have Free access to any of the previews used fonts or graphics.
  • You can only use them within Cricut Design Space. Forget about integrating those fonts and images with other programs like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.

Are there other alternative Options for Cricut Access?

In order for you to cut your projects, you need Cricut Design Space. However, and as I mentioned it at the beginning of this post you can have your own cut files and upload them.

The question is. Where can you find these files?

  • Cricut Design Space offers Free Cuts every week, so take advantage of that opportunity.
  • There are tons of bloggers that love Cricut and have tons of cool projects and tutorials for you to download. You can find tons of files and tutorials on Pinterest and Google. Good news for you! I have a growing library with tons free of printables and SVG files for my daydreamers (subscribers) and you can use them anytime you want for personal use. Check out a preview of the library. Or get access here.
  • You can buy them: Websites like Etsy, Creative Market, and my favorite TheHungryJpeg, have hundreds of options for you to purchase.
  • You can design and create them! This is a whole level and it takes time and patience, it’s like learning a whole new skill and well, this is what I do and I love it. You can use a paid software like Illustrator – I have the whole creative cloud and I pay over 50 dollars a month for it – or you can use open-source software like Inkscape.

Am I missing something?

I hope this guide helped you to know whether Cricut Access was the right fit for you or not.

If there’s something I am missing let me know in the comments down below. I want this to be the perfect guide for anyone trying to figure out whether they should invest in Cricut Access or not.

By the way!… Sharing is Caring! I spent a whole day putting together this post for you! If you learned something and think someone else can benefit from it. Would you please share it on Pinterest and Facebook?

Dear Daydreamers!
Due to maternity leave, comments will be turned off from Nov 9th - Feb 9th.
Thank you for your understanding!

Comments

  1. Excellent summary and the real help for me was “Time”. I’ve create some projects myself but it takes me too much time and I want to use my Cricut more so I’ll be signing up Cricut Access. Thank You.

  2. So if I get Cricut access premium will I get access to all of the pictures or will I have to buy them separately? And if I get Cricut access premium, can I still cancel it? Or is that only for the beginners one? Also the main question is if I get cricut access premium will I be paying for any of the fonts or pictures? Or do you have to buy the cricut access and also buy the pictures and fonts? Sorry this is still confusing. Everything else that you talked about was very helpful and not blurry but just these things still not sure about.

    • If you have Cricut Access you can use any images and fonts that have the little green “a” next to it (99%) of images without paying an extra cent. If you want to use characters from Disney, Hello Kitty, etc. you’ll need to pay for those.

  3. If you purchase a project, how many times can you use it? Do you now own that project or do you have to pay again if you want to make it again. What if I purchase a card and want to make it several times in a row or even again at a later date?

    • If you purchase it you can use it as many times as you want. However, if you had the membership, and then stop it, then you’ll need to buy those projects if you want to cut them again.

  4. Hi Catalina, great info here…maybe you would know the answer to mine.

    My wife and I purchased a Maker a week ago. It still sits in the box only because the setup process has me stumped. We both have our own iPads and intend to use the machine separately as far as designs and projects. Can we have our own Design Space accounts and use the same machine? And if so, is the trial membership to Access linked to the machine or to the Design space account…ie would we both get a trial membership to Access? Perhaps the bigger question would be after the trial or trials run out. I don’t imagine Access would have a family plan or anything, so I assume if we’d both want to use Access we’d have to either pay separately or create a separate shared email to set up a new account and subscribe to Access under that one?

    Thanks for any help…

    • I believe you could both have different accounts. However, if you want Cricut Access you would only need one email because Access is linked to your email and not the machine itself.
      If I was you I would create a shared email with your spouse that you only use for Cricut.

      I also believe the free trial is linked to both machine and email, you would need to confirm this with customer service. I hope this helps, have a lovely day.

  5. You are truly a lifesaver! Thank you for helping me understand the difference between Design Space and Access and so much more!!!

  6. Hi, I have signed up to access but when I go to make items with the A it still asks me to purchase the design. Any ideas?

    • Sing out of your account and then sign in again. This happened once to me too and somehow after logging in again, the problem went away.

  7. I just purchased a cricut maker. I spent a lot of time on YouTube learning how to use the machine, the types of vinyl, etc. YouTube videos were taught by a gentleman from Makers Gonna Learn which has
    it’s own library of fonts and images. He says they can be uploaded to the cricut maker. There is a
    monthly or annual membership fee for Makers Gonna Learn. Do I need to have Cricut Access to use other programs and will I be able to cut designs and images from Makers Gonna Learn?

    • You don’t need to pay for Cricut Access, it’s optional. If you like the other library, you can use their images!

    • Can a person upgrade from the basic access plan to the premium plan at any time and how is that done?

      • I don’t see why not. I would contact customer service to confirm and make a smooth change.

  8. Can I setup an account to buy fonts and project designs with out signing up for one of the plans

  9. HI, really useful to learn that Cricut Access is not available outside of US and Canada (I am in New Zealand) but very frustrating that this information is not readily available on the Cricut website. I kept going round in circles to the Cricut Access help page and how it said to purchase it was not an available option for me (now I know why)
    One thing I would like to know: I have just purchased a Cricut Joy, there are cards that have $0.00 or Cricut Access pricing but the ‘Make It’ button is not available. I would be happy to pay separately for them and it indicates they are free, do you know why I cannot make these? Its 80 to 90% of the available card designs for Joy.
    Thanks
    Jo

    • If they are free you should be able to cut them. If your problem persists I recommend you call Cricut’s help line.

  10. Hi, I’m looking into getting a Cricut to cut my own designed stickers. I don’t need or want to pay a monthly membership to cut my own designs! I just want to make absolutely sure before I buy…

    Will I have to pay a monthly fee to cut my own designs?

    Thank you so much!

    • Nope! You can print and cut your designs free of cost. Only when you use images or fonts from Cricut’s library you would need to pay!

  11. I received cartridges from a friend who had linked them to her Cricut Explore a while ago. She no longer uses her machine. Will these cartridges work with my machine now? Can the cartridges be unlinked from her account?
    Thank you for your help.

    • I don’t have an answer for this. You can always try; I’ve never used cartridges because I came later in the game.

    • Mary no they can’t be unlinked, they’re linked to her account permanently and I’m afraid you can’t use them.

  12. Question. I just got a cricut maker. I was using the design, not the access…it still ask for 4.99 to make the project? Am i confused? Am I suppose to pay for that every time in order to “cut”?

    • If you don’t have Cricut Access you’ll need to pay for the images once then you can cut them as many times as you want. If you love Cricut’s images you can have the membership or also download images from the Internet.

  13. I am new to Cricut and received a Cricut Joy for Mother’s Day. It has a free trial membership to Cricut Access. Does the trial membership start as soon as I register the machine or can I postpone the membership while I learn how to use Design Space? Thank you so much for all of the information!

    • You can postpone your trial I believe. I know I didn’t start it right away. I would check out with Costumer service in case this changed.

      • My trial membership started the day I ordered. Was expired by the time I got my machine on the mail.

    • I postponed getting my membership for some time because my maker spent a lot of time in the box in the beginning. I read all instructions before I got my trial membership.

  14. Once my 1 month free trial of Access is over, will i lose access to use the fonts that i have downloaded?

  15. Hello Catalina, I have read your tutorial carefully and thanks to it, I have solved all my concerns I have even learned many more things that I didn’t know existed.

    Thank you very much.

  16. Thank you for this! My sister has the Cricut Explorer Air 2. She does not have a good heat press. We were wondering if we can share one Cricut Air 2 and each have our own Design Spaces on our own devices. Then I was going to get the press and we would just share everything. We are in separate houses so really we would each need our own Design Space I believe. Can we use two separate accounts with one Cricut? Or is this not possible?

  17. Catalina,
    I purchased my first cricut a few years ago and received a maker last year as a gift. My husband purchased it with the cricut access for a one month trial. I already had cricut access with my first machine and so I have continued with my subscription monthly. Today, my husband realized that we are being double billed monthly for this service. I have tried to talk with customer service today and have a very rude associate on the phone who would not allow me to explain this confusion. He insists that my husband should of cancelled his after the first month. I tried to explain to this individual this was not explained. I did call in and speak with a representative when I first received the machine and she helped me set-up both machines under my email account. My husband unfortunately continues to be billed each month for this service under his name and I also am being billed under my name. This is the same household and same machine, the only email account that uses (and has ever used access) is shown below.

    • When you log in to Cricut Design Space you can edit your payments, or from Cricut’s website. You only need one. I am so sorry you had this experience. Sometimes, their chat options are very helpful as well.

  18. Hi, I just bought my first Cricut. I keep seeing the template icon on videos but it’s not on my iPad. Is that just for desktop users? Is it not necessary?
    Thank you for the great “walk throughs”. Oh, and I just subscribed!

    • Templates are only for Desktop users. They aren’t available on mobile.
      Welcome to the fam!

  19. I have a Cricut Expressions with many cartridges. Is there a way to use the content on those cartridges on my Cricut Joy machine via Design Space?
    Thank you.

    • You need an Explore machine or Cartridge Adapter for your Maker or your PC. You can’t connect them from the Cricut Joy.

  21. I do not have the edit menu as an option on the design space. Any idea why? With out it, I can’t set up the sizes or any other type of adjustments. Only the bare minimum which makes it very difficult setting my designs.
    The only thing I have it the “title” at top. I did have shapes and text but I can’t edit them as needed.

    • You need to select something on the canvas to activate the edit menu. This is more evident with text.

  22. Can I cancel my monthly membership and restart it any time? That way, if I have couple months where I am not using it, I am not paying. Thank you- Rose Ann

    • Hi Rose, If you have a monthly you can cancel it, and then restart it when you are using it. Keep in mind you won’t be able you can’t cut a project made with images or fonts you used during your membership without paying the specific image.

  23. I have a cricut maker that is set up on my design space account. I just purchased the cricut joy. Two questions: Do I need to setup the joy before I sign in or after? Will I have access to cricut access on both machines or do I have to have separate accouts

    • If you already have an account you can connect a new machine very easily by clicking on the little toggle menu on the upper-right corner and select “new machine set up.” You don’t need separate accounts.

  24. Hi! I’m new to design space, but I was able to take 2 very helpful classes at my local Michael’s store. That helped me with many of the features in the program, but they didn’t cover access as much.
    I know you have the option to purchase images a la carte if you don’t subscribe, so my question is do I have to pay for that image every time I use it or if I buy 1 image do I have it for unlimited use?
    For example, if I want to make Christmas cards with an access image that costs $1, will I need to pay per card or just $1 for as many cards as I want?
    Hope that makes sense.

    BTW…I love that you posted in your profile that you’re a follower of Jesus.

  25. Very helpful info, i have been overwhelmed with trying to get started. Thank you. I tried to put together a Valentines card and it would not put everything in the same order it was on my design space. i was using Draw and some cutting and i could not make it work. Once i hit Make it, It would bring everything to the top of the page. i just discovered you can move stuff on the Make It page but why doesn’t it keep the format from the Design space?

    • You need to use Attach! Select the layers you want to keep together and click on “Attach” located at the bottom of the Layers panel. I hope this helps 🙂

  27. I have an old Cricut Expression that still works just fine. I recently went to a retreat and everyone had the Explore Air and were raving about it. I would like to upgrade but I’m not sure about the subscription. I will probably try it for a few months and then decide but I don’t want to keep paying for something if I’m not using it regularly. My question is, after I link all my old cartridges to my account, can I still use and cut those images if I cancel my subscription. I’ve read where some people are complaining about not having access to uploaded images after canceling but I want to make sure that doesn’t apply to a linked cartridge that I already own.

    • You won’t have to replay for cartridges you already own. Once you link them they are yours forever. And if for some reason they charge you, contact Costumer Service; they will help you 🙂
      However, if you used images from Cricut Access, you won’t be able to use them again, if you cancel your subscription. If you have a project that combines Cricut Access with your previously owned cartridges and you don’t have the subscription anymore, you’ll need to pay for those that aren’t on your cartridges.

      I hope it makes sense 🙂

  28. Wow! Thank you, your article answered all questions I’ve had for quite a while and nonetheless prevented me from buying a Cricut. Well I have made the decision that the Cricut is for me, not I just need to make a little bit of space.

  30. If I create and save using access designs will those designs be gone if I no longer subscribe and want to use them again? I just started today!

    • The designs won’t be gone; however, you would need to pay before you cut them. I am glad you’re getting started!

  31. So the only difference between premium and annual is a little more money and just discounts on buying products? Is there any extra stuff on DS you would have access to with premium that annual wouldn’t?

  32. Thank you for this post! You’ve cleared up quite a lot for me and now I’m excited to get started on my new (and first Cricut) Cricut Maker! You’ve obviously devoted a good bit of time pulling all this together and I’m grateful I happened across it!! Thanks again!

  35. If I buy the cricut access and end up not using it can I cancel my membership anytime or do I need to have it for a whole year???

    • Hi Diana, If you bought the monthly membership I am sure you can cancel at any time. If you bought the anual membership you are tied for the year. Either way, call Cricut for more details.

    • Hi Karen, I’ve never had this problem before, I recommend you call Cricut’s customer service.

  37. I have what is probably a stupid question. I’m trying to print shapes of things like a cake, cheese, etc. Just basic cut outs. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do this.

    Kimberly

  38. I am new to Cricut and I don’t understand enough about Cricut Access to know how to benefit from it. I did subscribe to the 9.99 monthly plan that I can cancel anytime but even after reading this information I don’t know how to access the stuff that the subscription offers. I am struggling with cutting stencils with multiple colors from svg files that I purchased from Etsy. I bought my cricut for this purpose of cutting my own stencils.

    • Hi Bonnie, you can find them by clicking on images, or projects. If you find yourself buying images on Etsy, or getting them for free online you may not need Cricut Access.

  39. Hi Karen…I have older cricuts…cricut expression and cricut create that my kids bought for me. Am I able to buy a cord and hook up to cricut expression or can I only use cartridges for projects. Thanks for all your help. Darlene

    • Hi Darlene,
      Unfortunately, you can’t use older models with the new software so you still need to use Cartridges.

      Have a lovely day!

      • Hi, Catalina. I recently found you through Pinterest (where else?) and am now a happy new subscriber! First of all, I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate all of the amazing, in-depth, step-by-step Cricut Design Space tutorials you’ve posted. I spent all day today reading them and taking a bunch of notes. I can only imagine the amount of research you did and all the hours you put in. Up till now, I’ve been completely intimidated (and confused) to even try out CDS, but I feel like I’m finally ready to give it a shot!
        So, like the previous commenter, Darlene, I still have an old machine (the Expression) and believe it or not, it still works great, which is why I’ve been resisting buying a new machine. I really enjoy creating my own designs using a program called Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL). I have an old version (SCAL2), which still works great with my Expression. I probably would’ve continued using it, but earlier this year, they released a new version (SCAL5), which I was thrilled to find out is compatible with CDS. Just what I’d been waiting for!
        SCAL5 has a ton of great features (many similar to CDS) and has the capability to send your designs either to SCAL2 to cut with an older machine like mine, or to upload to CDS (or Silhouette or Brother’s programs) to cut with the newer machines, which is why, after all these years, I’m finally considering buying a new machine (just haven’t decided which one yet – so exciting!).
        While the program isn’t especially cheap (about $75 or so), there are some websites offering great bundle deals right now and once you have it, the upgrades are cheaper. I think it’s sooo worth it and I especially appreciate that once you buy it, it’s yours forever, so you never have to renew or buy a newer version (unless you want the upgrades). I’ve been using SCAL2 for nearly a decade and SCAL5 is even better.
        Another plus is that you can save all of the designs you create on your computer forever (which I don’t know if you can do with CDS if you use any of their designs, though maybe I’m wrong). And btw, no worries if your computer crashes or you buy a new one or even just want to use it on, say, your laptop AND your PC, you just need the Serial # and the maker, Craft Edge, will send you a new download. And, of course, you can use all of those great free SVG’s (like yours!) that are available out there!
        Anyway, I know I sound like I work for them (too bad I don’t), but I figured I’d let you and your readers know, in case someone is looking for another great option besides paying monthly or yearly for Cricut Access. Not that I’m completely against it – once I get a new machine, I might just try it out and end up changing my mind, like you!
        {sorry for the extremely long comment!}

        • Hi Deb, It makes me so HAPPY that you like my tutorials and that you feel ready to take on a new machine. I never had the chance to own any of the older machines, so I can’t relate. As for SCAL5, I am sure it’s a great alternative as well to design your files and then upload them to CDS.

          I use Adobe Illustrator, but I am happy you wrote this so other people can be informed as well.

          Thank you for taking the time to write this comment!

        • Hi Deb, I looked into getting scal 2 and 5 and cannot seem to be able to find scal 2 anywhere! Just like you, I too have the old cricut expression and would like to make use of it. Any suggestions?

          Thank you for your reply!

  40. Hi Catalina

    Thank you for your explanation. Just got my wife the Cricut maker and I wanted to get her the Cricut access. Your article helped but I wanted to make sure I understood what happens if I decide not to renew Cricut access. It sounds like I will not have access to images I used through Cricut access. But my question is what if I used that image in a project. Will I not be able to use that project again because I used a font in Cricut access that I no longer am subscribed to??

    Thank you

  41. Hi Catalina,
    I live in New Zealand and just purchased a cricut but i am gutted to find out i cant access the design space .I have emailed cricut twice but no response.
    I hope no one else finds them self in this situation

    • Hi Gaylene!

      You can use Cricut Design Space. What you can’t have is the Cricut Access membership. I hope Cricut expands his market soon.

      • Hello, i found that cricut access won’t work in my country too. Will i be able to use cricut design space? I’m thinking of buying a cricut machine and wanted to know beforehand.

        • Yes, you can use Design Space from your country. There are other alternatives to Cricut Access. There are multiple bloggers that offer FREE SVGs. You can also buy them for very cheap in websites like creativefabrica.com

    • hey Gaylene. Yep in the same position. It can access design but not access. Whole point of purchasing the machine was for its ease of accessing images for a reasonable price. Not happy at all.

      • Sorry, Karen, there are many bloggers that have many for free. Plus every week Cricut has tons of free images for you to use.

  42. Hi Catalina

    I really appreciate you putting this page together. I would very much like to highlight though that Cricut Access is currently not available to Cricut customers anywhere else in the world *except* Canada and the US. I’ve no idea why and I’m trying to get an official response from Cricut. It’s very frustrating and disappointing for Cricut owners elsewhere in the world.

    Kind regards
    Rochelle

    • Hi Rochelle I am so sorry 🙁 Are you in the UK? If you are you can actually get Cricut Access from Design Space. Log in to your account and then click on the toggle menu on the upper-left corner and select Cricut Access, and just follow the payment method.

      I agree, this is such a bummer. I will update my post, and hopefully Cricut will start offering this service to other countries soon.

  43. Hi, My name is Corinn, I live in Australia, I purchased my Air Explore 2 machine several months ago, I can’t subscribe from here for the whole paid Access subscription service, I do have an American address I can use, as my children are in America, but I am not sure I could use my Visa card for it if the addresses do not match, do you have any advice for me,I am not knowledgeable on creating my own designs, so I need a lot of help, Thanks

    • Hi Corin, I really don’t know how to answer your question as I am in the US. Have you tried chatting with the Cricut representatives? They are very helpful.

      I have bought things with another card from another country with no problem. So it may work for you!

      Have a lovely day!

      Cat

  44. Hi Catalina,
    I’ve had my Cricut Air 2 machine for several months and I have to admit I’m a little intimidated by it. I have no idea where to start. I make my own essential care products and want to start making my own labels. Can you suggest where I can find help on creating labels.
    Thanks

  45. Good Morning
    I have a Cricut cv001 bought second hand in good condition, I have purchased a lot of cartridges but I would love to be able to use a USB , I am. Member of Create and Craft which offer various things for machines , I don’t want to get another machine would I be able to use a USB

    • Hi Mabel! Unfortunately older machines don’t work with Cricut Design Space. I don’t think you can use a USB with it. Since the older machines were discontinued Before I got started with teaching Cricut I don’t know about them.

  46. Thank you so much for putting this information together. Also for sharing your fonts/images as you have collected them and now sharing with us. Love your designs, fonts and images. Thank you

    • Hi Linda!

      You are more than welcome. Make sure to check out all of the other tutorials I have so you learn more and more!

  47. Hi Catalina, one thing not mentioned is whether with Cricut Access you get a commercial license for the images and fonts. Could I sell stuff that I make using images/ fonts from Cricut? Or is it personal use only? I am planning to one day master Inkscape and make my own designs, but considering getting Access for now to save time!

  48. Do you loose the designs and fonts you used when purchasing Access, when you cancel your subscription?

      • Is there a link to be able to print out your tutorials? I would like to put a binder together and add notes. Thanks in advance ?

        • Hi Cindy, at the moment I don’t have a print option. You can try by using Ctrl+P to print from the web itself. An ebook is coming soon! 🙂

Meet the Daydreamer behind it all!

Hi There! My name is Catalina.

I am a wife, mom of a very active boy, and follower of Jesus. I am here on a mission, where YOU are the most important part!

I am here to bring you and your family, friends, and everyone you know together through the immense power of creativity.