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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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?
Loretta says
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.
Catalina says
You need an Explore machine or Cartridge Adapter for your Maker or your PC. You can’t connect them from the Cricut Joy.
Mike says
Can two devices use the same login for cricut access?
Catalina says
Yes, you can! I have the 3 machines connected to the same account.
Katerah Martin says
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.
Catalina says
You need to select something on the canvas to activate the edit menu. This is more evident with text.
Rose Ann says
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
Catalina says
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.
Terry says
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
Catalina says
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.
Lindsey says
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.
Catalina says
You only need to pay once for an image. Then you can use it on any project you want!
Lindsey says
Great, thanks!
Phyllis says
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?
Catalina says
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 🙂
Belinda Walker says
Thank you sooooo much! This cleared things up for me!
Catalina says
You’re very welcome 🙂
Kim J. says
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.
Catalina says
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 🙂
Amber says
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.
Catalina says
Happy to hear Amber! Have a lovely day.
Abbie says
My Santa-In-Law brought me a cricut yesterday and this post just helped me out SO MUCH!!
Catalina says
Yay! I am glad it did!
Elizabeth Lyons says
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!
Catalina says
The designs won’t be gone; however, you would need to pay before you cut them. I am glad you’re getting started!
Stephanie Scott says
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?
Catalina says
Yep, you are correct. You can access all designs with any of the plans.
Lynne says
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!
Catalina says
You’re very welcome, I am glad I can help.
Tanya Holmes says
Does Cricut Access come with a commercial license?
Catalina says
They do, but only with the things that are included in Cricut Access. That means no Disney, Hello Kitty, etc.
Check out their terms.
Kelsey says
Do I have to have Cricut access to see a purchased file through Design Space?
Catalina says
Hi Kelsey, you don’t! When you search for your images you can filter them by ownership.
Diana R. says
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???
Catalina says
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.
Karen says
Why can’t I save in the cloud anymore I only have like 20 images please someone answer me 🙁
Catalina says
Hi Karen, I’ve never had this problem before, I recommend you call Cricut’s customer service.
Kimberly says
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
Catalina says
Hi Kimberly, for complex color images you need to print then cut. I have a handy tutorial for this.
Bonnie says
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.
Catalina says
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.
Darlene Dale says
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
Catalina says
Hi Darlene,
Unfortunately, you can’t use older models with the new software so you still need to use Cartridges.
Have a lovely day!
Deb says
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!}
Catalina says
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!
Jesse Diaz says
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
Catalina says
Hi Jesse! You are correct; you only have access to the images and fonts (even on your already created projects) for as long as you have the membership.
Also, since your wife will be getting started tell her about my súper tutorial for beginners.
Have a great day!
Gaylene Williams says
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
Catalina says
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.
Tania says
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.
Catalina says
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
Karen Irwin says
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.
Catalina says
Sorry, Karen, there are many bloggers that have many for free. Plus every week Cricut has tons of free images for you to use.
Rochelle says
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
Catalina says
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.
Corinn says
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
Catalina says
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
Lyne M. says
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
Catalina says
Hi Lyne!
I am so happy you are going to start using your Cricut more and more! I have multiple articles to walk you through. Whatever you do DON’T GIVE UP! I will be writing articles about labels pretty soon. However, this post about Print then Cut will teach you how do them!
Have a great day!
Mabel Bamber says
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
Catalina says
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.
Linda Beeman says
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
Catalina says
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!
Siobhan says
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!
Catalina says
Hi Siobhan, they have something called Angel Policy where you can sell up to 10.000 units using their images, fonts, etc. However, that doesn’t cover major brands like Disney, Hello Kitty, etc…. you can read it right here: https://home.cricut.com/legal#angel-policy Have a great day 🙂
Karen says
Do you loose the designs and fonts you used when purchasing Access, when you cancel your subscription?
Catalina says
Hi Karen. Yes you loose them if you cancel your membership.
Cindy Johnson says
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 ?
Catalina says
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! 🙂