Complete Cricut Design Space Tutorial For Beginners – 2023

Are you trying to learn everything about Cricut Design Space and don’t even know where to start?

Learning a new hobby or skill can be intimidating at first. Sometimes, we don’t even know where to start because there’s so much information, and it’s overwhelming.

The best way to learn and master Cricut Design Space is from the beginning!

When you have a clear concept of what every icon and panel is for, you can truly dig in and start exploring further and further.

Sometimes we are quick to jump from project to project – Hey, That’s ok too! BTDT – Knowing your work area will help you take your creativity to a new level.

This article aims to teach you an overview of every icon and panel of the Cricut Design Space canvas area.

Before we dig in, let’s learn what the Cricut Design Space canvas area is all about.

The Cricut Design Space canvas area is where all the magic happens before you cut your projects.

Design Space is where you touch up and organize your creations. In this space, you can use and upload your fonts and images, but you can also use Cricut’s premium images and fonts via individual purchases, Cricut Access, and cartridges.

Now, That we got that definition out of the way, let’s get started!

Note: If you are still learning what a Cricut is and which one you should get, I highly recommend reading this post, where I walk you through 50+ questions before and after I got the Cricut. I spent multiple hours of research and a whole week putting together this ultimate guide, and I update it as Cricut releases new cool stuff.

Cricut Design Space Canvas Tutorial For Beginners – What’s everything for?

Investing in a Cricut is futile if you don’t master Design Space because you will always need this software to cut any project.

Design Space is an excellent tool for beginners. If you have no experience with any other Design programs like Photoshop or Illustrator, you will find that although it looks overwhelming, it’s pretty easy.

You guys, if I can do it, you can too!

Design Space mainly touches your projects and creates minimal designs with shapes and fonts. On the other hand, if you have preview experience with any Adobe Creative Cloud apps or Inkscape. You will see that this program is just a breeze.

If you want something more sophisticated, you will need your own designs or Cricut Access. That’s a membership where you get access to their supergiant library. Learn more about it in this guide I put together.

When you log into your Cricut Design Space account and want to start or edit a new project, you will do everything from a window called CANVAS.

There are so many buttons, options, and things to do that you might feel lost. Don’t worry; I am here along the way, cheering you up and encouraging you to keep going.

In this tutorial, you are about to learn what EVERY SINGLE ICON and to keep everything in order and easy to understand, we are going to divide the canvas into four areas and four colors:

• Top Panel Yellow – Editing Area
• Left Panel Blue – Insert Area
• Right Panel Purple – Layers Panel
• Canvas Area Green

Tip: This is not a short post, so I encourage you to get a cup of coffee with some donuts or cookies if possible.

Top Panel Cricut Design Space

The top panel in the Design Space Canvas area is for editing and arranging elements on the canvas. You can choose what type of font you’d like to use, change sizes, align designs, and more!

This panel is divided into two sub-panels. The first allows you to save, name, and finally cut your projects. And the second one will enable you to control and edit things on the canvas area.

Sub-panel #1 Name Your Project and Cut it

This sub-panel allows you to navigate from the canvas to your profile and projects and sends your completed projects to cut.

Toggle Menu

When you click on this button, another whole menu will slide open. This menu is a handy one. But it’s not part of the Canvas, so I won’t be going into much detail.

You can go to your profile and change your photo from here.

You can do other valuable and technical things from this menu, like calibrating your machine and blades; also updating the firmware (software).

You can also manage your subscriptions from Cricut Access, your account details, etc.

I recommend you click on every link to explore everything Cricut Design Space has for you.

Note: On the settings option, you can change the visibility and measurements of the Canvas; this is explained better at the end of this tutorial when I explain all about the canvas area.

Project Name

All projects start with an *Untitled “title,” you can only name a project from the canvas area after placing at least one element (Image, shape, etc.) on it.

Learning Plan

If you’re new to Cricut, you can access basic lessons from this window and follow along, so you learn the most important concepts of Design Space.

Notifications

Cricut is an entire community, and if you decide to share your projects with people, you’ll receive notifications when someone follows you, likes, or shares a project inspired by you.

If there’s someone that you follow, you’ll also get notified when they share new projects.

My Stuff (My Projects)

When you click on “My Stuff,” you’ll be redirected to your library of things you have already created; this is great because sometimes you might want to re-cut a previously created project. So, there’s no need for you to recreate the same project over and over.

Save

This option will activate after placing one element on your canvas area. Although Cricut has autosave, sometimes you can still lose some of your hard work; I recommend saving your project as you go.

Machine

Depending on the type of machine you have, you will need to select the device you own; this is very important because each machine has different options and operations (covered later in this tutorial) it can perform.

For instance, if you have a Maker machine, you’ll have more options than when you have any of the Explore machines.

The same goes for the three series. You can cut matless and larger-sized projects with these new machines.

Please make it

When you are done uploading your files and ready to cut, click on Make it!

Down below, there’s a screenshot of what you would see. Your projects are divided into mats according to the colors of your project.

You can also increase the number of projects to cut; this is great if you plan to make more than one cut.

Note: If you have a Maker 3, Explore 3 and Joy, you can cut without a mat. You will be prompted to select how you want to cut your project.

Subpanel #2 – Editing Menu

The editing menu is quite helpful and will help you edit, arrange, and organize fonts and images on the canvas area.

a. Undo & Redo

Sometimes while we work, we make mistakes. These little buttons are a great way to correct them.

Click Undo when you create something you don’t like or make a mistake. Click Redo when you accidentally delete something you didn’t want to delete or modify.

b. Operation

This option will tell your machine what tools and blades you will use in a project.

Remember that you will have different options depending on the machine you selected at the top of the window (Maker, Explore, or Joy).

There are ten operations (basic cut, wavy, perforate, pen, foil, score, deboss, engrave, print then cut, and guide).

These are the operations you have per type of machine:

• Joy: basic cut, draw (pen and foil), print then cut, and guide.
• Explore: basic cut, draw (pen, foil, and score), and guide
• Maker: basic cut, wavy, perforate, draw (pen, foil, score, deboss, engrave), print then cut, and guide.

Here is a more in-depth explanation of each tool.

Basic Cut

Unless you uploaded a JPEG or PNG image to the Canvas, “Basic Cut” is the default operation that all of your elements on your canvas will have; this means that when you press MAKE IT, your machine will cut those designs.

With the “Basic Cut” option selected, you can change the color of each layer to represent the materials you will use when you cut your projects.

I recommend this ultimate guide and tutorial if you need help learning about the Cricut Blades and their differences. It’s the best on the web, just like this tutorial 🙂

Cut – Wave

This tool will create wavy effects on your final cuts instead of cutting on straight lines like the rotary or fine point blade.

Getting curved lines in Design Space is quite complicated, so this tool will be handy if you like these effects.

Cut – Perf

The Perforation Blade is a tool that allows you to cut your materials in small and uniform lines to create perfect and crisp tear effects like the ones you see in raffle tickets, coupons, tear-out cards, etc.

Learn how to use the perforation blade

Draw – Pen

If you want to write on your designs, you can do it with your Cricut!

When you assign this operation, you will be prompted to choose any of the Cricut Pens you have (You need specific pens unless you have a 3rd party adapter). When you select a particular design, the layers on the canvas area will be outlined with the color of the pen you picked.

With “Pen,” when you click “Make it,” your Cricut will write or draw instead of cutting.

Note: This option DOESN’T color your designs.

Draw – Foil

“Foil” lets you make beautiful foil finishes on your projects with the Cricut foil transfer kit.

You can choose between fine, medium, and bold finishes using this operation.

Draw – Score

The Score tool is a more potent version of the scoring line on the left panel. All designs appear scored or dashed when you assign this attribute to a layer.

This time, when you click on Make it. Your Cricut won’t cut, but it will score your materials.

You will need the scoring stylus or the scoring wheel for these projects. However, keep in mind The wheel only works with the Cricut Maker.

If you have doubts about what materials you need, I suggest reading this article. It’s the ultimate guide for learning what accessories and materials you genuinely need.

Draw – Engrave

It allows you to engrave different types of materials. For instance, you can create monograms on aluminum sheets or anodized aluminum to reveal the silver beneath.

Draw – Deboss

This tip will push the material in and create beautiful and detailed designs. The debossing tip will allow you to customize your designs to a new level.

Imagine debossing a beautiful gift box with flowers, hearts, stars, etc.!

Print Then Cut

“Print Then Cut” is one of the best features Cricut has because it allows you to print your designs and then cut them; this is fabulous, and honestly, it’s what motivated me to get a Cricut in the first place.

I design tons of printables for kiddos and adults, and for taking photos – for my posts – I had to cut every little thing!

Ahhhgggg, I seriously wanted to cry every time. I am a lefty, and scissors make my hands hurt. So the Cricut is a live saver for me.

Anyway, we are getting back to the Printing option. When this operation is active, after you click “Make it,” you’ll send your files to your home printer and then have your Cricut do all the heavy lifting. (Cutting)

Another excellent option for the “Print Type” is “Patterns”!!!

You guys, this is so cool. Use Cricut’s choices, or upload your own; you can add a pattern to pretty much any layer.

The sky is the limit!

Let’s say it’s Valentine’s Day. You can make a beautiful card with an already-created pattern from Cricut Access (Membership, not free) or your own. Then print and cut at the same time.

Thank you, Cricut!

Print then Cut ONLY works with the Cricut Maker and any Explore Family Machines (incompatible with Cricut Joy).

Guide

It’s a feature that allows you to add elements to the canvas as a reference on your project, but that won’t be part of your project when you send it to cut.

c. Select All

When you need to move all of your elements inside the canvas area, you may struggle to select them individually.

Click Select all to select all of the elements from the canvas.

d. Edit

From the “Edit” tool, you can perform five different tasks.

– Cut removes an element from the canvas.
– Copy duplicates a layer on your computer’s clipboard.
– Paste a copied or cut element on the canvas.
– Duplicate an exact copy on the canvas.
– Delete an element from the project.

“Cut, copy, duplicate, and delete” will be activated when you select one or more elements from the canvas area. “Paste” will be enabled once you copy or cut something.

If some of these actions seem repetitive to you, it’s because they are. Some people are used to duplicating, while others prefer the old copy-paste. However, if you want to copy and paste between different Design Space windows, you need to use copy (or cut) and paste.

Tip: I suggest you learn the task commands to speed up your design process.

e. Offset

In Cricut Design Space, “Offset” is a tool that allows you to create a proportional outline inside and outside of text, images, and shapes.

The offset tool is quite handy when making projects like stickers, cake toppers, or any other design, for you may want to add a “stand-out” effect.

– Distance: It will determine how big the offset will be.

The max distance you can apply is 1 inch in both directions. If you move it to the left, you’ll make an inline, and if you move it to the right, you’ll outline.

– Corner: You can choose between round and square corners when designing. I usually use the round option because it generates a better result.

– Weld Offsets: If you want your design to have a single outline, check the option “Weld Offsets,” If you want the outline of every detail of your multi-layer design, uncheck the option.

The offset tool is still in beta; it can sometimes be glitchy.

Check out my tutorial on how to master the offset tool in Cricut Design Space.

f. Align

If you have previous experience with other graphic design programs, most likely, you’ll know how to use this menu.

If you aren’t familiar with the align tools, let me tell you something; the align menu is something you want to master to perfection.

I will be creating a complete tutorial for this, but while it comes out, here’s what every align function means:

Align: This function allows you to align all of your designs, and it’s activated when selecting two or more elements.

– Align Left: All elements will be aligned to the left when using this setting. The furthest element to the left will dictate where all other parts will move towards.

 – Center Horizontal: This option will align your elements horizontally; this will entirely center text and images.

 – Align Right: When using this setting, all of your elements will be aligned to the right. The furthest element to the right will dictate where all other parts will move.

– Align Top: This option will align all your selected designs to the top. The furthest element to the top will dictate where all other elements move.

 – Center Vertically: This option will align your elements vertically. It’s handy when working with columns, and you want them organized and aligned.

 – Align Bottom: This option will align all your selected designs to the bottom. The furthest element to the bottom will dictate where all other elements move.

 – Center: This option is a very cool one. When you click on “center,” you are centering, vertically and horizontally, one design against another; this is particularly useful when you want to center text with a shape like a square or a star.

Distribute: If you want the same spacing between elements, it’s time-consuming to do it independently, and it’s not 100% correct. The distribute button will help you out with that. To be activated, you must have at least three elements selected.

– Distribute Horizontally: This button will distribute the elements horizontally. The furthest left and right designs will determine the distribution length, and the items in the center will be distributed between the most distant left and right designs.

– Distribute Vertically: This button will distribute the elements vertically. The furthest top and bottom designs will determine the distribution length; the items in the center will be distributed between the most distant top and bottom designs.

g. Arrange

When you work with multiple images, text, and designs, the new layers you add to the canvas will always be in front of everything; and you may need to add particular order as your project grows in size.

With the arrange commands, you can organize the elements very easily.

– Bring to Front moves the selected element to the front.

– Bring Forward will move the element just one step forward. Typically, you use this option when you have four or more items to organize.

– Send Backward will move the selected item just one step back. If you have a three-element design, It will be like the cheese in a cheese sandwich.

– Send to Back will move the selected element to the back.

– Group associates parts of a design that have similar characteristics. If you are working on a very complex and large project, you will want to group certain elements so you can change them in just a few clicks.

– Ungroup separates a selected group on the canvas.

h. Flip

The “Flip” tool is a great way to reflect any of your layers in Cricut Design Space.

There are two options:

– Flip Horizontal: This will reflect your image or design horizontally. It’s sort of like a mirror; It’s handy when creating left and right designs. Example: You are building some wings and already have the left side; with “Flip,” you can copy and paste the left wing, and voila! Now you have both (left and right) wings!

– Flip Vertical: This will flip your designs vertically. This option would be great if you want to create a shadow effect. Kind of like you would see your reflection in the water.

i. Size

Everything you create or type in Cricut Design Space has a size. You can modify the size from the element in self (when you click on it). However, if you need an item to have an exact measurement, this option will allow you to do so.

The little lock is essential; you tell the program that you don’t want to keep the same proportions by clicking on it. When you increase or reduce the size of an image, the proportions are always locked.

j. Rotate

Like “Size,” rotating an element is something you can do quickly from the canvas area. However, some designs need to be turned on a specific angle. If that’s the case for you, I recommend using this function. Otherwise, you will spend much time fighting to get an element angled the way you want it to be.

k. Position

When you click on a specific layer, this box shows you where your items are on the canvas.

You can move your elements around by specifying where you want them on the canvas. It’s handy, but it’s a more advanced tool.

I don’t use it that much because I can get around better with the alignment tools mentioned above.

l. Font

When you click on this icon, you can select any font you want to use for your projects. Cricut has quite powerful filters to find a font, and I recommend you click on anything that seems clickable to find the perfect font for your project.

The “Font” window has different tabs.

– Cricut shows the fonts available if you have “Cricut Access” under these fonts. Some cost extra money because they are “Premium Fonts.” If you don’t have Cricut’s subscription, you’ll be prompted to pay before you can make your project.

– System shows the fonts you have installed on your computer.

– Bookmark shows fonts you’ve saved for later use. Click on the little bookmark at the end of each font to find it under the “Bookmark” tab.

– Recent will show the fonts you are currently using on your project and the ones you’ve used recently, even on different projects.

m. Style

Once you pick your font, you can change its style.

Some of the options you have:
– Regular is the default font setting
– Bold will make the font thicker.
– Italic will tilt the font to the right.
– Bold italic will make the font thicker and tilt to the right.
– Writing: font style design to use pens, foil tips, etc. It will make your project look like you wrote it.

Note: not all fonts have the same options.

n. Font Size, Letter & Line Space

I can’t express enough how AMAZING these options are—especially the letter spacing.

Font Size: You can change it manually from here. I usually adjust the size of my fonts from the canvas area.

Letter Space: Some fonts have a considerable gap between each letter. This option will allow you to reduce the space between letters very quickly. It’s seriously a game-changer.

Line Space: this option will tackle the space between lines in a paragraph; this is very useful because sometimes I am forced to create a single line of text because I am not happy with the spacing between lines.

o. Alignment

This Alignment differs from the other “alignment” I explained above. This option is for paragraphs.

These are the options you have:

– Left: align a paragraph to the left
– Center: align a paragraph to the center
– Right: align a paragraph to the right.
– Top: moves text to the top of the bounding (text) box.
– Center: moves text to the center of the bounding (text) box.
– Bottom: moves text to the bottom of the bounding (text) box.
– Wrap Off: displays text on a single line.
– Wrap On: divides the words into different lines as you resize the text box.

Here’s a quick example of my alignment settings for the following text.

p. Curve

This option will allow you to get extra creative with your text!

With this function, you can curve your text — the best way to learn it’s by playing with the little slider.

Moving the slider to the left will curve the text upwards; moving it to the right will bend the text inwards.

Note: if you move the slider entirely to the left or right, you will form a circle with your fonts.

p. Advance

Advance is the last option on the editing panel.

Don’t be intimidated by the name of this drop-down menu. Once you learn what all options are for, you will see they are not that hard to use.

 – Ungroup to Letters: This option will allow you to separate each letter into a single layer (I will explain more about layers below); use this if you have plans to modify every character.

– Ungroup to Lines: This option is exceptional, allowing you to separate a paragraph on individual lines. Type your paragraph, click on ungroup to lines, and there you have it; a separate line you can now modify.

– Ungroup to Layers: This one is the trickiest of these options. This tool is only available for multi-layer fonts, only on individual purchases or Cricut Access.

A multi-layer font has more than one layer; these fonts are great if you want some shadow or color around them.

What if you like a multi-layer font and don’t want the added layer? Select your text and then click on ungroup to layers to separate every layer.

Learn how to Edit Text in Cricut Design Space

Left Panel – Insert Shapes, Images & More

With the top panel (that I just explained in detail), you will edit your designs. But where do they all come from? They all come from the left panel.

This panel is about inserting shapes, images, ready-to-cut projects, etc. From here, you will add all of the things you will cut.

This panel has seven options:

– New: create and replace a new project in the canvas area.
– Templates: This gives you a guide on the types of things you will cut. Let’s say you want to iron on vinyl on a onesie. When you select the template, you can design and see what the design would look like.
– Projects: add ready-to-cut projects from Cricut Access.
– Shapes: insert all kinds of shapes on the canvas.
– Images: pick single images from Cricut Access and cartridges to create a project.
– Text: click here to add text to your canvas area.
– Phrases: find cute quotes for your projects (similar to images.)
– Editable Images: find images you can personalize with different names, dates, etc.
– Uploads: upload your images and cut files to the program.
– Monogram: create a beautiful design using your initials.

You need to consider something fundamental on this panel; unless you have Cricut Access, pretty much all images, ready-to-cut projects, and Cricut fonts cost money. If you use them, you will have to pay before cutting your project.

If you still have doubts about Cricut Access, do yourself a favor and read this ultimate guide I put together to find out whether you need it.

Now that we saw a little preview of what everything was for on this panel. Let’s see what happens when you click on each of those buttons.

a. New

When you click on NEW, and if you are already working on a project, you will receive a warning on top of the window asking you whether you want to replace your project.

If you want to replace your project, save all the changes from the current project; otherwise, you will lose all that hard work. After you save, a fresh, empty canvas will open up for you to start a new project.

b. Templates

Templates help you visualize and see how your project will fit on a particular surface. I think this feature is just out of this world.

If you want to personalize fashion items, this tool is marvelous because you can select sizes and different types of clothing. Plus, they also have a lot of various categories that you can choose from.

If you want to learn more about templates and how to use them, I recommend reading this post.

Note: templates are just for you to visualize. Nothing will be cut when you finish designing and send your project to be cut.

c. Projects

If you wish to cut right away, then “Projects” is where you want to go! Once you select your project, you can customize it; or click on “Make it” and follow the cutting instructions.

Tip: Most projects are available for Cricut Access members, or you can purchase them as you go. However, a handful of projects are FREE for you to cut, depending on your machine. Just scroll to the bottom of the categories drop-down menu and select the device you own.

No excuses!

d. Shapes

Being able to use shapes it’s essential! With them, you can create simple, less complicated, and (also) beautiful projects.

There’re multiple shapes you can choose from. The first option is not a shape but a fantastic tool called “Score Line.” This option allows you to create folds and score your materials to make cards, boxes, etc.

If you want to create boxes or love everything about card making, the Score Line will be your best friend!

Learn how to edit shapes like a pro!

Note: The first shapes section is free, and the second is included with Cricut Access.

e. Images

Images are perfect when you are putting together your own projects; with them, you can add an extra touch and personality to your crafts.

You can search by keyword, highlighted categories, subject, graphics, themes, and brands.

Under “Highlighted Categories,” Cricut has FREE images to cut every week.

Anytime you click under any category, a more powerful filter will appear. With this filter, you can narrow your search even further.

I suggest you play with these filters to find images more efficiently.

f. Text

Anytime you want to type in the Canvas area, you will need to click on Text. Initially, the word “Text” will appear on the canvas; click on it and write the text you want.

You can exit the “Text” by clicking on an empty space on the canvas and reenter it by double-clicking on it.

Learn how to edit text like a pro on this excellent guide I put together!

g. Phrases

If you want images with text or find quotes or sentiments to go on your project, click on “Phrases.”

This filter is very similar to “Images” and, in my opinion, a little redundant.

h. Editable Images

Make a project using images you can personalize with your name, date, color, etc. The screenshot below shows that the editable elements on the images have a blue outline.

You can also find these editable images from the “Images” window when you filter them by “Editable Text.”

i. Upload

From this icon, you can upload your files and images. The internet is filled with them; tons of bloggers create projects for free.

Oh!

And just so you know, I also have a library full of free SVG files and Printables for all my subscribers, a.k.a Daydreamers. You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.

Note: The uploads in the image above are inside my great library! You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.

i. Monogram

A monogram is a design that combines the letters of a name, last name, company, etc. They are super popular, and the possibilities are endless.

Cricut’s “Monogram Maker” it’s only available to Access members. You can play with the settings and make cute designs; however, when you send the project to cut, you’ll get a warning that says the project is only available with their subscription.

Learn how to make monograms in design space using your own fonts!

Right Panel – Learn All About Layers

To set you up for success, before I explain what every icon is all about on the layers panel, let me introduce what a layer is.

Layers represent every single element or design that is on the canvas area.

Think of it like clothing; when you get dressed, you have multiple layers that make up your outfit; depending on the day or time of year, your outfit can be simple or complex.

So, for a freezing day, your layers would be underwear, pants, a shirt, a jacket, socks, boots, gloves, etc. You would only have one layer for a day at the pool, a Swim Suit!

The same happens with a design; depending on the project’s complexity, you’ll have different types of layers that’ll make up your entire project.

For example, let’s pretend that you are designing a Christmas Card.

What would this card have?

Maybe a text that says Merry Christmas, a tree, the card itself, and perhaps an envelope?

All the tiny designs and elements that are part of that project are layers.

Some layers can be modified; others, like JPEG and PNG images, can’t because of the file’s nature or the layer itself.

For instance, a text layer can be converted into other types of layers, but you’ll lose the ability to edit that text when you do that.

You will learn more about what you can or can’t do with layers as you go.

I hope that gave you a good idea of what a layer is! Now let’s learn what every icon is for on this right panel.

a. Group – Ungroup, Duplicate, and Delete

These settings will make your life easy when moving things around the canvas area, so play around with them.

Group: Click here to group layers. This setting is handy when you have different layers that make up a complex design.

Let’s say you are working on an elephant. Most likely (and if this is an SVG or cut file), the elephant will be composed of different layers (the body, eyes, legs, trunk, etc.); If you want to incorporate different shapes and text; most likely is that you will be moving your elephant across the canvas area a lot.

Therefore, by grouping all the elephant layers, you can ensure that everything stays organized and nothing will get out of place when you move them around the canvas.

You can ungroup any grouped layers from this icon as well. Cricut will know you need to ungroup.

Duplicate: This option will duplicate any layers or designs you have selected on the layers panel or canvas.

Delete: This option will delete any elements you have selected on the canvas or layers panel.

b. Layer

Every layer on the panel represents an element of your project. You can easily change its name when you double-click on it.

The little eye that appears when you hover on a specific layer represents its visibility. When unsure whether an element looks good, click on the little eye to hide that design instead of deleting it.

Note: When you hide an item, the eye will have a cross mark.

Tip: By clicking on a layer and dragging it, you can move a particular design on top or under; you could say that this works like the Arrange option (sent to the front, back, etc.).

c. Blank Canvas

This tool allows you to change the color of your canvas. This setting is also used with the “Templates” tool.

e. Slice, Combine, Attach, Flatten, and Contour

These tools you see here are essential! So make sure you master them to perfection.

I won’t go into much detail about them because they deserve tutorials on their own.

However, I will give you a brief explanation of what they are all about by using the graphic down below.

As you can see in the graphic, the original design is a pink circle and a teal square. Now let’s see what happens when I use all of these options.

Slice

The “Slice” tool is perfect for cutting out shapes, text, and other elements, from different designs.

When I selected both shapes and clicked on “Slice,” you can see that the original file got all cut up; to show you the outcome, I copied and pasted the “Slice Result” and then separated all the pieces.

Learn more about the slice tool

Combine

The “Combine” tool allows you to combine two or more shapes in one.

In the past, “Weld” was the only option to join two layers. However, Cricut has added other ways to edit shapes and images under the “Combine” tool.

Check out the following image to see all the options you now have to edit your project.

Attach

Attach works like grouping layers, but it’s more powerful.

When I selected both shapes and clicked on attach, you could see that the layers just changed color (determined by the layer on the back). However, the shapes are connected, and this attachment will remain in place even after I send my project to be cut.

Learn more about Weld and Attach

Flatten

This tool is extra support for the “Print Then Cut” tool.

When you have “Print Then Cut” activated, that change applies to just one layer at a time. But what if you wish to do it to multiple shapes at the time?

When you are done with your design, select the layers you want to print together, then click on flatten.

In this case, the design went from “Basic Cut” to “Print then Cut,” and that’s why it isn’t showing a black edge anymore.

Learn more about “Flatten” and “Print then Cut.“

Contour

The Contour tool allows you to hide unwanted pieces of a design, and it will only be activated when a shape or design has elements that can be left out.

For this example, I combined the original design in one shape with the combine tool; then I typed in the word contour and sliced it against the new shape, and used the contour tool to hide the inner circles of the two letters O and the inner part of the letter R.

Learn more about the contour tool

f. Color Sync

Color Sync is the second tab on the layers panel.

Every color on your canvas area represents a different material color. If your design has multiple shades of yellows or blues, are you sure you need them?

If you only need one shade of yellow, click and drag the tone you want to get rid of and drop it on the one you want to keep.

Learn how colors work in Cricut Design Space

Canvas Area

The canvas area is where you see all of your designs and elements. It’s very intuitive and easy to use!

a. Canvas Grid and Measurements

The canvas area is divided by a grid; this is great because every little square you see on the Grid helps you to visualize the cutting mat. In the end, this will help you to maximize your space.

You can change the measurements from inches to cm and turn the grid on and off when you click on the top panel toggle and select Settings. (You can see this toggle menu at the beginning of this tutorial).

A window will pop up with all of the options.

b. Selection

Anytime you select one or more layers, the selection is grey, and you can modify its size from all four corners.

If you move the cursor about 0.1 inches of each corner of the selection, you’ll be able to rotate the layer. This rotation is a bit glitchy, and it doesn’t always work.

c. Zoom In and Out

Last but not least. If you want to see your project on a bigger or smaller scale (without modifying the actual size of your designs), you can do it by pressing the “+ and -” signs on the lower-left corner of the canvas.

That’s it – You are not a beginner anymore!

I hope this tutorial was helpful to you! If you read it and studied it consciously, let me tell you something, you are not a beginner.

You have graduated!

Do you know it takes me over 25 hours to complete a single Cricut article? I know, it’s crazy! But I like to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING!

I would appreciate your support on Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / as I am trying to grow my audience to keep producing great content!

If I am missing something, please let me know in the comments below so I can add the information to this tutorial and have it be the most complete on the internet.