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Daydream Into Reality

Bringing people together through creativity!

How to Slice & Crop in Cricut Design Space

This post contains Affiliate Links. Read my full disclosure for more info

Updated on January 27, 2020

Hello Daydreamers!

Today you will learn everything there’s to know about the Slice tool in Cricut Design Space.

But…What is Slice in the Cricut World?

The Slice tool is an option in Cricut Design Space that allows you to split and crop out two overlapping images or layers in order to create a whole new design.

This tool is AMAZING, and one of my favorites – by the way – because with it you can personalize and create new custom designs with existing shapes, and images.

You got this!

Seriously….

If you master the Slice tool, YOU WILL MASTER your Cricut.

If you are a beginner and are still figuring out Cricut’s software, I recommend that you read my fantastic and Ultimate Cricut Design Space tutorial. 

In a nutshell, these are the topics I will be covering in this tutorial:

  • Where to find the Slice Tool.
  • Mini tutorial on how Slice works
  • How to Slice multiple images
  • How to crop images using the Slice Tool
  • What is the “Slice & Set Method”
  • Where is Slice in Cricut’s App?
  • Combining Slice with other tools like Weld, Duplicate, Flip, and more!
  • Examples of when to use Slice.

Ready to become a pro at slicing?

Tip: If you see there’s something that doesn’t quite look the same in the software screenshots (trust me I am working hard to change them) please check out my Stay up to date with Cricut Design Space article so you know what changes you need to keep in mind.

Page Content hide
Where to find the Slice tool & Things to remember
How to Slice Multiple images on Cricut Design Space?
Using the Slice tool to Crop Images in Cricut Design Space
What is the Slice and Set Method?
Where is Slice in the Phone App?
Slice, Weld and Other Tools to Customize Images in Cricut Design Space
Add Images to Cricut Design Space
Ungroup Images and Delete Unwanted Pieces
Create a New Design
Use Duplicate, Flip and Weld to Complete
Slice Result & Where to Use Place it
Examples of Using Slice
How to Slice in Cricut Design Space
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Notes
You Did it!

Where to find the Slice tool & Things to remember

The Slice tool is located at the bottom of the Layers panel, and it activates when you have ONLY two layers selected.

You CAN’T Slice more than two layers because the program wouldn’t know what shape to cut against the other one. Don’t be disappointed though, I will show you a trick to Slice multiple images after this mini-tutorial.

Now, let’s see in a glance how Slice works.

Screenshot of where Slice is located inside Cricut Design Space
Slice Tool inside Green Square

Drop a square and a heart on the Canvas Area by clicking on the Shapes button located on the left panel.

Check out the following graphic and let’s have a little chat of what I did.

Screenshot of how to slice images inside Cricut Design Space
Slice step by step Info-Graphic
  1. The original designs were a square and a heart right? However, I wanted to cut the heart out – that sounds creepy lol – of the square.
  2. To do this, just place the heart on top of the square, select both layers and click on the Slice button.
  3. After slicing you will always have 3 different layers.
    • The one you wanted to “slice” out of the bigger shape – In this case, the pink heart.
    • A copy of the shape you wanted to “slice” out – In this case, the blue heart.
    • And last but not least, and the reason you sliced in the first place, a new design with a cut out of the image you used to “slice” against – In this case the blue square.

Easy, right?

NOTE: This same concept applies to TEXT, instead of a heart you could have used a word or even a line of text. So to slice text you just need to make sure all of your text is in a single layer.

Now that you know how slice works let’s see what else you can do with this tool.

How to Slice Multiple images on Cricut Design Space?

The following screenshot is a yellow star with multiple circles on top. My goal with this design is to cut out all of the circles from the star.

But, how do we do it if we have more than two layers?

Slice every circle against the star one at the time? No thank you! that would take forever.

The answer to this is “WELD.”

Screenshot of slicing not working with more than two layers in Cricut Design Space
Slice won’t work when you have more than two layers

When you have multiple – scattered – layers and you want to cut them out of another shape, you can’t do this just by selecting them and then slicing.

Remember Cricut Only allows you to slice two layers at a time.

Screenshot of how to slice multiple images inside Cricut Design Space in one step
Slice multiple images step by step Info-Graphic

This is what you need to do to slice out multiple images, and or shapes.

  1. Select all of the layers you want to cut out and weld them. The “Weld” tool is located at the bottom of the layers panel just to the right of the slice tool.
  2. After you weld, you will see that all of the circles are in one layer. Now, overlap them on top of the star, and click on the slice option.
  3. After slicing you will have three different results.
    • Purple circles
    • Yellow circles
    • A star with multiple cut-outs.

IMPORTANT: After welding, you won’t be able to separate the circles, so if you think you will need them later on you should make a copy, then group them all, and hide their visibility.

I explain this better on my “Weld, Attach and Group” article. All of these options are sort of intertwined so I encourage you to check it out.

Using the Slice tool to Crop Images in Cricut Design Space

I have seen multiple tutorials on Cricut Design Space, but I have yet to see one where you can learn how to Crop Images and or photos.

Complex images or photos like .jpg or .png files are not really meant to be cut piece by pieces like an SVG or cut file. These types of images are for you to Print and then Cut.

When you upload the photo, you DO have the option to Crop it, but that is a square crop and nothing like what I am about to show you. If you want to learn the Print then Cut process for photos and/or .jpg images I encourage you to read my super amazing tutorial.

Ready for cropping?

Screenshot of how to Crop Images inside Cricut Design Space with the Slice tool.
Crop your favorite photos to make stickers, magnets, etc
  1. Click on the Upload button located on the left panel of the canvas and select the photos you want to work with. Then add the shape you want to use for cropping.
  2. Overlap the shape where you want to Crop, then select both the shape and the photo, and click on the slice.
  3. Look that this time, for the “slice result” we are actually using the hearts. This just goes to show that you have many possibilities with this program.

Let’s see more examples.

Screenshot of different ways and styles to Crop Images inside Cricut Design Space with the Slice tool.
Use different shapes to Crop your photos

I used an octagon, a star, a circle to create different crops and effects for my images. If you want more of a standard crop you can also use a square and unlock its proportions to create a rectangle.

Note: the proportions can be changed by selecting the shape/layer and clicking on the little lock located on the left-hand corner of the selection.

What is the Slice and Set Method?

When you are using multiple colors in your projects, there’s a moment where you’ll need to learn how to layer them up on the surface of your project.

This is extremely important when using materials like Cricut Infusible Ink, where your project will be ruined in you don’t apply this method.

Look at the following example.

This a design of an engagement ring and outline that can be used to make a t-shirt with Infusible Ink.

Initially, the outline is solid, and if you were to layer up both like this when using Infusible Ink materials, your project won’t look good.

Trust me!

design of a wedding ring in Cricut Design Space

To use the “Slice and Set” method, align both images, select them, and click on “Slice.”

slicing two images for "slice and set method"
Slice both images

After slicing you’ll have three different images (sometimes, more).

Slice result for the "slice & set" method.
Slice result

And, in this case, we only need two of them, the black layer, and the outline layer with the cut-out we just made.

Outline with a cut-out image for slice and set
Keep only the layers you need

To learn more about using Infusible Ink on t-shirts, make sure to check out this step by step tutorial I wrote.

Although the “Slice and Set” method is mainly used with Cricut Infusible Ink products, you can also use it with adhesive and HTV vinyl.

If you keep layering up colors and layers, your design can look bulky, and you don’t want that!

Where is Slice in the Phone App?

All of the things I’ve been teaching you throughout this tutorial can be done within the Cricut Design Space App.

In Cricut’s App, the “Slice Tool” is in the “Action” button located on the bottom panel of the canvas area.

location of slice in Cricut design space app.

Remember that you need to have two images selected to activate the slice tool.

If you aren’t familiar with Cricut’s app, I have a handy tutorial that will teach what every button is for, and where is located.

Slice, Weld and Other Tools to Customize Images in Cricut Design Space

So far you’ve learned main things:

  • Slice against two shapes
  • Slice multiple images
  • Using slice to Crop images in Cricut Design Space
  • Slice and Set Method
  • Where Slice is in Cricut’s app.

Now, it’s time to intertwine “Slice” with other tools and create something new out of two existing images inside Cricut’s Library. (Don’t worry I used free ones)

If you are just getting started with Cricut this may be challenging, but I am doing my best to explain to you as much as I can. If you don’t understand something, please go to my beginner’s tutorial that I linked at the beginning of this post.

Let’s get started!

Add Images to Cricut Design Space

To add individual images from Cricut’s Library, click on the Images button located on the left panel of the canvas.

A new interface will appear for you to insert the images. If you like FREE stuff as I do, click on the filter and check the option FREE.

Screenshot - Insert Images in Cricut Design Space
Select and Insert Images

I don’t know if the images I chose will be free by the time you follow along with this tutorial, so if they don’t appear in the free section, just uncheck the box and look by their codes instead: #M54A5D & #M4FCE3A.

And If for some reason they aren’t free you can still play with them, you just can’t cut them without paying.

I selected some butterflies and flowers. You will be able to see them better in the next screenshot.

Ungroup Images and Delete Unwanted Pieces

When you insert the butterflies and flowers you will notice that they are grouped.

Since we are only going to use the last butterfly and the pink flowers, go ahead and select each flower and click on the ungroup option located at the top of the Layers panel.

Delete the unwanted pieces, first three butterflies and orange flowers.

Screenshot - Ungroup Images in Cricut Design Space

Create a New Design

We are getting so close to creating a really cool design! The goal with this design is to slice out flowers on each of one of the butterfly’s wings.

After ungrouping and deleting the unwanted pieces we were left with one butterfly and three flowers.

Check out the following screenshot and let’s have a little chat about it.

Screenshot - Weld to create a new layer in Design Space.
Organize and weld flowers

What I did was to organize the flowers in a more appealing way. I overlapped them a little bit too – but you don’t have too – and clicked on “Weld” to create a whole new shape/or single layer.

Since I wanted to have more flowers on every wing I duplicated the already welded flowers and after arranging them I welded them again.

Note: you can also duplicate by selecting the flower and using the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + C and then Ctrl + V. If you have a mac, you would use the Cmd key.

Screenshot - Duplicate flower and weld with previews layer
Duplicate flowers and weld again

This is how they should look.

Use Duplicate, Flip and Weld to Complete

It’s time to add flowers to each of the wings.

Select the first floral design and rotate/move it to fit the upper-right wing of the butterfly. Note: you can rotate, and resize your file by selecting and then moving the little icons – arrows – on the right side corners of the selection.

After organizing floral on the right wing; go ahead and duplicate it, then click on FLIP – select the horizontal to create a perfect mirror – and arrange copy on the left wing.

Use flip horizontal to mirror image to perfection in Cricut Design Space
Use flip to mirror flowers and place on left wing

We are almost done!

Use flip vertical to mirror flowers to perfection, arrange, weld and slice.
Flip Vertical and finalize by welding and then “Slice“

These are the following steps to finish our designs:

  1. To add the flowers to the lower wings, first select both of the top floral designs and click on “Duplicate.”
  2. Then click on Flip – Select Flip Vertical to create a perfect mirror – and organize the new floral design on top of the remaining wings.
  3. Select all four floral layers and click on “Weld” to have everything on one layer.
  4. Last but not least, and the reason why you are reading this tutorial, select both the butterfly and flowers and click on “Slice.”

Slice Result & Where to Use Place it

After all of that work, we now have a beautiful custom design made out of two completely different images.

Seriously, your imagination and creativity is the limit! Trust me, your computer won’t break by you trying to do these sorts of things.

Experiment, try, and furthermore, NEVER GIVE UP!

Butterfly after using the slice tool in Cricut Design Space
Butterfly Slice Result

Where would you like to see this design?

I used templates to get an idea of where this design would look good on, and I think it would look very cute on some throw pillows.

Don’t you think?

Learn more about templates on this article I wrote.

Placing Sliced Butterfly on Throw Pillow Template in Cricut Design Space
Use templates to see how your design will look like

Examples of Using Slice

What I just showed it’s just the beginning of the Slice tool. Here are some real-life applications of the Slice tool.

  • Gift Tags: Use slice to make punch holes.
  • Making Cards with beautiful cut-outs
  • Perfect to make rounded shapes in Cricut Design Space.
  • Make words into shapes.

Make sure you visit each link to learn the Slice technique I used in the projects I just mentioned.

How to Slice in Cricut Design Space Post Title

How to Slice in Cricut Design Space

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes

The "Slice" tool is a very powerful setting in Cricut Design Space that allows you to cut out a shape, text, or image from other ones.

Materials

  • It depends on the project you want to make.

Tools

  • Cricut Machine
  • Cricut Design Space (App or Phone)

Instructions

1. Add the shapes, or images you want to slice

2. Arrange images the way you want to slice them. In this case, I place the heart on top of the square. Click on the "Slice" buttons located at bottom of the Layers panel and deleted unwanted results.

Notes

  • Remember that "Slice" only works with two layers at the time.
  • If you slice text against an image, you can't edit the text. Therefore, before "Slicing" make sure your text looks the way you want it.
© daydreamintoreality.com

You Did it!

If you followed along with this tutorial and want to put in practice everything you’ve just learned; CONGRATULATIONS you are a Slice Master!

If you like this post and think someone else could benefit from it, make sure to post it on your favorite social media, by doing so, you aren’t only helping someone else to learn and find cool resources, but you are also supporting my work.

Oh! And just so you know, I also have a FREE growing library with tons of printables and SVG files ready to be cut.

I would love for you to be able to get access to all of them. It’s 100% Free for my daydreamers (aka subscribers) check out a live preview here, or get access here.

Slice Tool Pinterest Graphic
Pin it for later Alligator!

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

How to Make & Assemble Beautiful Boxes with your Cricut + Free Templates
Make Stunning Banners With your Cricut +Free SVG Templates

Comments

  1. Nancy says

    November 4, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    I am a frustrated beginner. I purchased SVG files to make vertical porch signs for Christmas presents. The wood is 48″ long so I know I need to cut the design into 2-3 sections to cut the vinyl. I want to keep the design in each section intact. I am unable to find the answer on how to do this. I have picked up things here and there from watching it seems every video on YouTube or post on Pinterest or even Cricut web page and many times even tried unsuccessfully to slice this design. I have tried doing monogram separation example and although it slices a double bar between where I want to slice it does not divide into 2 separate sections. I would appreciate if you could give me suggestions, ideas or additional videos that could help me. This is a desperate crafter! 😂

    • Catalina says

      November 9, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      I need to work on a tutorial for this. In the meantime, I think this video can help!

  2. Minnie says

    August 20, 2020 at 11:00 pm

    I want to thank you for the great tutorials! I too am an old lady who just got a Joy and am trying to learn everything I can about how to use it. My focus is mostly cards but I do enjoy some cute tee shirts, etc! Your tutorials are very easy to follow and informative. Thank you!

    • Catalina says

      August 26, 2020 at 4:53 pm

      I am really happy I am able to help. You know what they say, age is just a number!

  3. Tandy says

    July 15, 2020 at 12:20 am

    Hi, thanks for this tutorial! I’m new to Cricut and am trying to slice a draw image and a shape. Is that possible? The slice is greyed out.

    • Catalina says

      July 15, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      If your image is SVG you should be able to slice it. Are you selecting both layers?

  4. Stephanie says

    June 15, 2020 at 5:27 am

    Phenomenal!!!! I’ve been using my cricut maker for two years and I didn’t know about slice!!! You’ve made my day and improved my life!!! Thank you x1,000,000!!!!

    • Catalina says

      June 22, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      That’s awesome! Slice rocks!

  5. Pamela Svoboda says

    May 15, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    Thank you so much, this was supper easy to find my issue out

    • Catalina says

      May 28, 2020 at 8:25 pm

      You’re very welcome!

  6. Buddy Simmons says

    March 7, 2020 at 8:43 am

    This tutorial was such a blessing to me because I am legally blind, so trying to watch a video is not a whole lot of help, but it is what it is. Lol.

    I am really having trouble getting the hang of this Cricut, but I am getting there more and more every day.

    Quitting was something that I never learned to do very well, and when you mix in being just a tiny bit stubborn, I usually figured out away to “Git ‘er done!”

    I know how to upload personal photos, change them into a circle for plates and other projects, I have designed and printed a beautiful vinyl transfer for mugs for my church, then add photo and name on the other side.

    I used curved lettering on the mug and can add the logo wherever I desire.

    I am still working on doing t-shirts, but have a good design I laid out already completed on my computer.

    You may think I am bragging but so help me I am not, I am only honoring God for giving me the strength and ability to do this.

    Being 79 years old, legally blind, and having been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and hearing the news that I had less than a year to live, on top of severe diabetes, and I am still kicking, you better believe I am honoring the Lord, because 8 months after being diagnosed, now they tell me I am beating this cancer and will live to a ripe old age if I continue with treatments.

    Let me see here, I am already 79 years old, I wonder what they consider a “ripe old age,” maybe they figure 80 would be that ripe old age, lol, but I am very appreciative for everyone that worked to save me, and most of all, I thank the Lord for his healing power and touch.

    Folks, prayer really works!

    By the way, I am starting up a t-shirt business and having the time of my life, I have learned to just put the horrible pain and agony into the back of my mind, and let the mop flop. Lol.

    Sometimes, it is very hard to keep a happy attitude but so far, it has worked wonders for me.

    I’m not worried about dying, I have too much living to do in the short time I have left upon this earth, my chief desire is to be a blessing in some way to others, I want my life to stand as a beacon to others, so they will know, “Hey, if old Bud can make it, I know I can make it, too.

    If I can get this t-shirt business up and running, I will have something to leave behind for my family that Pop built with his own two hands, with the help of the lord.

    By the way, my wife and family are my biggest supporters, but I love to prove to everyone that being handicapped doesn’t mean you have to just sit down, stick your head in the sand and give up.

    When the lord impresses me to do something, I will bust a gut trying together the job done

    I already have bought a heat press with all attachments, a Cricut, and quite a selection of vinyl, and have made a few sales already, with other items I bought to sell in my business, at a super good profit.

    One other thing, I don’t owe anybody one red cent on anything, the Lord blessed me to be able to pay for everything as I went, thank you, Lord, I know you didn’t do it by yourself, but without you, it never would have been possible.

    Sorry for the long post, forgive an old man’s rambling, but it is 3:25 in the morning, I am hurting so bad that I decided to study a little more, trying to learn more about my Cricut, which I have just been learning to “slice,” an amazing feature, to say the least.

    May God richly bless you wonderful people,
    Please pray for me,
    “UncleBuddy” Simmons

    • Catalina says

      March 9, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful comment! I am so happy you’re pushing through the pain to work for what you want! Age is just a number and only God knows our days. You’re bringing glory to His name!

      God Bless you!

    • Helen says

      August 14, 2020 at 12:55 am

      Buddy, I am so inspired by you and your perseverance! Thanks for sharing! Thanks to Catalina for great tutorials! So glad I found you!!!

  7. Claire says

    March 6, 2020 at 10:59 am

    Thank you for your tutorials – I’m finding them much easier to understand than some of the others I’ve used. I’ve looked between the print and cut and this slice tutorial and I’m still struggling with my project.

    Essentially I’m looking to make an insert for an invitation by printing onto sticker paper. I’ve used the text function to create my wording and found a nice border within images. A couple of problems I am facing, as I’ve tried a couple of ways to try to make it work:

    1. I can’t get the machine to cut just around the outside of the frame; it cuts the outside and the inner lines.
    2. When I have the line type to cut and make the fill print and put my text in the inside, the machine then tries to cut each of my words too (I’ve made sure to pick a printable font).
    3. I tried to use the slice function to give the border a ‘fill’ in the middle so that I can overlay my text and then flatten but none of this is working either.

    I’m sure it’s a really simple solution and I’m overthinking it! Pleas help!!

    • Catalina says

      March 6, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Hi Claire! If you check my how to make stickers tutorial you’ll see what’s happening! The answer is simple, but the logic is what you need to understand. Let me know if that helps! 🙂

  8. Laura says

    December 14, 2019 at 3:10 pm

    Very easy to understand. Looking forward to reading more. Good job!

    • Catalina says

      December 18, 2019 at 4:39 pm

      Thank you!

  9. Stephanie says

    November 15, 2019 at 4:41 am

    This was SO helpful! Thank you for putting all of the efforts into getting it posted. I’m excited to begin using the slice tool!

    • Catalina says

      November 15, 2019 at 7:31 pm

      You’re very welcome 🙂

  10. kathleen claydon says

    November 11, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    this was fantastic!, I had purchased an .svg from Etsy, of 6 trees, and could not figure out how to use it, as I did not want 6 trees together, the ungroup button was just what I needed.
    The weld button has become my best friend since I started purchasing files, thanks for the tutorial, I will be back for more!!

    • Catalina says

      November 14, 2019 at 5:29 am

      I am glad you are learning so much! There are more tutorials coming soon!

  11. Susan says

    September 30, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    How did you upload the picture into design space

    • Catalina says

      September 30, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      Hi Susan, click on the upload button on the left panel of the canvas and follow the prompts Cricut gives you. A regular photo needs to be saved as a Print then Cut. You can read more about it in this article.

  12. Renee says

    July 3, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    This is great! This post is exactly what I needed. I was trying to do this and didn’t know how to do it but now I do! I am going to slice multiple stars out of a rectangle to use as a stencil. My husband and I are using A pallet to make an American flag and I wanted a star stencil. Thanks for your excellent and clear explanations on how to use Cricut design space.

    • Catalina says

      July 9, 2019 at 5:32 pm

      That’s awesome Renee! I am very happy i was able to help!

  13. Brenda says

    July 1, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    I have learned a lot with your teaching.Looklng forward to trying this I’m beginner in the cricut have cricut explorer for a year and just in the last few months learned to use I’m addicted. Once again Thank you.

    • Catalina says

      July 9, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      So gabby to hear Brenda! This motivates me to keep going!

  14. Natalia says

    May 28, 2019 at 12:01 am

    Can I use this post to use like a reusable stencil

    • Catalina says

      May 30, 2019 at 4:33 am

      Hi Natalia! That’s a little hard to answer. Which one of the mini tutorials?
      If it’s the overall tutorial. Yes you can use Slice for creating your own stencils.

  15. Bailey says

    May 24, 2019 at 4:51 am

    Can you slice text from an image?

    • Catalina says

      May 24, 2019 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Baily!

      Yes you can slice text from an image. Just remember that it can only be two layers at the time.

      • Karen says

        June 26, 2019 at 6:51 pm

        This tutorial is amazing! I have had different cricuts for many years. I finally got a cricut explore and am learning about cricut design space. Thank you for sharing such a fun tutorial! It is a method I will definitely be using.

        • Catalina says

          July 1, 2019 at 5:13 pm

          You are welcome Karen. Make sure to check out my other tutorials, they are just as fun!

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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.

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