Hey, crafty friends! I’m beyond excited to share my love for the Print Then Cut feature in Cricut Design Space. This fantastic tool lets you create vibrant, full-color projects like stickers, labels, cards, and even sublimation crafts with perfect precision. Let’s get started!
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How to Use Cricut Design Space Print Then Cut
Today, I’m guiding you through every step of the process, explaining why and when to use it, and highlighting my Print Then Cut Template and Guide—a smart design I created to maximize print space on 8.5×11 paper. I’ll also sprinkle in tips, tricks, bonus tips for offsets and laminate sheets, and project ideas to inspire you.
What Is Print Then Cut and Why Use It?
Print Then Cut in Cricut Design Space is like crafting magic. You design a colorful image, print it on your home printer, and then your Cricut machine cuts it out by scanning special registration marks around your design. It’s perfect for projects that need bold colors, intricate details, or complex designs that would be tricky with vinyl or cardstock alone.
Why use Print Then Cut? It’s all about flexibility and wow-factor. You can create full-color designs—photos, gradients, or clipart—without being tied to your material stash. It’s a must-have for small businesses, party planners, or anyone who loves personalization. My Print Then Cut Template and Guide helps you make the most of an 8.5×11 sheet, whether you’re whipping up stickers, labels, or decor.
When should you use it? Anytime you want to bring bold, colorful ideas to life! Think custom stickers for party favors, labels for pantry organization, personalized cards for birthdays, or sublimation projects like mugs and shirts. It’s also awesome for scrapbooking or cutting printed photos for decor. I’ll share some exciting projects to get you inspired.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use Print Then Cut with the Print Then Cut Template and Guide
Let’s get into the details of using Print Then Cut, with my Print Then Cut Template and Guide as your go-to tool. Available in Cricut Design Space HERE, this template is designed to maximize every inch of an 8.5×11 sheet for stickers, labels, tags, or any print project. It’s great for beginners and pros alike.
Step 1: Open Cricut Design Space and Load the Template
Launch Cricut Design Space on your computer, iOS, or Android device. Click “New Project” for a blank canvas, then head to “Projects” and find my Print Then Cut Template and Guide HERE. This template opens as a Print Then Cut project, pre-sized to fit an 8.5×11 sheet, with a layout that makes arranging multiple designs a snap.
Tip: Print Then Cut is compatible with Cricut Explore, Maker, Venture, and Joy Xtra machines. Unfortunately, the original Cricut Joy doesn’t support this feature.
Step 2: Customize Your Design
The Print Then Cut Template and Guide is like a blank canvas with a clever layout to optimize your 8.5×11 sheet. You can fill it with whatever you’re crafting—stickers, labels, tags, or more. Here’s how to add your designs:
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Upload Images: Click “Upload” in the left panel to bring in PNG or JPEG files. Select “Print Then Cut Image” after uploading to ensure it’s ready.
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Add Shapes or Text: Use Design Space’s tools to create shapes or text for labels, cards, or tags. The template’s structure keeps everything tidy.
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Explore Cricut Images: Dive into the Cricut Image Library for clipart or patterns to fill the template.
For example, if you’re crafting stickers, upload your artwork—think cute party graphics or logos—and arrange them within the template’s guidelines to fit as many as possible on the sheet.
Tip: Stick to high-resolution images (300 DPI or higher) for crisp prints. For sublimation projects, PNGs with transparent backgrounds are your best bet.
Step 3: Arrange and Size Designs
The Print Then Cut Template and Guide is pre-sized leaving room for registration marks. Drag and drop your designs into the template’s layout, resizing by dragging corners or entering dimensions in the top toolbar. The template ensures you’re using space wisely without overloading the sheet.
Trick: Making lots of stickers? Use “Duplicate” to copy designs before placing them in the template. It keeps everything uniform and saves time.
Step 4: Add Offsets and Flatten Your Design
This step is crucial, especially for stickers! If you want a border around your stickers (like a white edge for a polished look), add an offset before flattening:
Bonus Tip: How to Add Offsets to Stickers:
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Select Your Design: In Design Space, click on the design you want to add an offset to (e.g., a single sticker or group of elements like text over an image).
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Add Offset: Click “Offset” in the top toolbar. Adjust the slider to set the border size—0.1” to 0.25” works great for stickers. Choose a color (white is perfect for stickers) and click “Apply.”
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Group and Flatten: Select both the original design and its offset layer, then click “Flatten” in the bottom right panel. This merges the design and offset into a single printable image, ensuring your Cricut cuts around the offset’s outer edge.
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Repeat: Do this for each sticker design in the template to keep them as individual cut pieces.
Flattening is essential—it turns your design (and its offset) into one layer for Print Then Cut. If you don’t flatten, your Cricut might cut internal details or separate layers, which we don’t want!
Tip: Double-check the Layers panel after flattening to ensure each sticker is a single “Print Then Cut” layer.
Step 5: Click “Make It”
When your designs are arranged, offset (if desired), and flattened within the template, click “Make It” in the top right corner. You’ll see a preview of your 8.5×11 sheet with black registration marks around the printable area. These marks are critical—your Cricut uses them to align cuts, so don’t cover them up later.
Step 6: Print Your Design
Click “Send to Printer” and choose your printer from the dialog box. I usually turn off “Add Bleed” for cleaner edges, especially for stickers. Use your printer’s system dialog to select high-quality settings and your material—photo paper, sticker paper, or sublimation paper.
For materials, I recommend Cricut Printable Sticker Paper or Printable Vinyl for stickers and labels. For cards, go with heavy cardstock (80 lb or higher). For sublimation, use sublimation paper that works with your inkjet printer.
Trick: Let your prints dry for a few minutes to avoid smudging.
Step 7: Prepare Your Material
Place your printed 8.5×11 sheet on a Cricut cutting mat (StandardGrip is great for sticker paper or cardstock). Smooth it out with a brayer to make sure it’s secure. For thicker materials like chipboard, use a StrongGrip mat and add masking tape.
Tip: For sublimation, cut the design first, then transfer it to your blank (like a mug or shirt) after cutting to keep edges pristine. You will need to make sure you mirror before printing.
Bonus Tip: Cutting Laminate Sheets: My Print Then Cut Template and Guide includes a basic cut shape you can use to cut laminate sheets to fit perfectly within the registration marks. In Design Space, select the basic cut shape from the template, set it to “Basic Cut” (not Print Then Cut), and cut your laminate sheet separately. This creates a perfectly sized overlay for your printed designs, ideal for durable stickers.
How to Apply Laminate Sheets to Stickers:
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Cut the Laminate: Use the basic cut shape in my template to cut your laminate sheet to match your printed design’s size.
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Peel and Align: Carefully peel the backing off the laminate sheet. Align it over your printed sticker sheet, starting from one edge to avoid air bubbles.
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Smooth It Out: Use a brayer or your fingers to smooth the laminate onto the stickers, working slowly to keep it flat and bubble-free.
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Trim if Needed: If there’s slight overhang, trim with scissors before loading onto the mat for cutting.
Laminated stickers are waterproof and UV-resistant—perfect for water bottles or outdoor use!
Step 8: Load and Cut
Load the mat into your Cricut machine. In Design Space, choose your material—“Printable Vinyl” for sticker paper, “Heavy Cardstock” for cards, or “Printable Sticker Paper” for labels. Press the blinking “Go” button, and let your Cricut cut each design precisely, thanks to the template’s efficient layout.
Troubleshooting Registration Marks on Glossy Finishes: If your Cricut struggles to read registration marks on glossy materials:
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Use Matte Materials: Glossy finishes reflect light, confusing the sensor. Switch to matte sticker paper or cardstock.
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Adjust Lighting: Move your Cricut to a spot with soft, even lighting—no direct sunlight or harsh shadows. A diffused desk lamp helps.
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Tape Glossy Edges: Place small pieces of matte masking tape over the registration marks to reduce shine, keeping the marks visible.
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Calibrate: Run the Print Then Cut calibration (Menu > Calibration) to fine-tune the sensor.
Trick: Test on plain copy paper (it’s matte) to confirm if the issue is material-related.
Step 9: Unload and Finish
Unload the mat and gently peel off your cut designs. For laminated stickers, peel slowly to avoid tearing. For sublimation projects, transfer the cut design to your blank using a heat press. For cards or labels, add finishing touches like ribbons or embellishments.
Tip: For sublimation, use butcher paper in your heat press to prevent ink transfer.
More Print Then Cut Projects
I’ve used Print Then Cut for tons of projects on my blog, and my Print Then Cut Template and Guide makes them even easier. Here are a few favorites with links to inspire you:
Description: I took Print Then Cut to the next level with chipboard on my Cricut Maker. Using a layout inspired by my template, I created sturdy door hangers with holographic sticker paper and laminate sheets. It’s a bold project for decor or gifts!
Sublimate Mugs in Cricut Mug Press
Description: The template’s efficient layout works perfectly for sublimation. Print your designs, cut them precisely, and transfer them to mugs with the Cricut Mug Press. Great for personalized gifts or matching sets.
Description: While not a Print Then Cut project, this adorable felt ruler cover pairs beautifully with stickers or labels made using my template. Create matching designs to decorate your ruler cover for a fun back-to-school vibe.
Tips and Tricks for Print Then Cut Success
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Choose the Right Printer: An inkjet printer delivers vibrant colors. For iOS users, ensure your printer supports AirPrint for easy printing.
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Material Choices: Stick to non-reflective materials like matte sticker paper or white cardstock for reliable sensor results.
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Test First: Print a small test design to check colors and alignment before committing to a full sheet.
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Save Your Work: Always save your Design Space project before printing. If cutting later, select “Already Printed” to skip printing.
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Sublimation Hack: Mirror your design before printing for sublimation, and use heat-resistant tape to secure the cut design to your blank.
My Most Used Supplies for Print Then Cut
Here are a few of my most used supplies when I Print Then Cut.
Glossy Photo Paper with cardstock backing – I use this the most for bookmarks, cards, tags and photos
Glossy Printable Sticker Vinyl
Holographic Self Adhesive Laminate Sheets
Clear Self Adhesive Laminate Sheets
Why I Love Print Then Cut
Learning how to use Cricut Design Space Print Then Cut has revolutionized my crafting. It’s saved me countless hours of hand-cutting and let me create professional-quality projects for parties, gifts, and my small business. Whether I’m making stickers for my kids’ school supplies, labels for my pantry, or custom cards for birthdays, this feature makes personalization a breeze. My Print Then Cut Template and Guide takes it to the next level by helping me squeeze every bit of value out of an 8.5×11 sheet—perfect for bulk projects or maximizing materials!
I hope this tutorial on How to Use Cricut Design Space Print Then Cut has you buzzing to try it! It’s a versatile tool for creating stickers, labels, cards, sublimation projects, and more!
Need even more project ideas? Check these out!
Happy crafting, friends! Drop your creations in the comments or share them with me on social media—I can’t wait to see what you make with Print Then Cut!
PIN FOR LATER!
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