Mastering Print Then Cut with Cricut

In this video, I'll walk you through a basic print-then-cut demo and show you three simple options in Cricut Design Space. I'll use a cute squirrel from my "Fall Into Autumn" scrapbooking cut file kit for the demo.

Timestamps

00:00 What will you learn in this video
00:34 What is print then cut?
01:25 Which Cricut machines can print then cut
01:50 How to calibrate your Cricut for best results
07:13 Cardstock and sticker sheets to use
11:39 Difference between SVG and PNG files
13:12 PNG print then cut
15:52 SVG print then cut
19:57 How to add a white border around your stickers and die cuts using Offset
23:30 Wrap Up

What Is Print-Then-Cut?

Before we dive in, let's define print-then-cut. This technique allows you to print your designs on cardstock or sticker paper with your color inkjet or laser printer and cut them out with your Cricut machine. It is compatible with Joy Extra, Explore, Maker, and Venture series machines.

Calibration

It would be best to calibrate your Cricut to ensure a clean and precise print-then-cut experience. Calibration ensures that your machine cuts accurately along the edges of your printed images. Skipping this step can result in poor output, so I highly recommend calibrating your machine before you start. 

You don't have to calibrate it every time you print-then-cut. Still, I suggest doing it if the machine's firmware has been updated, the device has been unplugged, or there's any noticeable issue with the output. In general, calibration resolves any print-then-cut problems.

Materials

If you want to cut out your image simply, use medium-to-heavy weight cardstock. I like 65lb-80lb weight in white. You can find 8.5" x 11" packs at the chain craft stores. If I can't access letter-sized cardstock, I'll cut a 12" x 12" sheet down using my paper trimmer.

You can use Avery brand sticker paper if you want to make stickers. Amazon has a ton of varieties, and Cricut has its own sticker paper, which is very thick. They also offer printable vinyl and clear paper. 

Print-then-Cut Options

I recommend watching the video above to see all of the concepts in action.

Option 1 - Printing PNG Files

Our machine is calibrated, and we're ready to cut. First, we'll make a simple cardstock cutout of a PNG file. PNG stands for portable network graphic. PNGs are high-image quality, pre-designed files with transparent backgrounds to upload into Design Space. 

To print-then-cut:

1. Add the design to the Canvas. The design should automatically be set as Print Then Cut in the Edit bar.

2. Select Make It and follow the prompts to Print-then-Cut your design. 

I recommend turning on the bleed in the print selection dialog box for the best results. Note the bleed may look fuzzy when printed, but it will be trimmed off in the cutting process, giving you a precise cut image with color all the way to the edge.

Option 2 - Flattening SVG Files

Now, let's use the SVG version of Mr. Squirrel. SVG stands for scalable vector graphic. SVGs are files you can scale up or down without losing image quality. Some SVGs are flat or one-layer, while others are multi-layers like Mr. Squirrel. You can tell this by looking at the Layers panel.  

Sometimes, designers make multi-layered SVGs so that you can use different colored cardstock on the layers or use foam tape to make some parts of the cut image stand out.  

If you want to make a sticker of a multi-layer SVG, you'll have to compress the layers using the Flatten function.

1. Let's upload the SVG and add it to the Canvas.

2. Click on the image and then select Flatten.

3. In the Layers panel, you should see that the image is compressed into a single layer.

4. Select Make It and follow the prompts to Print-then-Cut your design. Select "add bleed" in the print selection dialog box for the cleanest cut.

Option 3 - Adding a White Border Around Images Using the Offset Function

There may be a time when you want a white border around your image instead of a clean edge. You'll see this with stickers. You can add this effect with the offset function. Let's go back to our SVG and add a white border around it. You can do this with the PNG, too.

1. Insert images or text onto the Canvas. 

2. Select the image you want the white border to appear on.

3. Select Offset. Use the slider to choose offset style and size or enter a specific measurement in the field. The Canvas will help you visualize the size and shape of the offset as you make adjustments.

4. Select Apply to create the offset. The new offset layer appears on the Canvas and in the Layers panel. To print-then-cut, select the offset layer and your original image, and then click Flatten.

5. Select Make It and follow the prompts to Print-then-Cut your design. Make sure the bleed is checked.

Remember, for the best print-then-cut images:

• Ensure your printer is calibrated to avoid any alignment issues. 

• Use high-quality printable materials for the best results. 

• Always use the 'Bleed' option in Design Space to ensure no white edges on your prints.

And there you have it! You're now a Print and Cut pro! I hope you found this tutorial helpful. Experiment with print-then-cut on your projects to understand how it works.

If you have any questions or print-then-cut tips, share them with us in the comments below.