How to Set Up Your New Cricut (Maker, Explore, or Joy) – Sarah Maker
Setting up a new cricut machine can be exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating! If you need to set up a new cricut machine, this blog post is for you. I’ll walk you through the easy steps to complete the setup process so you can move on to the fun part: creating your first project!
Congratulations! You’ve just brought a new Cricut machine home from the store – how exciting. Now you’re ready to unbox it and find the perfect spot for it in your craft room. You know you need to set it up before you can make your first Cricut project – but where do you start?
I understand; The first time setting up a new cricut machine can be a bit overwhelming. that’s where this blog post comes in. is a complete guide to getting your new cricut out of its box and working properly, so you can start making projects.
And if you’re a complete beginner, don’t worry. This blog post will walk you through the entire process of setting up a new Cricut with clear step-by-step instructions. And once we’ve finished setting up your machine, we’ll also go over some essential tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your new machine.
cricut setup guide
This blog post will walk you through setting up your new machine and ensuring your cricut runs smoothly! Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- what you’ll find in the cricut box
- how to connect and power on your cricut for the first time
- how to download design space software (yes, it’s free! )
- the simple steps to connect your cricut to your computer, tablet, or phone (either an iphone or android device).
In very basic terms,these are the steps to set up a new cricut.
- plug in and turn on your machine.
- connect the machine to your computer or mobile device with the usb or bluetooth cable
- go to cricut.com/setup to download design space.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.
It seems simple, right? read on to go over everything in a little more detail.
Opening the Box
First things first, let’s open the box. Each cricut machine model (cricut maker 3, cricut explore 3, and cricut joy) includes some accessories and tools to help you get started.
To learn more about the cricut tools you really need, read my ultimate guide to cricut tools and accessories.
Let’s look at each of the three different models.
what’s in the box for cricut maker 3
in the cricut maker 3 box, you will find:
- cricut maker 3 machine
- a power adapter.
- a usb cable to connect to a computer or mobile device
- tip blade premium fine blade and blade housing
- sample materials to make your first practice cut
- cricut access membership free trial subscription
While the previous version of cricut maker came with two cricut mats, a rotary blade and a cricut pen, the new cricut maker 3 does not.
if you bought a cricut maker 3 pack (which I usually recommend), you will have more accessories and materials to open. you’ll get a variety of smart materials, transfer tape, cricut pens, and a set of essential tools (including weeding tools, a scraper, and scissors).
what’s in the box cricut explore 3
in the cricut explore 3 box, you will find:
- cricut explore 3 machine
- a power adapter.
- a usb cable to connect to a computer or mobile device
- premium fine point blade and casing
- sample materials to make your first practice cut
- free cricut access membership trial for new subscribers
While the previous cricut explore air 2 model came bundled with a light grip cutting mat and fine point pen, the new cricut explore 3 did not.
if you purchased a cricut explore 3 pack (always a good idea), you will have more accessories and materials to open. you’ll get a variety of materials, including smart vinyl, iron-ons, transfer tape, cricut pens, and a set of essential tools (including weeding tools, a scraper, and scissors).
what’s in the cricut joy box
in the cricut joy box, you will find:
- cricut joy machine
- power adapter
- cricut joy blade and housing
- fine point pen
- standard grip mat , 4.5″ x 6.5″
- materials for practice cutting
cricut joy does not come with a usb cable as it connects to your computer or mobile device using bluetooth wireless technology.
If you purchased a cricut joy pack, you’ll also receive a variety of smart materials, such as vinyl, iron-ons, or smart labels.
cricut machine layout
Now that you’ve opened the box and packed all your accessories, I’m sure you’re eager to learn all about your new cricut machine.
cricut maker 3 machine tour
let’s take a tour of your new cricut maker 3 cutting machine.
strings
The power cord plugs into the back of the machine. the usb cable plugs into the usb port on the right side of the machine.
the machine itself
To open the machine, lift the lid. You will see that the front door opens automatically. The first time you open the machine, you will see a piece of protective foam around the carriage/tool clamps. you can go ahead and delete it.
Inside the machine, you will see the tool clamps a and b, which hold the blades and pens. You’ll also see the mat guides, which help you align smart materials and cutting mats. and finally, you will see the roller bars, which move the mat as the machine cuts.
There is a tray inside the front door to store tools and pens. There is also a tool box on the left side of the machine, which is the perfect place to store your weeding tools and clamps.
There is also a slot in the lid that you can use to hold your tablet or smartphone while using the machine.
buttons
the power button turns the machine on and off.
the load button (up and down arrows) loads and unloads smart materials and cutting plates into the machine.
the go button (triangle) flashes to let you know the machine is ready to cut. press the go button to start cutting your projects.
and the pause button (vertical lines) stops the machine.
design space
If you have not yet activated your machine, you will need to do so at cricut.com/setup. you can also set up a new machine from within the design space app. click the menu icon and then click “new product setup”. select your cricut pattern and follow the prompts.
the design space app will also tell you when it’s time to change the tools and pens in the tool clamps.
cricut explore 3 machine tour
let’s take a tour of your new cricut explore 3 cutting machine.
strings
The power cord plugs into the back. the usb cable plugs into the port on the right side of the machine.
the machine itself
To open the machine, press the open button on the top of the machine, on the left side. You will see the lid lift up and the front door open automatically. The first time you open the machine, you will see a piece of protective foam around the carriage/tool clamps. you can go ahead and delete it.
Inside the machine, you will see the tool clamps a and b, which hold the blades and pens. You’ll also see the mat guides, which help you align smart materials and cutting mats. and finally, you will see the roller bars, which move the mat as the machine cuts.
There is a tray inside the front door to store tools and pens. There is also a tool cup on the left side of the machine that you can use to hold your weeding tools and pliers.
There is a slot in the lid that you can use to hold your tablet or smartphone while using the machine.
buttons
the power button turns the machine on and off.
the load button (up and down arrows) loads and unloads smart materials and cutting plates into the machine.
the go button (triangle) flashes to let you know the machine is ready to cut. press the go button to start cutting your projects.
and the pause button (vertical lines) stops the machine.
design space
If you have not yet activated your machine, you will need to do so at cricut.com/setup. you can also set up a new machine from within the design space app. click the menu icon and then click “new product setup”. Select your machine model and follow the prompts.
The design space app will also tell you when it’s time to change the pens and tools on the two clamps (a and b).
cricut joy machine tour
let’s take a tour of your new cricut joy cutting machine. Compared to the other machines, the cricut joy is much simpler.
strings
The power cord plugs into the back. there is no usb cable as cricut joy connects with bluetooth.
the machine itself
To open the machine, lower the lid. The first time you open the machine, you will see a piece of protective foam around the carriage/tool clamp. you can go ahead and delete it.
Inside the machine, you will see a single tool clamp, which holds either the blade or the pen. You’ll also see the mat guides, which help you align smart materials and cutting mats. and finally, you will see the roller bars, which move the mat as the machine cuts.
There is no storage tray or tool cup on the cricut joy.
buttons
the cricut joy does not have buttons. all the “buttons” you will need will be available to you within the design space app. click the go button inside the design space app, then upload the material. the cricut joy will load the material, measure it, and then start the cut. make sure to press the button inside the design space to unload the material before removing it from the machine.
design space
If you have not yet activated your machine, you will need to do so at cricut.com/setup. you can also set up a new machine from within the design space app. click the menu icon and then click “new product setup”. Select your machine model and follow the prompts.
The design space app will also tell you when it’s time to change pens and tools on the single clamp.
Setting up a New Cricut Machine
After opening the box and plugging in the machine, it’s time to set it up.
If you have the option, I recommend setting up your cricut with a desktop or laptop computer. (you can also use a phone or mobile device to set up a machine, just not my preference).
how to set up a cricut with a computer:
- Open a web browser window and go to cricut.com/setup.
- Download and install the cricut design space desktop app.
- Follow the instructions on-screen instructions to create and sign in with a cricut ID.
- On the next screen, select your machine.
- Plug the machine in with the power cord and press the power button to turn it on.
- use the included usb cable to connect the machine to your computer, or pair via bluetooth. (joy machines must use bluetooth).
- at this point, design space may ask you to wait while it updates your machine.
- then design space will ask you to register your machine and ask if you’d like to try a free trial of cricut access membership.
- Finally, we can make the first cut! follow the rest of the prompts to make your first project.
how to set up a cricut with a mobile device:
This process is very similar to the previous one: only the design space app for phones or ipads is used.
- download and install the design space app.
- launch the app, then sign in or create a cricut id.
- tap the menu and select settings machine. select your machine model.
- following the on-screen instructions, connect the cricut machine with the power cord and turn it on.
- pair your cricut machine with your android or ios device a via bluetooth.
- You will know the setup is complete when the design space prompts you to make your first test cut.
how to connect your cricut via bluetooth
You can connect your Cricut Maker, Explore, or Joy machines to your computer or mobile device via Bluetooth. (Most computers have bluetooth capability; if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to connect it with the usb cable.)
To begin, make sure your cricut explore or cricut maker machine is turned on and within 10-15 feet of your computer. then follow the steps below to pair with your computer or mobile device.
windows: click the start button and select settings. then select devices. make sure bluetooth is on and click add bluetooth device. select bluetooth and wait for your computer to find your cricut machine. (The “name” of your cricut bluetooth module is located on the bottom of the machine, near the serial number.) select your machine and enter pin 0000 if prompted.
mac: Open the apple menu and select system preferences. then select bluetooth. make sure bluetooth is on. find your machine in the list and click pair. if prompted, use pin 0000.
ios: Open the settings app and select bluetooth. make sure bluetooth is on. find your machine in the list of devices. when prompted, type pin 0000.
android: Open the settings app and select bluetooth. make sure bluetooth is on. find your machine in the list of devices. when prompted, type pin 0000 and choose ok.
If you are having trouble connecting your cricut device via bluetooth, the best thing to do is contact cricut support or the member care team.
how to connect your cricut via usb
if you don’t have bluetooth or prefer not to use it, you can also connect your cricut to your computer with a usb cable. plug one end of the usb cable into the port on the side of the cricut machine and the other end of the cable into the port on your computer.
note: the cricut joy model does not come with a usb cable.
cricut tutorials for beginners
hooray! Pat yourself on the back because you have successfully set up your cricut machine. Now it’s time to start crafting!
These are some of my best cricut tutorials for beginners. I recommend reading up a bit on the cricut design space and the different types of cricut crafting materials to get started. then try one of the beginner project tutorials!
cricut design space tutorials
- how to connect cursive letters in cricut design space
- when to weld or attach in cricut design space
- how to monogram in space cricut design
cricut project ideas for beginners
- how to make rolled paper flowers with cricut
- how to engrave glass with armor etch and cricut
- how to make a stencil with cricut
- how to make shirts with cricut iron-on vinyl
more cricut tutorials
- cricut comparison: which cricut machine is best for you? [2021]
- what is a cricut machine and what can it do?
- how to clean a cricut mat and make it sticky
- how to make stickers with cricut “print and then cut”
what’s next?
pin this post: save this tutorial to your pinterest boards so you can come back to it later.
leave a comment: I love hearing your comments. let me know in the comments below!
share on instagram or facebook: when you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker. I love to see what you do!
do you have questions? join the facebook group!
I hope you found this article useful! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my facebook group. I created this group for you to share photos, ask questions, and help each other.
