Tips for Operating the Cricut Cutter

“You just put your paper on the sticky cutting mat, hit a button to load, type in your word or shapes, and hit cut. You pull it out and peel off your beautifully cut items” said an avid Cricut user.

Review the Cricut Cutter Manual
Let’s face it, not everyone has it operating perfectly right out of the box! Don’t despair. Before you start punching buttons and getting all frustrated, you need to take 30-60 minutes to review your manual. You’ll save time later on and it will be a lot more fun. Follow guidelines in the Quickstart Manual for proper set-up.

The Cricut Cutter Is Simple to Use With These Helpful User Tips

Avoid Wasting Paper
• Avoid wasting expensive paper trying to figure out what orientation and size your cut out will be. Test it by setting the blade depth to 1 and the pressure dial to 1. This is called an “air cut” since the blade will not cut anything on those settings. Load your mat and paper as you normally would, press CUT, remember you won’t actually be cutting it, just watching the outline of the blade as it moves through the air. Make any adjustments as necessary before you set the blade for an actual cut.
• Use the “Paper Saver” function if you want to optimize space.

Blade Settings
• Getting the cutting depth correct takes practice. Most consumers cut Bazzil cardstock easily by setting the blade depth to 6 and the pressure to the maximum settings.
• For 65lb cardstock (medium thickness) the preferred pressure setting is 4
• Review page 16 in the manual for recommended speed and pressure settings.

Cutting Blades
• Blades will need to be replaced often but they are inexpensive and easy to change. If you cut a lot of thick paper, expect this to be the case.
• Keep extra blades handy.
• Paper pieces in the blade holder may affect results.

Cutting Mat Tips for Prolonged Use
• Press paper down firmly. If paper doesn't cut properly, change mats.
• Rotate the mat each time you cut for extended use.
• If paper is ripping the cutting mat needs changing.