Cricut machines are revolutionary in the crafting business. These machines are creative, economical and help users to create thousands of creative things. You can choose from a wide range of Cricut machines like Cricut Explore 3, Explore Air 2, Maker, and Maker 3, as well as heat presses. The setup is common for all the machines. But, there can be a slight difference in the setup according to the Cricut model and the Windows version. We will see the Cricut setup for PC on Windows 10.
Cricut Design Space has a big role in the Cricut machine setup. It’s software in-built with Cricut machines. You need to download and install this software to access your machine. Let’s learn more about it.
What is Cricut Design Space?
Cricut Design Space is an app designed specifically for the Cricut Maker and Explore family of cutting machines. You can use this app on your desktop or mobile device to create various DIY projects.
This software has limited features but enough to get started with your Cricut machine. With the Cricut Access subscription, you can get unlimited features such as images, free fonts, and read-made projects. However, if you aren’t professional, you can skip taking that subscription.
You are also allowed to create your own designs by using the free fonts and images in the Design Space library. So, to get this software, you will need to install it on your device, and then you’re all set to make anything. Apart from Design Space, you can also use some alternatives like Adobe Illustrator and then send it to Design Space to format it.
How to Set Up Cricut on Windows 10?
Setting up the Cricut machine involves a few steps, from its unboxing to running a test cut. If you got a new Cricut machine recently, you should set it up properly. Here are the steps to set up your machine.
Step 1: Unbox Your Machine
When you get your machine, the first thing you do is unbox it and check all the important accessories inside the box. Check that it has USB, power cord, blades, cutting mat, and sample materials. So, when you are done with checking, install your Cricut machine in a safe, clean place near a power source.
Step 2: Connect the Machine to Your PC (Windows 10)
Use the USB cable you received in the package. Then, connect your machine and computer to it. Connect one end of the cable to the Cricut machine and another end to your computer. So, you have connected both devices to each other.
Step 3: Install Cricut Software
As we learned about the Design Space, it’s necessary to download and install it. After connecting your Cricut machine to the computer through a USB cable, go to Cricut’s official website to download and install the Design Space software.
Go with the described steps to get the software on your Windows 10 computer:
- First, ensure that your computer is connected to a wireless network.
- Then, open an internet browser and search cricut.com/setup.
- Now sign in with your Cricut ID. If you don’t have an ID, create one by clicking the Create ID option.
- Select your Cricut machine from the option and click the Download button.
- Wait until the software gets downloaded completely.
- Your file will be saved under the Downloads folder. Move there and double-click your file to open it.
- Run the installation when an installation window pops up.
That’s how you can get Design Space software on your computer and use it for creating designs for your projects.
Step 4: Pair Your Machine to Design Space
Now, you need to connect your Cricut machine to the computer. This process may vary according to the Cricut model you have. So, select your machine’s model from the list of available devices and go with the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Calibrate Your Cricut Machine
Once you pair your Cricut to the Design Space, the setup is complete. But what if the machine doesn’t work well? To avoid this, calibrate your machine. Calibration helps you get precise cuts. The machine itself will help you to be calibrated. You will require a calibration sheet to follow this step.
Once you complete calibration, you’re ready to do anything with your Cricut machine and create unlimited crafts and DIY projects.
Conclusion
Wrapping up Cricut setup for PC on Windows 10, we can say that it’s easy and doesn’t require any additional skills. All you need is to connect your machine to the Windows 10 computer. Then, visit Cricut’s official website and then install the Design Space on your PC. Then, use your Cricut ID to log in or create a new account. After that, pair up your Cricut machine with the Design Space. Now, you are good to go. It would be better if you calibrated your machine before starting to use your machine.