How to Set Up a Cricut for the First Time (Printable Instructions)
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Materials
Cricut Permanent Vinyl
Cricut Transfer Tape
Cricut mat
Tools
Cricut cutting machine
an internet connection
a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or smart phone
Instructions
Plug the Cricut into an electrical outlet using the little input at the back. Make sure there’s a lot of space in the front and the back of your Cricut.
Go to Cricut.com/setup and download a program called Cricut Design Space. Once you have that program downloaded and installed on your computer simply follow the prompts to set up your new machine.
You can connect your machine to your computer using the included USB cord in the box or you can connect it via Bluetooth. Connecting it by Bluetooth is really going to depend on your type of computer
Then, you can set up a Cricut ID account using your email address and register your machine. Once your machine is registered it’s all ready to go. Cricut Design Space provides a few test cut images, but here’s an easy project to start out with: a vinyl mug decal!
In Cricut Design Space click “New Project”. Then, click on the “Image” icon on the left. I found this free “she was born to create” image - I searched “create” - and I’m inserting it into my new project. Click the left button that says “Templates” and search for a “mug template”. This is going to help you make your mug decal the right size.
Click on the image, and use the little arrow in the lower right hand side to resize the image. You can also change the width and the height to whatever you’d like using the “Size” menu at the top. Move the image to where you want it on the Mug Template.
Now, turn your Cricut on. Your Cricut comes with the Fine Point Blade already inserted.
In Cricut Design Space Download , click “Make It” and you’ll see how the design is going to look cut on your vinyl. Then click “Continue” and you can select your Cricut device in the drop down menu.
Now put some Cricut Permanent Vinyl material on the Cricut mat. Remove the protective clear sheet on the mat and then attach your material to the mat.
Next, turn the dial on the machine to the material type you’re using - Cricut Permanent Vinyl. Put your mat inside the machine and click the “Load” button. Once the mat loads, click the Cricut button and it’s going to begin cutting your design.