Cricut Print Then Cut SECRETS, Tips, & Tricks for Better Projects!

Print Then Cut is a really really cool feature of the Cricut Explore and Maker cutting machines, but so many of you tell me you are intimidated by it. Sometimes this may be because you haven't tried it yet and it seems complicated, but other times it could be because you did try it and it didn't quite work the way you expected. So I'd like to share my best tricks and tips for excellent Print Then Cut projects. Because the ability to make fun projects like these Gingerbread Houses is totally worth it!
This video was recorded live on Thursday, December 1 during our Merry Maker Mingle Craft Party! Learn more about Merry Maker Mingle and get FREE designs at merrymakermingle.com
My Cricut Print Then Cut Tips & Tricks:
First, the printer -- you need a printer to do Print Then Cut, as you Cricut doesn't print on its own. Cricut recommends an inkjet printer, but I've found that a laser printer is also okay so long as the material you're putting in it is appropriate -- so don't put printable vinyl in a laser printer unless it says you can, as the high heat of the printer will hurt the vinyl. Paper is fine though. I prefer to use an inkjet most of the time. I use the HP Envy, but Epson EcoTanks are also good.
Next, printing issues -- sometimes the printer has issues feeding the paper you want to cut on a Cricut. If this happens, use the rear feed if you have one. If you don't have one, try putting just one sheet of paper into your printer at a time, as most feed issues that affect print then cut are the result of the printer's inability to pick up just one sheet of paper. I also recommend you avoid Cricut's Sticker Paper (sorry, Cricut) -- it's just too thick for most people's printers.
You'll get the best results with matte paper, not glossy paper. The little sensor on your Cricut can have problems reading the registration lines on glossy paper because of glare. OR, if you absolutely must use that glossy paper, print out two sheets of your designs -- one on glossy, one on matte -- and then cut out the middle of the matte paper and place it over your glossy paper like a frame, then tape down and cut.
Calibrate your Cricut. This is important for getting good cuts that align with your design -- you can learn how to do calibrate over at jennifermaker.com/calibration.
I ALSO recommend you check your printer. If you're having issues with printing and are seeing streaks or inconsistent colors, clean your printheads. You can learn how to clean printheads by checking your printer's manual or support site.
Now let's talk about Printer Settings -- this is a big one! When you go to print from Cricut Design Space, you'll have the option to Use System Dialog. Be sure to toggle that option to ON, and then move or minimize the Cricut Design Space window so you can see the system dialog box, as it's usually BEHIND the Design Space window. Everyone's dialog box will look a little different, but be sure to change the quality to best or high or maximum, or whatever it says. This makes a HUGE difference in how good your final print looks. Don't forget to do this. If you do this and your still think your print doesn't look great, clean those printheads on your printer.
My next tip is lighting. Be sure to pay attention to the lighting in your room. If you have a desk lamp shining on your Cricut, it can cause issues with the sensor's ability to pick up the registration lines properly. Move the light to improve the lighting. Direct sunlight coming through a window can have the same effect. You may want to experiment with lowering or raising the overall light in your room, too.
If you continue to have issues getting your Cricut to cut your design properly, I have more tips!
First, check your machine mat. Make sure there are no marks or smudges on it that might confuse the sensor.
Then check your sensor light and make sure it is clean. You can sweep it gently with a small, clean dry brush. It's possible there was something stuck on it, perhaps some glitter or paper, that was interfering with the sensor.
You'll also want to be sure the sensor light is actually coming on when you try to cut a printed design. If it does not, be sure to contact Cricut Member Care for help.
Topics covered in this video about Cricut Print then Cut Secrets, Tips, and Tricks:
0:00 - Cricut Print Then Cut Secrets, Tips, and Tricks
0:31 - Do You Need a Special Printer for Print and Cut?
1:19 - Printing Issues with Print Then Cut
2:29 - How to Calibrate Your Cricut for Print Then Cut
2:45 - How to Clean Your Printer’s Print Heads
3:32 - How to Use System Dialog for Print Then Cut
6:46 - Why is My Print Then Cut Not Cutting Correctly?
10:32 - Join My Cricut Crafters Group!
11:19 - When to Use Bleed On or Off?
12:46 - What Printer is Best for Print Then Cut?
13:48 - Can You Print Then Cut on Colored Paper?
15:12 - Which Printer Works Best with Cardstock?
16:18 - What Weight Paper Do You Use for Print Then Cut?

[@omasmusings]

It amazes me how much time you spend teaching all of us. Thank you!

[@carlablackman61]

So glad replay is available. I was at work when it aired. Thank you Jennifer for making this available to us all.

[@LisaAnnBluDammit]

Love how you offer so much to us all for free, thank you so much - your generosity is heartwarming ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💕 💗

[@Wildtexancreations]

I love watching your videos because you have such a soothing voice. Plus you make it so simple to make these crafts.

[@sandrasimon3002]

You are just fabulous! I’m a lifetime crafter but have learned so very much from you. I’m new to Cricut but u have made it so much easier. I appreciate you!!

[@HeatherHunterJ]

This makes me so happy thank you for all you do I hope you understand even a little how much you mean to us ❤ thank you Maker family

[@Cheryl3356]

Thank you for the re-play- my doctor's appointment went longer than it was suppose. Glad I can still watch. Thank you for all your great work.

[@marleneray3189]

Glad replay is available. Missed the live stream. Love your work.

[@donnajeffrey5598]

Jennifer, I just started watching your KZbin channel and you are such a joy to listen to you are an inspiration to us all thank you for your videos!

[@renaehooper9807]

So glad replay is available. Thankyou Jennifer Maker and team for all you do for us all.

[@williejackson8750]

Thanks Jennifer, for the replay, projects you and your staff provides for us. I am sorry I missed this opportunity live, but I can replay it.

[@BB-ix7zt]

Thank you Jennifer. You explain things so well.

[@grandma_cricut]

I'm excited to follow this Merry Maker series. Won't be able to watch them live due to the time difference as I'm in Australia. Learn lot from this video, Thanks.

[@onegirlgigging]

Greetings from the UK. Jennifer and team, thank you all for doing what you do. The greatest gift you have given me is the confidence that I can do this, after all my reservations! Eternally grateful.

[@annladner3100]

Thank you so much for your recommendation on the type of paper to use for the little houses. You are terrific

[@angiebiederman4635]

Excited for this year's MerryMingle! Thank you Jennifer!😀

[@alejandratorres1742]

Hello everyone thank you Jennifer Maker for all you do for the cricut community is well appreciated I love learning new things and would love to make things for my family since this year is financially hard for me blessings to all and happy holidays 💙💙🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@deniseorlando-garcia1773]

So glad I could see this. I am home in bed with Covid watching you.

[@sharonmck1378]

I am a beginner and would be lost without your tutorials. Thanks so much for this!

[@danceninja21]

Thanks very much for answering All of the print and cut questions. I also found that sometimes when my cricket doesn't cut the design correctly that if I put a light over the cricket and expose more light to the cutting area it seems to do better. Almost like the light the cricket uses to scan the black box around the printed image isn't enough.

[@monalisa2004]

Thank you so much! I look forward to this event every year! You and your staff are awesome! Congratulations to the winner, Lucianna!

[@dianek.27]

Love the detail that you go into, Jennifer!

[@debbydebski5902]

thank you so much for spending your time with us..

[@teresapalzes1964]

I am sooo excited for your countdown! Jennifer you have such creative ideas and such detailed instructions that you are easy to follow. Of course, I do often playback any instructions that seem to go over my head. Those senior moments ha ha! Thank you!

[@marianzmuda2610]

Watching this late. Thanks Jennifer for your generosity and all you do.

[@sharonlorenz8781]

Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I love the craft ideas you come up with.

[@darnbunny1]

Love the Lenox Holiday cup and saucer. We used to break out the Lenox Holiday on Thanksgiving and used until 01-01-XX but I am so lazy these days. Happy Holidays to you and your's.

[@lesliekarl5054]

Valuable especially for beginners, print then cut. Thank you Jennifer💜

[@debiguymer7240]

Hi Jennifer from the UK. Wow. What a fabulous project to start day 1 of Merry Maker Mingle. Thank you so much for doing all of this for us. It is so kind of you. CANNOT wait to make this and others. ❤🤗

[@ruthpenwarden1648]

Thank you Jennifer. Thank you for making these into replays. I have never tried print then cut. Would like to give it a try.

[@graceweinrich7187]

Can't wait for tonight!

[@louisebarnes9230]

These are fantastic! Thank you for being such a great teacher Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!🥰

[@magielampsmoke]

Can't wait. I attended the one last Christmas, and it was amazing. Had so much fun.

[@jenniferbrunetti2009]

Thank you Jennifer for explaining it to us

[@TheSouthbelle72]

I love watching your videos. I look forward to your new and old crafts so much. Thank you for all you do. I’m also excited to see what projects we are doing this Christmas

[@StaceyHiggins]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us and making crafting fun. You are the reason that I know how to use my cricut.

[@katzbaugh9806]

Jennifer you always come up with the most adorable and pretty projects! Thank you and your team! God Bless you all!😻

[@heatherhicks8390]

Always love watching and learning from you! Thank you for all you do!

[@cheryleholloway3587]

Always enjoy all of your crafts and look forward to the Merry Maker Mingle

[@grammyet]

Thank you! Love these little gingerbread houses. 🎄

[@carolemillsap9679]

Loved the first day of Merry Maker Mingle

[@Creole_marmalade]

I miss the live but will watch the replay. I was in the live but had a unexpected emergency. 😢.

[@pamkutchaw]

Thank you Jennifer for all your hard work. You are making some great crafters.

[@sarahrowe7322]

I can't wait to see all the crafts that you are going to share! I'm knew to Cricut Nation, but am excited about learning more ways to use my machine!

[@karmakeefarm2686]

I'm getting ready for a show on Saturday! Just got my Air 2 to help me make more professional tags for my product. Your books have helped me SO much!

[@aglover2u]

Looking forward to all the fabulous creative holiday season gift making ideas. Thank you so much for your labor of love. 🥰

[@chantera1]

Thank You Jennifer! I can hardly keep up with all you offer us!

[@angelafarrugia5420]

Thank You Jennifer for everything you do and sharing your videos much appreciated 💕💕

[@nancygibson9644]

Had things going on a missed this morning but watched it on fb. Love the shoes by the way. The fun has began!

[@pamkutchaw]

You are so natural and happy. Thank you.

[@tippybojangles]

Thanks for going through step by step. I'm excited to follow along!

[@nickiburley985]

Looking forward to a season of projects! I've gained a lot of confidence this year through your courses and trying different techniques ❤️

[@helenallen1924]

Thanks for all you do. Cute houses! Can't wait to see the shoes!

[@nicolebennett4937]

Awesome!! Can’t wait’

[@kimkillerby3426]

Looking forward to tonight class. The gingerbread houses are so cute.

[@veronicasarasky3886]

Looking forward to my first Merry Maker Mingle!

[@leslieruiz9593]

Excellent tips! Thank you Jennifer!

[@emiller7529]

Today I did my first "Print Then Cut". Based on your tutorials, I calibrated my Cricut Maker 3. It was sorely in need for the "Print Then Cut" function. I'd already downloaded a free PNG and uploaded it to Design Space which I knew how to do based on your tutorials. The only reason I had to recut my image is because of my own math challenges. The cut was perfect, the size not so much. What can you expect from someone who uses a calculator to subtract 1 from 2? 😂 It's ridiculous how I can screw up a measurement when a ruler is involved. I'm the only person I know who can't draw a straight line using a ruler. My husband suggested I keep my fingers out of the way. 🤣 Anyway, I've found several good Cricut speechmakers on the Internet. Although there may be others, I've only found one great Teacher/Tutor---YOU! Most can speak but not everyone can teach. Thanks for being You and sharing your talent with those of us less fortunate. May You, your family, and your team be truly blessed in 2023.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😃❤️

[@christinebradleyrealtor9803]

so excited!

[@vickysalisbury8214]

Thanks for offering this! Fun for the holiday season!

[@debrar9799]

So excited!

[@littlebird585]

Thank you for all the information you share!! I am a true beginner and would be lost without your tutorials.

[@elainehopps1646]

Can not wait to see all the projects ❤

[@carolinacastro6955]

Thank you so much Jennifer for this tutorial. You are very generous. Merry Christmas to you, your family and all your team 💓❄️☃️🎄

[@nikipatel1978]

What a fabulous way to count down Christmas!

[@janbaker3115]

So excited. I look forward to this. Thank you Jennifer

[@ednawade2543]

Thank you for all you do and how you encourage.

[@Nat-fi6if]

I am making list of inspirations today with awesome Jennifer! Love all instructions, videos and articles!

[@lymarykay]

Thank you so much for all the great tips and tricks. I learned a lot.

[@rachelhope2338]

Love that you're making these projects

[@cindiann6329]

Great tips & video! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge with us all!

[@ViskaDuvan]

I love your channel. Thank you for taking the time to thoroughly explain the directions.

[@eleanortalbot2890]

super cute little houses

[@celiahansen667]

Thank you, looking forward to trying print and cut

[@debbietorchiana89]

Thank you for sharing your amazing talent! You are so creative and always keeping things new with your designs!

[@Peppertkd]

Thanks for the fun activity and easy to follow directions.

[@cindyrobinson3241]

Jennifer Maker you are amazing! Thank you for the complete instructions and how through your instructions are!

[@dianaloggins742]

The Gingerbread Village is so cute!

[@kathydavies1123]

I can't wait to see what we are making this year. You always make this so much fun and helpful.⚱

[@cindiann6329]

Awesome video Jennifer! Love your designs!

[@denisewelch3209]

Soo super excited

[@danielleweissberg4409]

Love love the gingerbread houses !!!

[@ladonnakinney5813]

Thank you so much. Been wanting to learn to print and cut

[@reneedickerson4489]

Cute gingerbread village. Love ❤️ the shoe's. Very informative thank you Jennifer.

[@monetrotman7907]

Thank you soooooo much for the tip on printing on glossy paper! You have saved me from wasting more paper😅❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! 😀

[@dianaloggins742]

I’m making floating ornaments and a fairy lighted glass block and cards! Love the classes.❤️

[@jenny.erickgreber3005]

Thank you for helping us and all your tips!

[@maryhuebscher3233]

So cute! Love that it is print and cut.

[@judeyyudkin3183]

Looking forward to learning more about using my Cricut machine. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into offering theses free tutorials!!!

[@chrisw6831]

Love this!!

[@juliehyrkas3845]

I can only watch a little bit but coming back to watch it recorded.

[@cyndemartin6841]

Thank you so much for your creativity and inspiration

[@mamabear376]

I love these crafts! I look forward to learning lots of exciting things.

[@renaehooper9807]

This village is adorable. Love it

[@AnnLoose-fh7qs]

What a happy way to count down to Christmas! Thank you Jennifer Maker!

[@mechelleclark1561]

These are so cute! 😊

[@genx5472]

I love watching you. I have learned so much from your playbook.

[@TheAimeebear]

This is so Awesome thank you so much Jennifer and crew

[@trudyswearingen3959]

Thank you Jennifer! Great info on Print and Cut. Was a total mystery to me. :)

[@rhondahansen2727]

Thank you Jennifer. I just love this!

[@caitlinware5723]

Jennifer, you're amazing!

[@connielovett7792]

Hello from SD. I"m so excited to make all this.. Thank you Jennifer