Getting Started With The Cricut Explore 3 | Unboxing, Set Up & Beginner Tutorial

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey guys, thanks so much for watching - I thought I would pin a comment with frequently asked questions here: Q: What comes in the box with Cricut Explore 3? · Cricut Explore 3 machine · Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp) · Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp) · Quick Start Guide · Safety document · Warranty document · USB Cable · Power adapter and power cord · Material for test cut · Bonus materials Q: Can I cut Smart Materials on previous models of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker? A: Smart Materials were designed specifically for the brand-new Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3, and these machines have been optimized and rigorously tested for use with Smart Materials. If you would like to use Smart Materials with previous models, we recommend putting them on a machine mat. Q: Does Cricut Explore have to be connected to the internet? A: Not necessarily. With the Design Space software installed on your computer or iOS mobile device, you can still design and send projects to your machine without being connected to the internet. However, for certain features and functionality, such as content sync and uploading images, you’ll need to be connected to the internet and signed in.

[@saamalabogan6398]

I love

[@saamalabogan6398]

I love

[@saamalabogan6398]

I love

[@nonyabidnazz7487]

thank you!!! 💜🙏💜

[@adebimpeadelakun8806]

Thank you. But how do you save materials using smart vinyl?

[@icanseeyou688]

I just bought mine it’s arriving in a few days I have no idea how to use it yet can’t wait

[@briandalerma3067]

Can you make a video with the tools you need when first starting off. I just purchased my first cricut and don’t know what to buy.

[@paigejoannaa]

Great idea! Sorry late reply I’ll make a note of this 🥰

[@dsshowerpan]

Everything. Buy everything.

[@Ashley-ze4ei]

What's everything???​@@dsshowerpan

[@silviaheredia6834]

excellent! love how you did step by step.

[@lorealk9583]

I really want one for Christmas and I wanna know how to use one I’d love to make some nice things for my kids thanks for this video so much

[@lairdleightonlyallashcroft3420]

This is a super helpful video. Thank you so much. I have just switched to this machine from a much older kind of tech and this has helped me so much.

[@LNamirr]

This is my first video of yours and I just bought this Cricut with no knowledge of how to use it 😂. Thank you SO much for this video!!! I really want to make vinyl stickers and other things. I subscribed and will now go down a rabbit hole watching all your other videos

[@crystalburke150]

This is going to take time to learn. So much new to cricut.

[@fazzyy8447]

thank you - that was super helpful. I wanted to get familiar with the Explore 3 as I wait for it to be delivered. You make it look so easy!

[@dogfostering101]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you!

[@janelyons2113]

Wow..fantastic method of teaching...you made it so easy to understand, thankyou so much😁

[@paigejoannaa]

Thank you x

[@jennitorres7456]

I just got one so this all new to me. Super helpful thank you

[@khansaahmed2025]

Hi Paige, I just bought my first cricut machine and I'm super excited. Your video was really helpful. I was wondering can you do a tutorial on stickers that are die-cut and not on a sticker sheet? Thank you.

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey! I’ll look into it for you xx

[@jetzycabrera8229]

I love this video. I just got my machine today, follow all the steps and I did it. It was kind of hard trying to take the letter out of the vinyl but I guess it was because my lack of practice. Thank you so much.

[@paigejoannaa]

Oh yeah and takes practice, you got this!

[@nonyabidnazz7487]

wonderfully easy to follow beginner course.. THANK YOU!!! 😍😍😍

[@tameka4realz590]

Definitely subscribing to your channel! Thanks so much for your video… my daughters are buying me one for my birthday and I can’t wait to use it! This video was helpful!

[@paigejoannaa]

Thanks for subbing!

[@sandrajuarez261]

Thank you so much! I was completely lost and this was the most detailed video I could find. It helped me out so much!! 💕

[@paigejoannaa]

That’s so good to here thank you x

[@cecile7732]

Hi Paige I started with the joy looking forward to the new machine

[@paigejoannaa]

Amazing! The Joy is awesome and pretty similar to how this machine works with the smart materials. 🙌🏻

[@leratoseate7339]

Thank you, this video has been very helpful ❤

[@cherryldavis239]

Thank you for sharing so much❤️❤️❤️

[@joannaharty5341]

Best explained video tutorial thank you❤

[@paigejoannaa]

You're so welcome :) xx

[@rodneyjohnson2064]

You make it look easy

[@jenwilliams5735]

Super helpful thank you ❤

[@delmalynjaminuddin6196]

Thanks for ur kind n shari this vedio.nice

[@mphoenix16able]

Awesome video for beginners. Subscribing now

[@paigejoannaa]

Thank you x

[@lisagatlin4932]

Just got explore 3 for birthday from my 3 granddaughters

[@paigejoannaa]

Yayyy how exciting!

[@lizridley8951]

I've always wanted a cricut which one should I get as a beginners?

[@tinarankin5628]

I just watching your video on KZbin. It was great! I am new to Cricut but want to purchase one. What, in your opinion, would be the best to but?

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey Tina, it depends how often you want to craft and what things you’re looking to make? :) he new Cricut Explore 3 would be great, but if you go with the Maker it can cut/score/engrave etc over 300 materials. Xx

[@user-ov7gl4cd3t]

Great video! What the largest shape/letter that you can print?

[@ehrikalord1340]

Thanks for teaching the offset trick; super cute!

[@paigejoannaa]

You're welcome! I am still pretty new to it as well but it's great fun. x

[@cecile7732]

Hi Paige having issues with offset to work on my joy. Any suggestions would be helpful

[@paigejoannaa]

@@cecile7732 hey! What device are you using a desktop or phone app? X

[@cecile7732]

I am using desk top

[@paigejoannaa]

@@cecile7732 okay, maybe try logging out and back in, and making sure you have the most up to date/recent design space installed. If you try that and there are still issues then you may have to contact Cricut customer service! Hope those help though usually when someone is a bit buggy those things usually fix it xx

[@ayaseen2758]

For the cup…. Will the sticker not just wash off?

[@kaynolan]

How long does the sticker lasts on the cups?

[@MemoirEvents_Cleveland]

Hello! Nice tutorial, but what do I do if the base text won't come off the transfer tape while trying to do the last transfer from the card to the destination?

[@asiabhaddass5509]

Thank you for this video bc my circuit explorer didn't come with the manual 😡 thought I was bugging

[@paigejoannaa]

So strange! Maybe let Cricut customer service know and they can send you one xx

[@amandam5366]

I didn’t get a manual either

[@karenraines799]

@@amandam5366 neither did i

[@jasontskulnast9230]

I didn’t either.

[@michellecoltrane8668]

Mine didn’t come with manual either .. question .. why did you not use a mat to do this cut ??

[@wolft2953]

I got this from my husband for my birthday! And I have never used* a cricut before

[@paigejoannaa]

How exciting! enjoy!

[@eriztube]

Hi Paige!! Thanks for this video!! I have just purchased Cricut Explore 3, and this is the first video I watched about it! :) Thanks for the simple explanation!! I am now a subscriber! hehe I do have one question if that is OK..... if I wish to use an image off the internet, is it a matter of loading that image into the design space? And obviously it needs to be "transparent" I suppose? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!!

[@paigejoannaa]

hey, yeah click the 'upload' option on design space :) Just be careful to not use others images without permission, the one off project for yourself is okay but you wouldnt be able to sell that project for example. :) and yeah a transparent or white background is preferred. xx

[@LIL_AARNA]

SO when you select the machine in Design Space, do I select 'explore family' if I have an explore 3 or do I select the one you selected?

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey lovely, yes, select Explore Family :)

[@YasminZaini]

Does this print iron ons for T-shirts?

[@arrakitchen]

this is cool!!!

[@timdatailor8482]

Great video

[@dayveemg_tx3023]

Very helpful! 👍🏽 👍🏽👍🏽

[@rebeccadaniel1483]

My cricut didn’t come with any accessories. I’m specifically looking for USB cables or can I just use Bluetooth?

[@vitomorris]

Will this work for football (soccer) jerseys ? Like the name and number sets putting them on the kits ? thanks in advance!

[@paigejoannaa]

yeah! You want to get iron on vinyl called sports flex, as it's more flexible and able to stretch :)

[@vitomorris]

@@paigejoannaa thank you! 😀 i may look into this!

[@sharonkay7990]

Where did you find your manual booklet ?? I just opened my box don't seem to have one !

[@brebaybee]

This tutorial was very helpful, however im noticing an outline around my letters the I do not see on yours. Is there any way to get rid of that?

[@StevenWard-e7o]

Hi Paige I have just started to use my circuit explorer 3 and I am trying to do cards and text on cards, this is being a bit of a pain. Could you point me in the right direction for the best apps please.

[@leoniejosette5145]

Can you upload your own photos and print those out and also choose how big or small you want the text to come out? 😊

[@paigejoannaa]

Yeah you can! :) x

[@rooseveltsmith540]

hello Joanna i just received a explore 3 for christmas it did not come with the handbook. do you know where i can et one? its a brand new one just like this one in the tutorial

[@paigejoannaa]

Try the cricut website.

[@lesleywatts7798]

Is it only the smart materials that are washable, or are all Cricut materials washable?

[@paigejoannaa]

When you say wash washable do you mean with the mug? Hand wash if you have used permanent vinyl, but never put in a dishwasher and usually spot clean the outside/edges. You can use all permanent vinyls :) The only difference with Smart vinyl is that you don’t need a mat to stick it on to cut! The vinyl works in the same way though. X

[@lesleywatts7798]

@@paigejoannaa thanks! I wondered about being able to wash the mug. It makes sense not to put it in the dishwasher.

[@CamelVBA]

Love your dress! Is that from FatFace?!

[@Pammmy58]

I got my machine today is it supposed to come with a user manual. Is there a place to get one

[@tihwbfam2138]

Do you have to use the smart vinyl or can you use regular vinyl x

[@nonyabidnazz7487]

you can DEF use regular vinyl (with a mat)

[@ninak5432]

Great unboxing! The offset button is this only available with the new machines or has it always been there? Are we still able to use the new smart vinyl with the old explore air 2 and visa versa? Thank you so much for sharing. X

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey Nina, the offset feature is available on Design space for all machines :) it's a great built-in feature for all projects and I believe it may still be in the Bata (testing) stages but it's not just for this new machine. As for the Smart vinyl, you can use it in the Explore are 2 and Maker BUT you will have to stick them on a matt, so the matt free function is a new feature as part of these new machines. xx

[@paigejoannaa]

Also have this response from Cricut :) better worded probably then me! haha Q: Can I cut Smart Materials on previous models of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker? A: Smart Materials were designed specifically for the brand-new Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3, and these machines have been optimized and rigorously tested for use with Smart Materials. If you would like to use Smart Materials with previous models, we recommend putting them on a machine mat.

[@ninak5432]

Thank you so much for all your replies.x

[@biblemarchmissions]

Thanks a lot and GOD bless you 🙏 please can vinyl for iron on press can be cut with cricut explorer 3 without using the mat?

[@sheena9642]

Do you have to clean the mug with anything before putting the sticker on?

[@AssassinKing30]

Is this one good for clothes or is it the maker??

[@paigejoannaa]

The Maker is best for fabrics xx

[@MsDianesz]

I never got a manual with my explore 3,. How do I get one?

[@paigejoannaa]

How weird! A few others have said this, it must be a fault via cricut get in touch with their cs team x

[@liatushka]

Hi. Great video. You mentioned that you would link the vinyl and transfer paper you used. I can’t see it. Could you please link it? Thank you

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey :) Sorry about that, do you mean smart vinyl? bit.ly/3yQNIBj see lots of options here x

[@frazerg8303]

Can I use Adobe Illustrator to create designs and import them into Desgn Space?

[@nonyabidnazz7487]

I believe the answer is YES.. provided you save the files as PNG or SVG (I'm learning too).. 😊

[@paigejoannaa]

Yeah you can x

[@mrj8301]

What size paper goes into the explore 3 ? I brought 12x12

[@paigejoannaa]

Yeah 12x12 inches x and up to 24 inches long if using a Matt. Longer if using ‘smart materials’ from cricut x

[@dicesmith9746]

Then, do you need to use heat to iron the letters on? Or is that it?

[@cakewhisperer7113]

I was wondering if this has to be just in English alphabet or I can do this in Arabic letters

[@LeParisien78370]

If using Windows you must connect the Cricut to your laptop using the USB cable during setup. After setup the machines use Bluetooth.

[@ItsmeRylie_Rae]

Soooo helpful

[@c-ibrown6217]

Can I print pictures on the vinal to put on to a mug?

[@paigejoannaa]

Yeah! More like shapes but yea you can xx

[@Flash_sloth]

Is there an option where you can print on polaroid like materials?

[@SunsiasLove]

Does this have Bluetooth , I can’t figure out how to connect it to my Mac

[@ow1158]

You need to put the usb cable you got with it in your pc and in the cricut

[@thehumbleone1983]

Hi Paige, Seeing as we connect to our computer. I’m assuming the machine can print in other languages?

[@paigejoannaa]

Yes of course!

[@Geniceflowers]

i just got my Explore 3 and i don't know how to use it ! need help

[@Mmm98514]

Hi my cricut arrow button is not flashing when following your steps its a new machine not sure what I may be doing wrong any ideas? Thank you

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

Is there not a way to connect the Cricut Explore 3 wirelessly? So frustrated that I haven't been able to figure that out. My bluetooth on my computer isn't recognizing it. 😢

[@paigejoannaa]

I think the first time using on a computer you may have to use the cable but I could be wrong, it should connect via Bluetooth so might be a question to cricut if you haven’t already sorted xx

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

@@paigejoannaa unfortunately even with Cricut support trying to help, nothing has worked to get it to connect with Bluetooth. 😥

[@michaelkindler9680]

Ours won't do the practice cut. Any help on this?

[@joannegray3026]

I got as far as ready to print. but after loading paper nothing else happened? how do you go back steps on laptop?

[@Itsjoeymckenzie]

what is the biggest size of vinyl roll will this take?

[@lidoria3811]

Hi ! I've got some issues with my first and new cricut explore 3 regarding the foil application ! The machine works (i can see the mark of the pressure on the foil) but the foil isn't transfer at all to the paper (i tried several paper)... I suspect an issue with the pressure but idk 😕 i watched many tutorials on youtube and nobody have the same problem as me si i don't know what to do

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey! That's so odd, are you using the foil nib? and placing the foil shiny side down? xx

[@lidoria3811]

@@paigejoannaa Yes !! Cricut send me a new machine (instead of help me to fix my problem) and i've got the same issue :/ i suspect my foil kit but idk

[@paigejoannaa]

@@lidoria3811 are you using cricut branded foil? Xx

[@lidoria3811]

@@paigejoannaa yes, the foil included in the kit :/

[@lidoria3811]

@@paigejoannaa that's weird and i don't know how to fix that so i give up ahah

[@Flash_sloth]

What's the difference between the cricut maker 3 and explore 3?

[@arisenfromash6489]

Still not understanding why my go button doesn't flash for it to take the material

[@alysontaylor6728]

Can you cut acrylic on this model please ?

[@paigejoannaa]

@@alysontaylor6728 not thick acrylic if that’s what you mean? You’d probably want a gloforge for that! Xx

[@yavettegary9724]

What size vynl sheets ? Only circut smart vynl

[@rodneygardner1503]

Ounce it's on the transfer paper can u pit on a tshirt

[@yeet826]

i have a question about the cricut explore 3 i recently got it and i tried to plug everything in and when i try to power it on the light wont turn on. do i need to get a new one? or is there something wrong on my end?

[@paigejoannaa]

You may just need to activate it on your device first

[@shellydixon5440]

My material is just not behaving it not cutting like yours it is all over the please. What did I do wrong?

[@paigejoannaa]

What material are you using and did you put it on a mat?

[@mariacontreras3077]

Mine didn't come with the booklet 😢

[@nitaa69222518]

Whats the difference between "smart materials" and just using a roll of vinyl without a mat?

[@paigejoannaa]

The smart materials are designed to be able to be thick enough and durable enough to be fed into the machine, whereas the regular vinyl on a roll won’t be x

[@olgasaginova5015]

Hi, I can you different languages for text? And can you tell what machine is better? Cricut explore 3? Cricut maker machine? Or cricut explore air 2?or other. I new ,what buy for my handmade jobs😊 that

[@paigejoannaa]

the maker can do more in terms of materials, but the explore 3 is a fabulous machine for most projects as well xx

[@shellydixon5440]

I got mine today but did not get that booklet

[@meeni123]

can u reuse the vinyl paper?

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey, yeah! you can keep hold of your scrap pieces and cut smaller cuts - OR for even tiny little scraps you can use those craft punch shapes - I have a star and heart shape punch I tend to use quite a lot for scrap booking and keep hold of my scraps :) x

[@hannahvalentin602]

I got a explore 3 and I can’t seem to get it hooked up to my acer laptop. It says I need google pay and Im lost.😞

[@paigejoannaa]

Google pay? That’s odd! Have you looked at your settings to find via Bluetooth? Have you downloaded the cricut design space? Xx

[@tonipetras9912]

I never received my quick start guide. Can I please get one? Will pay for it. Please reach out to help me. Thank you

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey this’ll need to be a question for cricut customer service xx

[@gabrielahuayhualla183]

How can i use the Molle font or any other font for free in my cricut design space? Could you please explain? - thank you!

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey! Any of the font's in Cricut Design space are downloadable for a fee, OR you can sign up to Cricut Access which is a monthly subscription and you get access to ALL fonts, images, projects etc with no added charge - It's what I have and why I can use any of the fonts. I highly recommend it if you are crafting and making all the time for freedom of choice :) However you can also download free fonts on google to your device if using a laptop, but I prefer using Cricut built-in fonts as they are tested and proven to work. xx

[@KingdomComeA26]

Just got one today, did not come with the manual :(

[@ilikethatboulder.thatisani5496]

Can you still use regular vinyl with a mat on this one?

[@paigejoannaa]

Hey! Yeah you can 😊

[@AriTarantino]

Wait can we use non cricut brand vinyls as well🤔

[@vickiedesignco3180]

@@AriTarantino yes of course !!

[@rawbynmariee]

What’s the major difference between the air and the explore?

[@krushkrushemz1718]

The explore air is the same machine. You might mean maker and explore air. The explore cuts less materials than the maker and the maker 3 is able to cut much heavier materials. So its not a big difference. If you want just to do lightweight paper stuff like labels, vinyl its best to go with the explore air as you will be saving moneu

[@rawbynmariee]

@@krushkrushemz1718 yes that’s what I meant. Thank you so much for that.

[@krushkrushemz1718]

@@rawbynmariee your welcome

[@beccabarnes8089]

Where is the link to download the app

[@susandoyle5632]

Do you know why everytime I press text it doesn't bring up the text bar it only brings up the word text everytime I don't know how to fix it

[@paigejoannaa]

Ohhh yes, that’s cricut ‘inserting’ a text box for you, similar to how this is done in Microsoft word. Click on it to edit the word ‘text’ and insert what you want. X

[@kimberlybenson4167]

Never got a manual 😮

[@amariaavera1960]

I did not get a manual with mine. We got it off a fingerhut. I’m mad!!!

[@paigejoannaa]

I think you can download the manuals online xx

[@dabratmoni]

mine didn't have the little manual in the packet

[@HalfAMind]

It’s a subscription service ? And some text options cost money ? So here in the US they want $399. For this machine. It’s basically a printer. But instead of ink they put blades to cut out things. A good printer ink jet is about $79. Maybe $12. For a set of photo paper. I don’t know what sticker paper is. But anyway $399. Plus the subscription cost plus text cost. Over time this could cost as much as a car. Should you want to keep it as part of a business. It just doesn’t seem worth it ( at the current price) and it having a subscription service pushes me more away from it. I was just about to buy this machine thinking after I paid $399. For it I’d have access to everything. I am so glad I watched this first. All the fun and excitement just went out the window but it’s better than getting into a subscription service on this printer.

[@nonyabidnazz7487]

what subscription service? there's no subscription required.. and.. they're $299 not $399.. your complaints are unfounded..

[@googleuser9447]

Take a deep breath! Is not worth it, read the customers's reviews from amazon.

[@abstractdiscovery]

using any. Cricut without a mat is hell. the Cricut joy was the example. don't get me wrong, it works but it's not perfect. and when you're running a business, you don't have time or money to lose so you default back using the mat. I have a cameo 4 but i don't use it much cause Cricut is so easy going and makes lesser noise. all in all, the option not to use a mat is not really much of an upgrade. cricut is juicing for this one. keep your explore air 2 people they're going to be more in demand. kinda like with cameras the G7x Mark ii is still the price as or around and wasn't much of a hype when the Mark iii was released. More people started buying the mark ii because of this.

[@sylviajaques5542]

You can still use the mat on this one with regular vinyl too.

[@michellebeaudreau1129]

I didn’t get a manual with mine