What You Need for Print Then Cut
Hardware
- • Cricut Maker, Explore, or Joy Xtra
- • Inkjet or laser printer
- • Light Grip (blue) cutting mat
- • Fine Point blade
Materials
- • Printable sticker paper (matte or glossy)
- • Printable vinyl (for waterproof stickers)
- • White cardstock (for tags/crafts)
- • Printable iron-on (for transfers)
Important: Print Then Cut only works on white or light-colored materials. The Cricut sensor cannot read registration marks on dark, patterned, or transparent materials.
Step-by-Step Print Then Cut Guide
Prepare Your Design
Create a design using Clearly and download it as PNG with a transparent background, or as an SVG. In Design Space, upload the image and select “Print Then Cut Image” as the type. The maximum printable area is 6.75" x 9.25" - arrange multiple designs within this space.
Set Up Bleed
In Design Space, turn on “Add Bleed” for your design. Bleed extends the image slightly beyond the cut line so there's no white border if the cut is slightly off. This is essential for professional-looking stickers. Without bleed, you may see thin white edges around your stickers.
Print with Correct Settings
When you click “Make It”, Design Space will send the design to your printer with registration marks (a black rectangle border). Key printer settings:
- • Set quality to “Best” or “High Quality”
- • Turn off any scaling - print at 100% (Actual Size)
- • Select the correct paper type for your material
- • Disable borderless printing if enabled
- • Use “System Dialog” in Design Space for more control
Place on Mat and Cut
Place the printed sheet on a Light Grip (blue) mat, aligned to the top-left corner. Load the mat into the Cricut. The machine will scan the registration marks with its sensor, then precisely cut around each design. The sensor light will flash during scanning - this is normal.
Remove and Finish
Once cutting is complete, unload the mat. If making stickers, you can peel each sticker individually. For a professional “kiss cut” sticker sheet (where stickers peel off a backing), adjust blade depth to cut through the sticker layer but not the backing paper.
Troubleshooting
Sensor won't read registration marks
Try adjusting room lighting - too dark or direct sunlight can both cause issues. Ensure registration marks printed clearly without smudging. Clean the sensor lens with a dry cloth. Switch from glossy to matte sticker paper, as gloss creates reflections that confuse the sensor.
Cut is misaligned with the print
Calibrate your machine: go to Settings > Calibration > Print Then Cut in Design Space and follow the prompts. Also ensure the paper didn't shift on the mat. Use a brayer tool to firmly adhere the paper to the mat before loading.
White edges around stickers
Turn on the “Add Bleed” option in Design Space. This extends the printed area slightly beyond the cut line. If you're using PNG images, make sure the background is transparent, not white.
Colors look different printed vs. on screen
This is a printer calibration issue, not a Cricut issue. Use the highest quality print setting, select the correct paper type in printer settings, and ensure your ink cartridges are not running low. Matte paper tends to produce more accurate colors than glossy.
Print Then Cut Project Ideas
Planner Stickers
Full-color functional and decorative stickers for planners and journals.
Material: Matte or glossy sticker paper
Read the full guideProduct Labels
Custom labels for candles, soap, jars, and handmade products.
Material: Waterproof sticker paper
Gift Tags
Custom-shaped tags for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and events.
Material: Cardstock (80lb+)
Laptop & Water Bottle Stickers
Die-cut stickers with custom shapes, perfect for selling on Etsy.
Material: Vinyl sticker paper
Read the full guideIron-On Transfers
Full-color printed images on printable iron-on transfer paper.
Material: Printable iron-on paper
Read the full guidePaper Crafts & Toppers
Cake toppers, cupcake wrappers, party decorations with printed graphics.
Material: Heavy cardstock
Tips for Professional Results
Use high-resolution images. Print Then Cut shows every detail of your design. Low-resolution or pixelated images will print blurry. Generate SVGs or high-DPI PNGs from Clearly for sharp results at any size.
Let ink dry before cutting. If you load the printed sheet immediately, the blade can smear wet ink. Wait 2-3 minutes for inkjet prints to dry, or use a quick-dry sticker paper.
Apply a laminate for durability. For stickers that need to withstand water or scratching, apply a clear laminate sheet over the printed sticker paper before cutting. This adds waterproofing and UV protection.
Seal with a top coat for extra protection. For items like labels that will be handled frequently, a spray of clear acrylic sealer (like Mod Podge spray) adds a protective layer over the printed design.