I still remember the day I first unboxed my Cricut Explore 3. It was an incredibly new experience, stepping into a world of creativity. That was the beginning of my crafting journey. I’ve heard from many serious crafters praising the Explore 3 machine.
The machine looked brand new, a stunning piece of tech, but I was unsure where to start. Despite being a tech expert with years of experience setting up various machines, the Explore 3 machine was still a new thing for me. I wondered ‘How to use a Cricut Explore 3‘. I read the user manual for guidance, applied my expertise, and conducted thorough research. Eventually, I successfully set up the Explore 3 and started using it.
The technical insights I gained helped me, so I want to share them with you today. Let me walk you through using a Cricut Explore 3. But first, I’ll discuss the several mistakes that most users make while using the machine.
What Are the Common Mistakes When Using Cricut Explore 3?
Even before you turn on your Explore 3 machine, you must be aware of certain mistakes that many Cricut users make. The most common ones are:
Not selecting the correct material
Using a dull or damaged blade for cutting
Not performing the Test Cut
Forgetting to turn on the “Mirror” for iron-on
Placing the material improperly onto the mat
Creating projects that surpass the machine’s cutting limits
How to Setup a Cricut Explore 3?
You might also be wondering ‘how to use a Cricut Explore 3‘, just like I once did. Before you begin to show your crafting capabilities with Explore 3, it is crucial to set it up. The setup process for Explore 3 is not so complex when you know the correct steps.
But if you are new to Cricut, here’s what you should do:
Download Design Space
Step 1: Switch on your machine by clicking on the power button; this is the first step for both setup and use.
Step 2: On your computer, open your browser and search the official Cricut website: https://cricut.com.setup/
Step 3: You need to download the Cricut Design Space software on your computer.
Step 4: Check the “I agree to Cricut Terms of Use and Privacy Policy” and click on the Download option.
Step 5: Wait a few minutes for the download to complete.
Basic Setup
Step 1: Once Design Space is downloaded, open it and click on New Machine Setup in the left panel.
Step 2: Go ahead and choose Smart Cutting Machine.
Step 3: Next, select the machine model you want to set up from the options given.
Step 4: Click the right directional arrow and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: You’ll be asked to leave some space between the wall and the machine.
Step 6: Take the power cord and plug one end into the back of the machine. Then, click the arrow.
Step 7: Plug the power adapter into the wall outlet and click the next arrow.
Step 8: After that, power on the crafting machine.
Step 9: Connect the USB cable to the port on the back of the machine and to your computer.
Step 10: If you’re not using Bluetooth, connect the USB cable to the back of your computer.
Step 11: Click the “Select Cricut Explore 3” option from the list below and select Explore 3: 0 USB to connect the machine.
Step 12: Click the green “Continue” option at the bottom once you are through.
Once the basic setup is complete, the next step is to update your machine if prompted.
Update
Step 1: If you get a Machine Updates screen, select the green “Update” button.
Step 2: As you are done with the update andget the Success screen, click on Next.
Step 3: You will see the Let’s Activate Explore screen. Double-check your email address, and tick the box next to “I agree to Cricut Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.”
Step 4: Click on the Activate button below the box.
Step 5: Click Next on the Setup Complete screen.
From here, you’ll get two options for starting your Cricut Access plan: Start Free Trial or Maybe Later. Whatever you choose, it’s all up to you.
How to Use a Cricut Explore 3 for the First Project
After you have completed the setup and update, it’s time for your first cut with Explore 3. Since you are a beginner, you must focus on the basics only and not on any major customizations.
Let us look at the steps you need to follow for creating a project:
Designing
Step 1: Collect the essential tools and supplies for the project. You may need vinyl sheets, a weeding tool, transfer tape, a blank item (a mug), and other tools.
Step 2: Now, open the Cricut Design Space app on your computer.
Step 3: Next, locate New Project at the top left of the Design Space home page and click on it.
Step 4: Insert text by clicking on the text symbol on the left panel.
Step 5: Select your font design and style by clicking the list under the Font section.
Step 6: You can choose from many different fonts for your text. Many of these may require a small fee to download. But you can go online to download fonts for free.
Step 7: Once you’ve selected your preferred font style, you can add colors or resize it as you like.
Step 8: Highlight the text, right-click, and choose the Weld option. This will ensure that the letters are all in one layer.
Step 9: Once satisfied with your text size and layers, press Make It at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 10: Project copies will show up. Select from Without Mat, On Mat, or Multiple Ways.
Step 11: Once you have selected an option, click on Done.
Step 12: A review of your artwork will be displayed.
Step 13: Now, click Continue in the bottom right corner.
Step 14: You will be redirected to the materials page.
Step 15: Select your material (for example, Smart Vinyl-Permanent).
Step 16: Once you select it, it’ll appear as: “Base Material set to Smart Vinyl-Permanent.” You can keep the pressure at the default or change it if you want.
Cutting
Step 1: Load the material into the cutting machine to cut.
Step 2: Pop your Smart Material intothe guides and press the Load/Unload button.
Step 3: The machine will feed in the material and double-check that there is enough.
Step 4: The play button will start flashing. Press the play button to start the cut.
Step 5: Once it is done with the cutting, press the Load/Unload button again.
Step 6: Take out the material from the cutting machine.
Step 7: Use the weeding tool to weed off the excess vinyl around your letters, and you’ll be done with your first project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Type of Materials Can I Cut With Cricut Explore 3?
The Cricut Explore 3 is a highly versatile cutting machine that can cut more than 100 types of materials. It can cut everything from Smart Materials (smart iron-on, smart vinyl, etc.) to stickers, labels, and fabric.
Can I Cut Without Mat on Cricut Explore 3?
The short answer is yes, as the Cricut Explore 3 machine supports matless cutting. That means users can cut Smart Materials like Smart Vinyl, Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock, and more without the need to load a mat.
What if Cricut Explore 3 Does Not Cut or Cuts Improperly?
If something like this happens, you must first confirm that you have chosen the correct material setting in Design Space. It is also important to check the blade’s condition. You must check if the blade is clean and fitted properly into the machine.
Can I Use Cricut Explore 3 With Bluetooth?
The Explore 3 has built-in Bluetooth that enables you to connect the cutting machine wirelessly to your PC, tablet, or smartphone. The Bluetooth connection eliminates the use of USB cables. With less cable clutter, you can stay more focused on crafting.
Visit: cricut.com/setup
Source: https://cricutmakermachines.com/how-to-use-a-cricut-explore-3-easy-steps/
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