Why Is My Cricut Design Space Not Loading

I just got my Cricut Explore and I have been having a LOT of issues with Cricut Design Space. First of all, every project I make is a 'Big Project', and it either breaks the plugin so it takes forever to load, if it even loads, or moves very very slowly. Today, I was unable to print my design because the image preview would not load. Since your jigsaw piece is actually a few shapes overlapping one another, Cricut Design Space can't make sense of it when you go to upload it. Solution One – If the desired end result is filled with a flat color, use the tools within your preferred design program to flatten the image into one shape. Once you install the desktop app, you'll open Design Space just like you open up any other application – from your computer, not from a website. If you visit a website with a Design Space link, you may be presented with options to Open or Download the app. Internet Explorer is NOT compatible with Cricut Design Space. Streaming videos and image downloads reduce the bandwidth available for Cricut Design Space. Too many programs open at the Same Time. If you have too many other programs operating on your computer or device at the same time, this could lead to Cricut Design Space running very slowly.

Hello, Cricut Friends! It's Ginger from Ginger Snap Crafts. I am so excited to be back over here on the Cricut blog. I am so grateful that I have this amazing opportunity to hang out with you every month. As I've said before, I'm still a Cricut newbie. I've been using my machine for about a year & a half, and every day I am learning new things to do with these amazing machines!

Today I'd love to share How to Remove the White Background on Uploaded Images. Cricut Design Space has tons of fabulous images, but sometimes you'll find that you need to upload your own images into Design Space. Whether it be a company logo or a school mascot image or your own design, you can turn just about any image into a cuttable image for your Cricut. Let me show you how I made this adorable Pumpkin Patch Sign using my own image & Cricut Design Space.

Why Is My Cricut Design Space Not Loading

Supplies Needed

• Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker
• Wood board
• Black & white paint
• Paint brush
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Your own image

First, I designed this cute pumpkin patch sign, and then I saved it as a png on my computer. You can also upload jpg, gif, bmp, svg or dxf files as well. I like to save my images as a png because the lines seem crisper to me. It's all a personal preference though! If you would like to use this image you can download it here.

Next, I opened Design Space on my computer. I clicked upload image, & then I uploaded the image into Design Space. This is a very simple image so I clicked simple & then continue.

You'll want to erase the background, so you can cut out just the words & the pumpkin. So, I clicked on this little tool. Now each spot I click with my cursor becomes transparent. You can tell you've done it right when the back ground becomes blue & white checkerboard.

Be sure to click inside all the letters. Every blank spot needs to be a checkerboard. So, the inside of this 'p' needs a click.

Next, click continue, name your image & then tag it will key words. This will make it easier to find when you need it for a project. Click save!

Next, insert your image into Design Space. In your layer attributes make sure it is set to cut (the scissor icon), if you are making a project like mine. You could also choose write or print depending on what you a making.

All that is left to do is send this design over to the Cricut machine to cut out. How easy was that?

Don't forget to pin this post, so you can find it easily when you want to try this yourself!

First, you'll need to put your vinyl on a cutting mat. I used a 12x24 inch light grip mat for this project. You could also use a 12x24 green mat. My light grip mat was brand new, so the vinyl stuck to it easily. If you are unsure of what mat to use check out this Which Cricut Mat Do I Use? post that I did before. Load your mat, and then press go. Your Cricut will cut out the design. Easy!

After my vinyl was finished cutting, I weeded it (removed the excess vinyl).

Now it was time for my favorite part…. applying the vinyl! Earlier I had made a sign using a piece of plywood & wood scraps to make a frame. I painted the sign part white & the frame black.

Simply remove the paper backing & then place your design in the middle of your sign. Rub it down gently using the scraper tool.

Next, slowly remove your transfer tape leaving the words behind. Perfection! If desired, you can use a piece of sandpaper to distress your sign around the edges. All done!

Let me know if you try this out. Just think of all the possibilities! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.

For more pumpkin patch inspiration, check out Cricut Design Space.

Let me know what Cricut projects you are working on this fall! Annnnnd be sure to pin this post to come back to later.
Happy Crafting!

Today we will be talking about why your Cricut will not cut correctly. Believe it or not this is a common problem, so even if you are not a beginner, you may need to troubleshoot in the future.

You have your project all set up. You have spent hours between purchasing materials and designing. The machine starts cutting and suddenly it is eating your material up!! This has happened to me SO many times. And I guarantee it has happened to many others. I have actually seen this question all over the internet.

So let's dive in and find a solution so you can get back to crafting!

First things the check for as to why the Cricut will not cut Correctly

• Is your mat clean? If not click here to find out how I clean mine
• Is your blade clean? If the answer is yes, then is it dull? If it is dull change the blade. Also be sure you are using the correct blade for the material you are using.
• Is your material laying flat on your mat?
• Are you using the correct mat for the material you are cutting?

Now if you have checked the list above and your machine still is not acting right or cutting correctly you may need to change your setting.

Sometimes you can use the 'correct' setting and that still happens. Below are some cutting tricks I have learned on the way.

How to change the setting?

• You can change the cutting settings by using the dial.
• If you use the custom setting, you will turn the dial to custom. Then on your computer screen a list of materials will show up where you can actually choose specifically the material you are working with.
• If you have an intricate or small design and are using vinyl, try using the Washi setting. Turn your dial to custom, then find Washi in the settings that will pop up on the screen after you turn the dial.
• If you are using cardstock and it is a heavier weight, try cardstock+ on the dial.

Change the size and font

Unable To Download Cricut Design Space

Realistically there may just be images that are too small or intricate to cut. If there is a lot of detail in your image or if you are using a super cute script font (cursive) it will only cut correctly when sized properly.

• Try increasing the size of the image
• Change or increase the size of the font if using one
• Use a bold version of the font
• Thicken the font by using another program outside of Design Space
• Delete part of the design if possible

Tips to make sure your cut is perfect

• Always test cut prior to starting so you can find out sooner than later
• If you are using a piece of loose glitter cardstock, mirror your image and turn over the paper. This allows the machine to cut without the glitter getting stuck on the blade and in the housing.
• Be sure that you actually have the image set to cut and not print or write
• If you want to use a custom setting, the dial has to be set to Custom before you can actually choose an on screen option.
• I have found that some cardstock has a textured side, sometimes it helps to flip it over and use the smooth side instead.
• If you manage to get the thin fonts or smaller script words to cut correctly, try reverse weeding to make it easier to transfer if you are using vinyl.

If you have tried everything above, and your cutting issue is still not resolved, contact Cricut support. They are actually pretty awesome. I know customer service can be a hassle at times, but I have used their chat support and they were able to resolve the problem. Plus, I know many other Cricut crafters who have had issues with their power cords and software, and Cricut has always come through!

Now finally to make you super unhappy…if you have tried everything above and even Cricut support could not help, it may be the type of material or brand you are using. Tricks in imovie. I know of several cases where the brand of cardstock turned out to be not so good.

Below is the cardstock brand I recommend using. I have not had ANY problems, even with smaller and intricate designs. This is also what I use when I make care cards for customers.

Do you have any awesome hacks that you do when your Cricut will not cut correctly?? Post in the comments below or just give me a shoutout if you are needing additional help!