{"article":{"id":360009382574,"url":"https://cricut.zendesk.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360009382574.json","html_url":"https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009382574-Which-pens-and-markers-can-I-use-with-my-Cricut-machine","author_id":9520138245,"comments_disabled":false,"draft":false,"promoted":false,"position":0,"vote_sum":1391,"vote_count":6311,"section_id":360002022834,"created_at":"2018-09-18T18:43:27Z","updated_at":"2026-07-30T16:44:50Z","name":"Which pens and markers can I use with my Cricut machine?","title":"Which pens and markers can I use with my Cricut machine?","source_locale":"en-us","locale":"en-us","outdated":false,"outdated_locales":[],"edited_at":"2026-02-27T22:00:05Z","user_segment_id":null,"permission_group_id":693934,"content_tag_ids":[],"label_names":["Public","360009382574","facebook ad"],"body":"

Edited: February 26, 2026

\"Universal_Cricut_Pens_Omni.jpg\"

Cricut Pens and Markers for use with Cricut cutting machines come in a variety of colors, line weights, and effects, including:

*Not compatible with Smart Label Writable Vinyl

**Learn how to use Infusible Ink Pens and Markers here.

In 2026, Cricut released a new format of pens — marked with this symbol: \"universal-symbol.png\" — that will work across all cutting machines (adapter included in the box will be required for some models).  

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Explore 5 machine?  

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No – all pens & markers compatible with Cricut Explore 5 are inserted directly into the pen holder. No adapter needed!  The adapter in packages of pens is for use with other models.  

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I found some different Cricut pens/markers that are labeled for use with Cricut Explore. Are these compatible with my Cricut Explore 5 machine?  

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No – those will not fit in Cricut Explore 5.  Just look for Cricut pens with this universal symbol: \"universal-symbol.png\". When it has that symbol, you know it will work!

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Explore 4 machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Explore machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Explore 3 machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Explore machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Explore Air 2 (and older) machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Explore machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Maker 4 machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Maker machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Maker 3 machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Maker machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Maker machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Maker machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Joy Xtra machine?  

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No – all pens & markers compatible with Cricut Joy Xtra are inserted directly into the tool clamp. No adapter needed!  The adapter in packages of pens is for use with other models.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Joy 2 machine?  

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No – all pens & markers compatible with Cricut Joy 2 are inserted directly into the tool clamp. No adapter needed!  The adapter in packages of pens is for use with other models.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Joy machine?  

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No – all pens & markers compatible with Cricut Joy are inserted directly into the tool clamp. No adapter needed! The adapter in packages of pens is for use with other models.

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Compatible pens & markers:  

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Do I need to use an adapter with pen & markers in my Cricut Venture machine?  

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Yes – The adapter that comes pre-installed in the A Clamp* will work with many pens & markers labeled for use with Cricut Venture machines. For pens & markers marked with the universal pen symbol (\"universal-symbol.png\"), use the adapter that comes in the pen box. Click here for instructions.

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*For Permanent Marker 2.5 mm – remove the accessory adapter and insert marker directly into A clamp.

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How to store Cricut pens and markers

We recommend storing your Cricut pens and markers with the nib pointed down for best performance. The exception to this is the Infusible Ink Freehand Dual-Tip markers – those should be stored flat to allow for optimal use of both tips. 

 

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