{"article":{"id":360042981173,"url":"https://cricut.zendesk.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360042981173.json","html_url":"https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360042981173-Cricut-Joy-Quick-Start-Guide","author_id":9520138245,"comments_disabled":false,"draft":false,"promoted":true,"position":4,"vote_sum":86,"vote_count":3454,"section_id":360002946713,"created_at":"2020-02-04T21:08:04Z","updated_at":"2026-07-28T00:34:22Z","name":"Cricut Joy Quick Start Guide","title":"Cricut Joy Quick Start Guide","source_locale":"en-us","locale":"en-us","outdated":false,"outdated_locales":[],"edited_at":"2025-11-20T17:03:31Z","user_segment_id":null,"permission_group_id":693934,"content_tag_ids":[],"label_names":["Public","Joy","facebook ad"],"body":"<p>More resources to get you started with Cricut Joy. Just select a link below.</p><p><img src=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/article_attachments/26803145353111\" alt=\"joy-closed.jpg\" width=\"304\" height=\"186\">  <img src=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/article_attachments/26803145353879\" alt=\"joy-open.jpg\" width=\"303\" height=\"186\"></p><ul>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e0c097ddcf5378183350a258552e0a21a\"><a href=\"#in-the-box\">What comes in the box</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e54ca0ec407a2637ae1a1d02cf1fdbaf8\"><a href=\"#machine-overview\">Machine overview</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e5c38033705c23d5c2412189eb86f1994\"><a href=\"#compatible-machine-mats\">Learn about compatible machine mats</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"edcaf3a85561d2cd04a9b660d69836339\"><a href=\"#compatible-blades-and-tools\">Learn about compatible blades and machine tools</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e9aa57efb64a5265da3ca99583e9eb869\"><a href=\"#compatible-materials\">Learn about compatible materials</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"ef660d4a8e928b72b5e42a1c250cf342a\"><a href=\"#compatible-pens-and-markers\">Learn about compatible pens and markers</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e64613a5c3f42995d23e1e97e1a93d706\"><a href=\"https://design.cricut.com/setup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Register your machine</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e085c7fd8a9af81f58c45cee4ffdd71c6\"><a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009378474\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Download Design Space</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e9ad4663c0e0bf8ce2028bb5e6caf96b0\"><a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/6581830148759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to connect to Design Space</a></li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"ec90fb74f06786f78e70b9fc78497eab1\"><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ</a></li>\n</ul><p> </p><h2 id=\"in-the-box\">What comes in the box</h2><ul>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e93355209f08b2147c4655d25cd88736a\">Cricut Joy smart cutting machine</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e8a5f01eb025481686fb57230aedc64f9\">Blade + Housing</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e664fa7fb508de63bacc6db122aff889c\">Fine Point Pen, Black (0.4 mm)</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"ec64ed772cd6fe89e4d18be4b03bd75ae\">StandardGrip Mat, 4.5” x 6.5”</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"ed75235614eee1ce7552fb71629f4b0e9\">Welcome card &amp; cord</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e469b843109d93d4089a76ff813dd1602\">Power adapter</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e6131e7a8f8b5ec71f62c13d4b664e978\">Free 30-day trial membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers)</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e5ea9cf075961e352aee2389630e45223\">50 Ready-To-Make projects online</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e1c8fbd8ff49c2112cee5ca8788942cd8\">Materials for a practice cut</li>\n</ul><p> </p><h2 id=\"machine-overview\">Machine overview</h2><p><iframe src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/eH0MRGAHqUM\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe></p><p><a href=\"https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmMKNg1O7D-cJxflSETlgglZ3kREpm2Mj&amp;si=JU4dto6zpkMIDfMI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"wysiwyg-font-size-medium\"><em>View more Cricut Joy tutorials</em></span></a><span class=\"wysiwyg-font-size-medium\"><em> on our official Cricut YouTube channel. </em></span></p><p> </p><h2 id=\"compatible-machine-mats\">Learn about compatible machine mats</h2><p>Cricut Joy machines cut Smart Materials without a machine mat, but they can also cut a variety of other materials using a machine mat. Cricut Joy machines can use a Light Grip Mat, Standard Grip Mat, and Cricut Joy Card Mat. <a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/articles/360009373414-Which-mats-can-I-use-with-my-Cricut-machine#joy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more about machine mats</a>.</p><p><img src=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/article_attachments/26803145355031\" alt=\"SKU_200xxxx_Joy_LONG_MAT_Light_MASTER_PSD_4000x4000.png\" width=\"154\" height=\"376\">  <img src=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/article_attachments/26803134921623\" alt=\"Standard_composite.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"368\">  <img src=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/article_attachments/26803145356183\" alt=\"2007809-Joy_Card_Mat-2__1_.png\" width=\"152\" height=\"222\"></p><p> </p><h2 id=\"compatible-blades-and-tools\">Learn about compatible blades and machine tools</h2><p>Cricut Joy comes with a Cricut Joy blade + housing (pictured below) to cut a wide variety of popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. <a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/articles/360009432294-All-About-Cricut-Blades-and-Machine-Tools#joy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See compatible blades and machine tools</a>.</p><p><img src=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/article_attachments/26803145356951\" alt=\"joy-fine-point-blade.jpg\" width=\"48\" height=\"134\"></p><p> </p><h2 id=\"compatible-materials\">Learn about compatible materials</h2><p>Cricut Joy works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. <a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/articles/360009504773-Which-materials-can-I-cut-with-my-Cricut-smart-cutting-machine#joy-machines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See all 50+ materials.</a> </p><p> </p><h2 id=\"compatible-pens-and-markers\">Learn about compatible pens and markers</h2><p>Cricut Joy can write and draw with Cricut Joy Pens and Markers to add a variety of colors, line weights, and effects to your projects. <a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/articles/360009382574-Which-pens-and-markers-can-I-use-with-my-Cricut-machine#joy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See compatible pens and markers</a>.</p><p> </p><h2 id=\"faq\">FAQ</h2><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4D0GA9QNZDYX7ZK5GEEFJ\">Do I need software to use Cricut Joy machines?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Yes. Cricut Joy machines are used with the <a href=\"https://design.cricut.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">free Design Space software</a> on Android and iOS. They will also work with <a href=\"https://design.cricut.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Design Space for Desktop</a> on Bluetooth-enabled Windows or Mac computers. Design Space is installed on your mobile device or computer when you set up your new machine.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y50JNXM2WHM6Y7THJGNRG6\">What are the dimensions and weight of Cricut Joy?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><ul>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e8882a3f9b54e8baf9019f8445468629c\">Dimensions: 5.50 in x 8.40 in x 4.25 in (13.9 cm x 21.4 cm x 10.8 cm)</li>\n<li data-list-item-id=\"e61a2d463820d1e678321e05b8054f760\">Weight: 3.85 lbs (1.75 kg)</li>\n</ul></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y57KTCJ2VYKV9H74Z9K9BX\">How large of a design can Cricut Joy cut?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>That depends on the type of material you use. With Smart Materials, Cricut Joy can cut an individual, continuous shape up to 4.5 inches wide and 4 feet long, and repeated cuts (like stars, hearts, and confetti) up to 20 feet long! With a cutting mat, Cricut Joy can cut up to 4.25 in x 6.25 in (10.795 cm x 15.875 cm), or 4.25 in x 11.75 in (10.795 cm x 29.845 cm).</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4D9E4V4Z9V1AQJ2BESQ3J\">Do Cricut Joy machines work with my mobile device and computer?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Yes. Cricut Joy machines have built-in Bluetooth and are ready to pair with your compatible mobile device or Bluetooth-enabled Windows or Mac computer.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4DCRCG3AQJM3M3326VSYQ\">Do Cricut Joy machines require an internet connection?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>You'll need to be online initially to install the software and complete the machine setup. If using Design Space for Desktop or for iOS, you also have the option to work offline. If using Design Space for Android mobile an internet connection is required.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4DGYFNB53C2S0GZ954BKJ\">Do I need a USB cable to connect my Cricut Joy machine to my computer?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Nope! Cricut Joy machines connect using Bluetooth. <a href=\"https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/6581830148759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn how to pair your machine to your device.</a></p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4EGCYDEMMY61QZW2K4Y3C\">Do Cricut Joy machines come with any free images or fonts?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Yes! Your machine comes with 50 ready-to-make projects to get you started. Plus, all Design Space users have access to additional fonts, images, and ready-to-make projects at no charge. To find your free projects in Design Space, select My Stuff &gt; Projects, then apply the “Purchased” filter. </p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4EMVSJC9PB8XW3JXQVRRM\">What are Smart Materials?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>These clever crafting materials work without a cutting mat, so you can just load the material directly into your machine and go. Smart Materials come in a variety of material types, including Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Label Paper, and Smart Label Vinyl.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4WC3KF9Z53Q0N2P2DTJJF\">Why does my machine leave space at the top and bottom of my Smart Materials?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\">\n<p>Cricut Joy machines need a little space above and below your cuts for the rollers to grip and load your material, for the sensors to sense that the material is loaded, and to feed material back and forth without ejecting the material from the machine. This space is about 1 in (2.5 cm) above the design, and 0.5 in (1.2 cm) below the design.</p>\n<p><strong>Note:</strong> Smart Materials must be at least 4 in (10 cm) to use without a mat with Cricut Joy, and at least 6 in (16 cm) to use without a mat for Cricut Joy Xtra. You can use shorter by placing them on a machine mat.</p>\n</div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4WT1MM2975ZGZCVYXRQ2X\">Why does my machine make a small cut in Smart Materials?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>For all Cut projects, the blade will lower and make a small cut to align the blade. Not to worry, the machine will never make this small cut over your design.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4X1HDZVSDJ1FZYCG7892H\">What makes Cricut Joy machine tools and accessories different from those used with other Cricut machines?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Cricut Joy machines are compact and portable, and the machine tools and accessories are designed to fit that smaller scale. Other than the size, there's no difference at all.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4XH1DBDNZWPGWXZ7AHGNH\">How do I know if I'm using the right projects with the right machine?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Be sure to select your machine model Design Space to customize your session with all the latest options and features for your machine.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4XQAMX6B1BW8HQDCSFRN1\">Can I use Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker blade housings, mats, pens, and other accessories in Cricut Joy machines?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>No. The compact size of Cricut Joy machines requires smaller accessories to fit the machine. When purchasing machine tools and accessories, look for Cricut Joy in the machine compatibility section. However, while many Cricut materials are conveniently sized to fit on Cricut Joy machine mats, you can also trim larger versions of these materials to fit on Cricut Joy machine mats.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4XYG5EGMCZHSR929218E6\">Do I need an adapter to use a pen with Cricut Joy machines?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>Nope! Cricut Joy Pens are sized to fit directly into the Clamp - no adapter needed.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4Y1S1ENRG4BWJKNKMFRXR\">Can I use other Cricut pens in my Cricut Joy machine?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>No. Cricut Joy Pens are compact, sized perfectly for your machine.</p></div>\n</div><div class=\"toggle\">\n<h3 id=\"01H8Y4Y6SKPPBX0G3TQEK5MPH3\">Can I use any other Cricut power cord with my Cricut Joy machine?</h3>\n<div class=\"toggle-content\"><p>The power cord for Cricut Joy may be used with Cricut Joy Xtra, and vice versa, but no other machine power cord may be used.</p></div>\n</div><p> </p><div class=\"facebook-group-ad\"><p>Facebook banner ad placeholder text.</p></div>","user_segment_ids":[]}}