How to engrave with Cricut Maker 5

Gather everything you'll need before starting your first engraving project.

What you'll need

• Cricut Maker 5
• Cricut Engraving Tool
• Design Space on a compatible computer or mobile device
• Compatible engraving blank
• Cricut machine mat appropriate for your blank
• Painter's tape
• Brayer (recommended)

Create and position your engraving design in Design Space before loading your material.

1. Open Design Space and select Engrave on the home screen.
2. Add a shape that matches your blank, change its Operation to Pen, then choose Marker (1 mm) > Blue (Washable Fabric).
3. Add your engraving design, change its Operation to Engrave, then resize and position it inside the guide shape.
4. Select both the guide shape and engraving design, then select Attach.
5. Select Make.
6. On the Prepare screen, position the attached design so it matches where you'll place your blank on the machine mat.
7. Turn off Mark Fabric, then select Continue.

Note: The blue guide layer is only used to help position your blank. It will not be drawn during your project.

Secure your blank to the machine mat before engraving to help prevent movement and produce the best results.

1. Remove any protective film, then place the blank on the machine mat in the same location shown on the Prepare screen.
2. Use a brayer to firmly press the blank onto the mat, then tape all four sides with painter's tape.
3. Keep the tape outside the engraving area and make sure it does not extend beneath the mat guides or rubber rollers.
4. Move the white star wheels on the roller bar all the way to the right.
5. Make sure there is enough space in front of and behind the machine for the mat to move freely during engraving.

Important: Do not touch or adjust the mat while the machine is engraving. Even slight movement can affect engraving quality.

Design Space will guide you through the remaining setup.

1. Select the material that matches your blank.
2. When prompted, install the Cricut Engraving Tool or Cricut Engraving Tip with QuickSwap Housing.
3. Load the machine mat into Cricut Maker 5.
4. Press the flashing Go button to begin engraving.
5. When engraving is complete, press Unload to remove the machine mat.

Note: Engraving may take several minutes depending on the size and complexity of your design. This is normal.

After engraving, carefully clean your project before handling or displaying it.

1. Remove the blank and painter's tape from the machine mat.
2. Use a piece of painter's tape to gently lift engraving debris from the engraved surface.
3. If needed, use compressed air or a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any remaining debris. Direct debris away from the inside of the machine.

Tip: Avoid wiping engraving debris across the surface of your blank, as it may scratch some materials.

Your first engraving project is complete!

Congratulations! You've completed your first engraving project. Continue exploring the resources below to improve your engraving results and learn more advanced techniques.

• Compatible materials
• Best fonts for engraving
• How to get the best results
• Tips for designing your project
• How to create a fill for images & text
• Materials with engraving settings in Design Space
• Troubleshooting issues when something goes wrong