Set up your Cricut Maker 5, connect it to Design Space, and make your first project.
Welcome to Cricut Maker 5! This guide will walk you through what comes with your machine, how to set it up, and how to make your first project. You’ll be creating in no time.
What you need to setup Cricut Maker 5
A little preparation will help your setup go smoothly:
- Place your Cricut Maker 5 on a firm, flat surface.
- Leave enough clear space in front of and behind the machine for your material or machine mat to move while the machine is working.
- Use the Cricut power adapter with the appropriate plug adapter for your region and electrical outlet.
- Scan the QR code found inside the box to install the latest version of Design Space on a compatible computer or mobile device.
- Make sure your computer or mobile device is connected to the internet. An internet connection is required for first-time setup and required firmware updates, and to use many Design Space features.
What’s in the box
Here's what comes with the Cricut Maker 5 Starter Bundle:
- Cricut Maker 5 machine
- Power adapter
- Regional plug adapters (based on region)
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool (pre-installed in machine)
- Scoring Tool
- Dual-tip Marker
- Light Grip Mat 12 x 12
- Paper Ruler
- Mini Weeder
- Materials for setup and beginning projects:
- Smart Vinyl
- Transfer Tape
- Smart Iron-On
- Value Cardstock
- User guide, safety information, and warranty information
Note: Box contents may vary by country, retailer, or bundle, so check your packaging for the exact items included with your machine. Tools may also vary. Every machine comes with a cutting blade already installed, either blade+metal housing or the new Cutting Tool.
Get to know your machine
Use the diagram and table below to learn about the different parts of Cricut Maker 5 and what they do:
| Part | What it Does | |
| 1 | Tool Clamp | Holds Cutting Tools, Scoring Tools, and other compatible tools. |
| 2 | Pen Holder | Holds a compatible Cricut pen or marker, marked with this symbol: |
| 3 | Indicator Light |
Shows when the machine's current status:
|
| 4 | Go/Pause Button |
Loads your mat or material. With Load & Go, your project starts automatically after loading. Press the button again to pause or resume a project. The button is lighted:
|
| 5 | Unload Button |
Unloads your mat or material after a project is finished or canceled. The button is lighted:
|
| 6 | Material Guides | Help keep a machine mat or Smart Material aligned as it loads into the machine, and while cutting. |
| 7 | Star Wheels | Support material as it moves through the machine. For thicker materials or when using a Card Mat, you may need to move the star wheels to a different position. |
| 8 | Storage Compartment | Gives you a convenient place to store blades, tools, and other accessories. |
Set up Cricut Maker 5
Ready to get started? Follow these steps:
- Give your machine some room. Make sure there is at least 10 in (25 cm) of clear space behind your Cricut Maker 5 so materials can move through the machine.
- Remove the packaging. Take off all packaging materials, including any packaging around the blade assembly inside the machine.
- Connect the power. Plug the power adapter (with the applicable regional plug adapter installed) into your machine, then into a nearby wall outlet. Cricut Maker 5 turns on when it is connected to power. For regional plug adapter installation instructions, click here.
- Open Design Space. Scan the QR code found inside your box, or go to cricut.com/setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install Design Space.
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Sign in. When prompted, create or sign in to your Cricut account.
Already have Design Space? Open the Design Space menu, then choose Settings > Machines > New Product Setup on computer, or Menu > Machine Setup on mobile. - Connect your machine. Follow the instructions in Design Space to connect Cricut Maker 5 via Bluetooth (BLE) or USB cable.
- Finish the setup steps. Accept the terms of use when prompted and install any required firmware update. Firmware is the software built into your machine that helps it operate correctly.
- Make your first test cut. When setup is finished, Design Space will guide you through a quick test cut using the included materials.
Important: When using Bluetooth for future projects, simply select your Cricut Maker 5 from the machine picker in Design Space. You do not need to pair the machine from your device’s Bluetooth settings.
Make your first project
Now for the fun part: making something!
Prepare your project
- Choose a project. In Design Space, choose a project flow, such as Vinyl Decal or Iron-On T-Shirt.
- Create your design. Add images, shapes, and text to the Canvas. If you need help along the way, select Project Instructions in the upper-left corner to see step-by-step directions.
- Select Make. When your design is ready, select Make.
- Choose your load type. Select whether you are going to place your material on a machine mat, use a Smart Material without a mat, or use a Card Mat.
- Review your project. Check the Prepare screen to make sure everything looks right, then select Continue.
Prepare your machine and material
- Connect Cricut Maker 5 to Design Space. Make sure your machine is powered on and within 10–15 ft of your computer or mobile device. Then select Cricut Maker 5 from the machine picker. If a connection prompt appears, select Connect.
- Choose your material. Select the material setting that most closely matches the material you’re using.
- Install your tool. Design Space will show you which Cutting Tool or accessory your project needs and where to install it. If your project includes drawing, Design Space will prompt you to place a compatible pen in the Pen Holder. Push the pen in firmly until it clicks into place.
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Load your material.
- If you’re using a machine mat: Place your material on the mat, then align the mat under the Material Guides.
- If you’re using a compatible Smart Material: Align the material directly under the Material Guides.
Make and unload your project
- Start your project. When the Go/Pause Button flashes, press it once. Cricut Maker 5 will load and measure your material, then begin the project automatically.
- Unload your project. When your project is finished, press the flashing Unload button.
Tip: If you used a machine mat, turn the mat over and gently bend the mat away from your material to release a section of the material. Holding the material as flat as possible against a flat surface, slowly peel the mat away from the rest of the material. This can make your finished project easier to remove without curling or damaging it.
What to do next
You’ve set up your Cricut Maker 5 and made your first project. From here, you can start exploring more tools, materials, and ways to create.
Visit these articles to learn more:
- How to use Cricut Maker 5
- How to load and unload materials in Cricut Maker 5
- How to install, remove, and change tools in Cricut Maker 5
- Cricut Maker 5 compatible tools, accessories, and materials