More resources to get you started with Cricut Maker 3. Just select a link below.
- What comes in the box
- Machine overview
- Learn about compatible machine mats
- Learn about compatible blades and machine tools
- Learn about compatible materials
- Learn about compatible pens and markers
- Register your machine
- How to Download Design Space
- How to connect to Design Space
- FAQ
What comes in the box
- Cricut Maker 3 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety document
- Warranty document
- USB cable
- Power adapter and power cord
- Material for test cut
- Bonus materials
Note: Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, QuickSwap Tools, machine mats, and other accessories sold separately.
Machine overview
Learn about compatible machine mats
Cricut Maker 3 can cut Smart Materials without a mat, as well as a wide variety of other materials on a machine mat. Machine mats have an adhesive area with just the right grip to hold your material in place during cutting, then allow you to easily remove it when finished.
Cricut Maker 3 can use 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) and 12 in x 24 in (30.5 cm x 61 cm) machine mats in four different grip strengths, as well as Cricut Card Mat 2 x 2. Learn more about machine mats.
Learn about compatible blades and machine tools
Cricut Maker 3 comes with a Premium Fine-Point blade + housing (pictured below) to cut a wide variety of popular materials, but also features more power and an Adaptive Tool System that makes it possible for you to cut fabrics, engrave metal, deboss leather & so much more!* See compatible blades and machine tools.
*Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, QuickSwap Tools, and other accessories sold separately.
Learn about compatible materials
Cricut Maker 3 can cut 300+ materials. See all 300+ compatible materials.
Learn about compatible pens and markers
Cricut Maker 3 can write and draw with Cricut Pens and Markers to add a variety of colors, line weights, and effects to your projects. See compatible pens and markers.
FAQ
What is the difference between Cricut Maker models?
The key differences are speed, length, and Smart Materials compatibility for cutting without a mat.
| Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Maker | |
| Two tool clamps | ✔ | ✔ |
| Max material width |
13 in (33 cm) of Smart Materials 12 in (30.5 cm) materials on a machine mat |
12 in (30.5 cm) materials on a machine mat |
| Works with Smart Materials for long, continuous cuts without a machine mat | ✔ | — |
| Max cut length |
Up to 12 ft (3.65 m) (Smart Materials only) |
Up to 2 ft (0.59 m) |
| Up to 2X faster cutting and writing |
✔ (Compared to Cricut Maker) |
✔ (Compared to Cricut Explore Air) |
| Print Then Cut capability | On white & colored materials | On white & colored materials |
| Tool compatibility | 13 (for cutting, writing, scoring & other pro-level effects) | 13 (for cutting, writing, scoring & other pro-level effects) |
| Compatible with Roll Holder | ✔ | — |
What are the dimensions and weight of Cricut Maker 3?
- Height: 15.06 cm (5.93 in)
- Length: 53.80 cm (21.18 in)
- Depth: 17.75 cm (6.99 in)
- Weight: 4.84 kg (10.68 lbs.)
What are the power requirements of this machine?
- Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 1.6 A
Note: All the power requirements can be found on the machine's power adapter.
What is the USB port on the right side of my Cricut Maker 3 for?
It is a standard 5-Volt charging port that you can use to charge your mobile device while cutting. That is the sole purpose of this port; it is not configured for data transfer. To connect your machine to your computer via USB, connect the USB cable to the port on the back of the machine.
Important: Use only the power cord that came with your machine as it is configured with the right power output requirements to support charging a mobile device while cutting.
What is the maximum size I can cut?
| Cricut Maker 3 | |
| Smart Iron-On |
11.7 in x 4 ft (29.7 cm x 1.2 m) |
| Smart Vinyl |
11.7 in x 12 ft (29.7 cm x 3.6 m) |
| Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock |
11.7 in x 11.2 in (29.7 cm x 28.4 cm) |
|
On a 12 in x 12 in mat (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) |
11.5 in x 11.5 in (29.2 cm x 29.2 cm) |
|
On a 12 in x 24 in mat (30.5 cm x 61 cm) |
11.5 in x 23.5 in (29.2 cm x 59.6 cm) |
How will Cricut Maker 3 know which blade I have loaded?
When cutting a project, Cricut Maker 3 will move the carriage to the right (this is calling "homing"), then scan the blade to see which blade is installed.
How do I remove / replace the Accessory Adapter for my Cricut Maker 3?
Follow these instructions to remove and replace your Accessory Adapter.
How thick can my material be with Cricut Maker machines?
3/32 of an inch, or 2.4mm. Click here for more info on cutting thicker materials.
Does Cricut Maker 3 have to be connected to the internet?
Not necessarily. With the Design Space app installed on your computer or iOS mobile device, you can still design and send projects to your machine without internet connectivity. However, for certain features and functionality, such as content sync and uploading images, you’ll need to be connected to the internet and signed in.
Note: Offline feature not currently available for Design Space on Android mobile devices.
Tip: Click here to learn more about designing and cutting offline in Design Space.
How do I align Smart Materials when loading it into the machine?
Align Smart Materials with left material guides. Push material gently against rollers as you press Load Button.
Can I use other brands of vinyl or iron-on without a mat?
No. We recommend using a machine mat when using other brands of vinyl or iron-on. Cricut Smart Materials have been rigorously tested to cut without a mat on Cricut Maker 3 machines.
I’m new to Smart Materials. What are they?
These clever materials work without a machine mat, just load the material directly into your Cricut Maker 3 machine and go. Smart Materials come in a variety of material types, including Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock. Visit this article for information.
Do I need to measure and cut my Smart Material before I load it?
No, you can load Smart Materials directly into your machine without measuring, or precutting.
How will I know if I have enough Smart Material for my project?
Cricut Maker 3 measures loaded Smart Materials for each project before cutting. If more material is needed to cut your project, Design Space will prompt you to load the required material length.
Tip: You’ll need at need at least 13 in x 6 in (33 cm x 15.2 cm) of Smart Materials to cut without a mat.
Do I need to buy the Cricut Roll Holder if I plan on using longer rolls of material?
No, Cricut Maker 3 is designed to work with rolls of Smart Materials up to 75 ft (22.8 m) right out of the box. While not required, Cricut Roll Holder is extremely helpful when using larger rolls and it helps keep your material aligned for clean, precise cuts.
How wide is a roll of Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On?
The roll of material is 13 in (33 cm) wide. The maximum cuttable width is 11.7 in (29.7 cm).
How do I apply long lengths of vinyl?
Follow these instructions to apply long cuts of vinyl onto your project surface.
What tools do I need to get started?
Required tools will vary depending on the project. We recommend starting with our Essential Tool Set.
Why is there a delay between pressing the pause button and my machine pausing?
A small amount of data for your project is stored in your machine so it knows what to do next. When pausing a cut, there is a small delay while your machine processes the pause.