More resources to get you started with Cricut Explore Air 2. 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 Explore Air 2 machine
- Power Cord
- USB Cord
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Pen and accessory adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Welcome Book
- Quick Start Guide
- LightGrip cutting mat 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
- Materials for test cut
Machine overview
Learn about compatible machine mats
Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut a wide variety of 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 Explore Air 2 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 Explore Air 2 comes with a Fine-Point blade + housing (pictured below) to cut a wide variety of popular materials, but can also use a Deep Point blade for cutting some thicker materials. See compatible blades and machine tools.
Learn about compatible materials
Cricut Explore Air 2 works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. See all 100+ materials.
Learn about compatible pens and markers
Cricut Explore Air 2 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
Software Download for Explore machines
Go to design.cricut.com on your desktop or laptop computer and sign in with your Cricut ID. Follow on-screen prompts to download and install Design Space.
If you are using iOS or Android mobile device, search Cricut Design Space in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and download the Cricut Design Space app. Then just sign in with your Cricut ID and design away!
Do I need the Wireless Bluetooth Adapter for my Explore machine?
No. Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore One require a Cricut Wireless Bluetooth Adapter to connect to a mobile device but Bluetooth connectivity is built in on Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Explore Air machines.
What are the differences between the different Cricut Explore machines?
| Cricut Explore 3 | Cricut Explore Air 2 | Cricut Explore Air | Cricut Explore One | Cricut Explore | |
| Two tool clamps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
— (Pen adapter sold separately) |
✔ |
| Built-in Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
— (Bluetooth wireless adapter sold separately) |
— (Bluetooth wireless adapter sold separately) |
| Print Then Cut capability | On white & colored materials | On white materials | One white materials | On white materials | On white materials |
| Smart Set Dial |
— (Software integrated settings) |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cartridge Port | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Compatible with Smart Materials for long cuts without a machine mat | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
| Up to 2X faster cutting and writing |
✔ (compared to Cricut Explore Air 2) |
✔ (compared to Cricut Explore Air) |
— | — | — |
| Expanded storage cup | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
| Lid tray to hold mobile/tablet device | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
| Compatible with Roll Holder | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
Click here to compare Cricut Explore models with other Cricut smart cutting machines.
What is the size and weight of Cricut Explore machines?
The size and weight are as follows for all Cricut Explore machines:
- Height: 15.01 cm (5.91 in)
- Length: 56.31 cm (22.17 in)
- Width: 17.80 cm (7.01 in)
- Weight: 4.98 kg (10.98 lbs)
What are the power requirements of this machine?
All Cricut Explore series machines need between 100-240 volts input to operate.
Can I write or score with my Explore One machine?
Yes. You will need Explore One Accessory Adapter. Switch with the blade housing for writing or scoring projects.
What is the maximum size I can cut?
| Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Explore One & Cricut Explore | |
|
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) |
Can I cut Smart Materials on previous models of Cricut Explore?
Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3 have been designed, optimized, and rigorously tested for use with Smart Materials. Smart Materials are not intended for use with previous-generation Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machines unless placed on a machine mat. Using Smart Materials with older machines without a mat may cause material jams, compromise cutting precision, and damage machine parts, so this use is at your own risk.
Do Cricut Explore machines have a fast mode?
Cricut Explore Air 2 is equipped with Fast Mode for cutting and writing up to 2X faster than Cricut Explore Air when using some Vinyl, Iron-On, and Cardstock settings.
By default, Cricut Explore 3 runs at Fast Mode speeds for cutting and writing with certain materials on a mat. The machine has also been optimized to ensure top speed and precision with Smart Materials without a mat, so no Fast Mode needed!
How do I remove/replace the accessory adapter for my Cricut Explore machine?
Follow these instructions to remove and replace your Accessory Adapter.
Does Cricut Explore Air 2 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.