More resources to get you started with Cricut Explore 4. Just select a link below.
- What comes in the box
- 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 4 Smart Cutting Machine
- Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Power adapter and power cord
- USB cable*
- 1 Light Grip Machine Mat (12 in x 12 in | 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
- 1 Fine Point Pen
- 1 Mini Weeder
- Material for test cut
- Enough additional materials to get you started
- User Guide, including:
- Warranty
- Safety information
*USB cable is for connecting to computer only; it does not connect your machine to a mobile device. To use your machine with Design Space on a mobile device, connect via Bluetooth.
Learn about compatible machine mats
Cricut Explore 4 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 Explore 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 are the differences between Cricut Explore models?
The key difference between the newest models, Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Explore 3, is speed. Cricut Explore 4 is up to 2X faster than previous generation machine.* This includes faster speeds when cutting materials on a cutting machine mat!
| Cricut Explore 4 | 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 & colored materials | On white materials | On white materials | On white materials | On white materials |
| Smart Set Dial |
— (Software integrated settings) |
— (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 3*) |
✔ (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.
Does a USB cable come in the box?
Yes, a USB-C cable comes with each machine. The USB-C cable can be used to connect directly from your machine to laptop (or desktop) computer*. Or, you can choose to connect via Bluetooth. For those wishing to use USB-C cable, be sure to check your computer to make sure it has a compatible USB port. If not, an adapter will be needed.
*USB-C cable is for connecting to computer only; it does not connect your machine to a mobile device. To use your machine with Design Space on a mobile device, connect via Bluetooth.
What is the size and weight of Cricut Explore machines?
The size and weight are as follows for all Cricut Explore machines:
-
Height: 14.9 cm (5.9 in)
-
Length: 56.3 cm (22.2 in)
-
Width: 17.70 cm (7 in)
-
Weight: 5 kg (11.2 lbs)
What are the power requirements of this machine?
All Cricut Explore series machines need between 100-240 volts input to operate.
Does it matter how I route the power cord for my Cricut Explore 4 machine?
Yes. Cricut Explore 4 comes with a 90-degree connector to help ensure Smart Materials do not come into contact with your power cord as the material exits the back of the machine. We recommend routing your power cord to ensure material movement is unobstructed.
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?
You can use other brands of materials, but you will need to place them on a cutting mat.
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 Explore 4 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 Materials before loading?
We recommend leaving your material on the roll until after your cut has finished. Cricut Explore 4 includes sensors that measure your material length for you, ensuring that you have enough material for the project you are working on. When your cut is finished, the material will load back into the machine, allowing you to trim material away from the roll. If you have a roll holder, the built-in trimmer makes this process even easier.
How will I know if I have enough Smart Materials for my project?
Cricut Explore 4 includes sensors that measure your material length for you. If you do not have enough, you will be alerted and will not be able to continue the cut until you insert a long enough piece of Smart Material. You need at least 6 in (15.24 cm) (length) of 13 in (33 cm) (wide) Smart Material to cut it without a mat.
Do I need to buy Cricut Roll Holder if I plan on using longer rolls of Smart Materials?
While not required, Cricut Roll Holder is extremely helpful in managing bulky, long rolls, keeping them in place and perfectly aligned for long 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 for transferring 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.