I'm getting an error that the machine cannot read the cut sensor marks

Edited: September 3, 2024

I don't want to print; I just want to cut

When Design Space tells you the machine cannot read the cut sensor marks, this means the image you are trying to cut is set to Print Then Cut. The machine is searching for the Print Then Cut sensor marks that will allow it to cut the image accurately. If you did not intend to Print Then Cut, and would rather cut only, you can easily change your image from Print Then Cut to just Cut. Follow the instructions found here to change the image Operation.

Tip: You can prevent this misunderstanding with uploaded images by choosing Save as a Cut image before saving the image to your library. Click here for more information about uploading images into Design Space.

Note: Cut images do not retain any internal patterns or colors, so if you need to retain internal cut paths, make sure to remove the appropriate portions of the image during the cleanup step to create the desired cut shape of your image.

If you do wish to Print Then Cut and are facing this error, proceed with the troubleshooting below.

Troubleshooting Print Then Cut

There are several variables that can interfere with your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machine’s ability to read the Print Then Cut sensor marks properly.

1. Lighting
   • Direct sunlight, overhead reading lamps, or other lighting directed toward your Cricut machine may interfere with the machine’s Print Then Cut sensor light. Shield the Print Then Cut sensor light from direct lighting or turn off any direct lighting, and re-attempt the cut.
2. Material position
   • All printable materials must be placed in the top left corner of the cutting mat adhesive area, aligned with the mat grid markings, and applied smoothly. Incorrect mat placement or wrinkles in the material may interfere with reading the cut sensor marks.
3. Machine Mat
   • Verify your Cricut machine mat has been placed under the mat guides, and ensure the mat is positioned snugly against the machine's rollers before pressing the Load button on the machine.
   • Is the mat bent? A bend or crease in the mat can cause a failure to read the cut sensor marks. Press down on the bend if possible as your machine scans cut sensor marks, or remove sheet, rotate mat 180-degrees, reapply sheet to the opposite end of the mat and reattempt the cut.
   • For best results, use a machine mat with few or no marks or smudges. A mat with smudges near the cut sensor marks may cause your Cricut machine to mistake the smudges for cut sensor marks.
4. Printable Material
   • Non-Letter-sized materials, colored materials, or materials containing any kind of pattern may interfere with the machine’s ability to read the cut sensor marks
     • Use white materials for all Print Then Cut projects with Cricut Explore Air 2 and older machines.
     • Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore 3, and Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Venture, and Cricut Joy Xtra can Print Then Cut with lightly colored or simple patterned papers. Bold, dark colors and busy patterns may interfere with the machine’s ability to read the cut sensor marks.
   • Glossy paper may interfere with the machine’s ability to read the cut sensor marks. Use paper with a matte finish instead.
   • Smudges that appear around the cut sensor marks on your printable material can cause your Cricut machine to mistake the smudges for cut sensor marks. Ensure your printed sheet is free of extraneous ink or smudges near the cut sensor marks.
5. Image Size
   • Maximum image or design size depends on the size of your printable material. If your image or design exceeds the printable dimensions of your page, you’ll receive a warning message, and a warning icon will appear next to the affected layers in the Layers panel. Choose the option to auto-resize your image to fit on your material size, or change your default page size in Settings.
6. Cut Sensor Light
   • Verify that the Print Then Cut sensor light is clean.
     • To clean the cut sensor light on your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine, sweep gently with a small, clean, dry watercolor paintbrush.
   • Verify that the Print Then Cut sensor light comes on when scanning for Print Then Cut sensor markings. It is located on the underside of the carriage. If that light does not come on when scanning the Print Then Cut sensor marks, contact Member Care for assistance.
7. System Requirements
   • Ensure your system meets the minimum system requirements for Design Space.
   • If it does not meet those requirements, attempt your Print Then Cut project with a system that does meet the requirements.
8. Printer Setup
   • Before you print your design again, make sure your printer settings follow these guidelines: 
     • Print in Portrait mode
     • Make sure the printer is not low on ink
     • Do not use narrow margins settings
     • Print Layout should be 1 page per sheet
     • Do not adjust page scale (i.e., do not enlarge, do not "fit to page" or "shrink to fit")
     • Do not use edge printing
     • Do not center align
     • The ideal margins from the top left are 0.5" to 1.5" down
     • The ideal margins from the top left are 0.5" to 1.5" right

     Refer to your printer user manual as needed, or reach out to your printer manufacturer, for assistance accessing your printer settings outside of Design Space.

9. If your system meets the minimum requirements, and none of the other troubleshooting steps have helped, please contact Member Care for assistance.

Tip: If needed, you can use the PDF file attached to this article for Print Then Cut Calibration.