Design Space for Desktop Numbered Error Codes and Troubleshooting

Edited: March 27, 2025

Select a link below for information and troubleshooting steps. 

• Error starting application 
• Numbered error codes
• Other troubleshooting

Error starting application

If you receive an error message or blank white screen when launching Design Space for Desktop it may be due to an outdated version of Design Space or third-party software interference. Use the information in this article to troubleshoot the issue: Design Space for Desktop: Error Starting Application.

Numbered error codes

If you receive an error in Design Space when you try to send your project to the machine, the numbered code following that error can help you diagnose the issue. Select the specific error message you receive from the links below, and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps. 

• (0)
• (-2)
• (-3), (-10), (-19)
• (-18)
• (-21)
• (-24)
• (-33)

If you are experiencing an error that is not listed here, contact Member Care for assistance: Cricut Contact Information

 (0):

Note: If you're getting a '0 unknown' error as soon as you try to open Design Space, see this article instead: Design Space for Desktop: Error Starting Application. If the error occurs when you attempt to send your project to your machine, follow the steps below.

1. Reboot your computer and your machine (by powering the machine off and back on again). If you are using a Mac, ensure that you perform a Hard Reset by pressing and holding the computer power button until the screen goes black and the computer shuts down completely. Then press the power button to reboot.
2. Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for running Design Space.  If it does not, attempt your project using a computer that does meet the requirements.
3. Is the error appearing with multiple projects? If the issue is isolated to one project, that project will need to be recreated.
4. If none of the preceding helps, try your cut on a different computer.
5. Contact Member Care for assistance if none of the proceeding steps resolve the issue.

(-2):

This is a "Not Supported" error. 

1. Ensure that you are trying to cut with a compatible Cricut machine (i.e. Cricut Explore series, Cricut Maker series, Cricut Joy series, and Cricut Venture). If you are using a compatible machine, proceed to the next step.
2. Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for running Design Space. If it does not, try a computer that does meet the minimum requirements.

(-3), (-10), (-19)

Follow the steps below:

1. Click the Retry or Reset Connection button to refresh the machine communication, and attempt the cut process again.
2. Ensure that you have completed the New Machine Setup process. If any part of that process has been skipped, that can cause this error to occur. If you aren't sure whether or not you have completed the setup, you can refer to this help article.
3. Check the color of your power button:
   • Green: Compatible Cricut machine power button/status light will never be green, so if your machine power light is green, you are attempting to use Design Space with an older machine with which it is not compatible (i.e. Cricut Expression, Cricut Personal, Cricut Create). You will need to attempt your cut with a Cricut smart cutting machine instead (i.e Cricut Explore series, Cricut Maker series, Cricut Joy series, or Cricut Venture). 
   • Solid or Steady Red: Follow the steps from this article to troubleshoot.
   • Blinking or Flashing Red: Follow the steps from this article to troubleshoot.
   • Blue: This means that your machine is communicating with Design Space through Bluetooth.
   • White: This is the standard color for smart cutting machine power button/status lights. If your power button/status light is white:
     • Connect to a different USB port on the computer.
     • If you are trying to use Bluetooth instead, have your device "forget" the Cricut Bluetooth device and then pair it again.
     • If that does not resolve the issue, connect to the computer via USB cable instead, and attempt your cut. If this does not help, proceed to the next step. 
4. Disconnect the machine from the computer and turn it off. Once the machine is disconnected and powered off, complete a restart on the computer. Reconnect the machine to the computer and wait a few moments, then open Design Space and attempt the process again. If that does not help, proceed to the next step.
5. Attempt your cut using a different USB cable. A standard printer cable is usually the right configuration, so if you do not have an extra Cricut USB cable, try a printer cable. 
6. If none of this help resolves the issue, please contact Member Care for further assistance.

(-18):

This is a "Device Timeout" error and may be caused if the machine loses connection.

1. Power the Cricut machine off.
2. Close down Design Space.
3. Re-launch Design Space.
4. Power the machine back on and attempt your cut again.
5. If the issue persists, contact Member Care for assistance. 

(-21):

For this error, we recommend that you uninstall Design Space, then reinstall it. Visit these help articles for for instructions on uninstalling and reinstalling Design Space. 

(-24):

1. Are you having this issue with multiple projects? If the issue is isolated to one project, it could be that the project is too large, or did not save correctly. You will need to re-create the project. If the issue happens with all projects, proceed to the next step.
2. Try connecting the Cricut machine to the computer using another USB port on the computer.
   • If you are using Bluetooth, attempt to connect via USB cable and see if the cut will complete. There may be too much data to process via Bluetooth.
3. Try your cut using a different USB cable. A standard printer cable is usually the right configuration, so if you do not have an extra Cricut USB cable, try a printer cable. 
4. It is possible that your internet speeds do not meet the minimum requirement. You can quickly test your internet speeds at www.speedtest.net by clicking on BEGIN TEST once that page has loaded fully. See our System Requirements for required internet speeds. 
5. If your internet speeds meet the minimum requirement, you may need to attempt your cut on a different computer.

(-33):

This is an "Invalid Material Setting" error. 

1. If using a Cricut Explore Air 2 or older, check the Smart Set dial. If it is set to "Custom," ensure that you have selected a material setting in Design Space. If the dial is set to "Custom" but no material is selected in Design Space, this error can occur. If your dial is not set to "Custom," or if you are using a different model of machine, proceed to the next step. 
2. Try using a different material setting. If it is just one specific setting that results in this error, contact Member Care for assistance. 

Other Troubleshooting