Cricut Explore Series FAQ

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!

Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore One require a Cricut Wireless Bluetooth Adapter to connect to a mobile device. Bluetooth connectivity is built in on Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Explore Air machines.  

Click here to compare Cricut Explore models with other Cricut smart cutting 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)

All the Explore series machines need between 100-240 volts input to operate. 

Yes. You will need Explore One Accessory Adapter. Switch with the blade housing for writing or scoring projects. 

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.  

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!

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. 

Follow these instructions to remove and replace your Accessory Adapter. 

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 on Desktop. Click here to learn how to use the Offline feature in iOS app. 

• Cricut Explore 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

Technological innovations in speed, cutting length, and Smart Materials compatibility. See the comparison chart above for more information. 

No. Go to Cricut.com/setup to activate your Cricut Explore 3 machine. 

Bluetooth connectivity has become standard for all Cricut cutting machines. 

Yes. Cricut Explore 3 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. 

No. The power cord connector and receptacle on Cricut Explore 3 are different than previous models. 

Align Smart materials with left material guides. Push material gently against rollers as you press Load button. 

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 Explore 3 machines. 

These clever materials work without a machine mat, just load the material directly into your Cricut Explore 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.

No, you can load Smart Materials directly into your machine without measuring, or precutting. If using Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On, we recommend leaving material attached to the rest of the roll while cutting.

Cricut Explore 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.

No, Cricut Explore 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.

A combination of servo and stepper motors.

The roll of material is 13 in (33 cm) wide. The maximum cuttable width is 11.7 in (29.7 cm).

By default, Cricut Explore 3 runs at Fast Mode speeds for cutting and writing with certain materials on a mat, and is already optimized for top speed when cutting Smart Materials without a machine mat, so no Fast Mode needed! 

Follow these instructions for transferring long cuts of vinyl onto your project surface.

Required tools will vary depending on the project. We recommend starting with our Essential Tool Set. 

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.

Both models runs at Fast Mode speed when possible (for Cricut Explore Air 2, when the Fast Mode toggle is on), we just don’t show the Fast Mode toggle when using Cricut Explore 3 since it runs at Fast Mode speeds by default. However, unlike Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore 3 takes a few moments to measure your mat before cutting to ensure your mat/material is long enough.