Which materials can I cut with my Cricut smart cutting machine?

The list below includes materials you can cut with Cricut Maker 5. Some materials, such as acrylic blanks and aluminum sheets, can be engraved but not cut. When your project includes an Engrave operation, you’ll find tested and approved material settings on the Compatible tab in Design Space.  

Note: While Cricut Maker 5 can use some materials up to 1/8 in (3 mm) thick, we do not guarantee that every material up to that thickness can be cut. Material thickness alone does not determine whether it can be cut. Density, rigidity, and the amount of pressure needed also affect compatibility. Choose a Design Space material setting that matches your material and is compatible with the installed tool and intended operation, and test a small area of the material first.

The list below contains materials that can be cut by the machine. There are other materials the machine can use but cannot cut – such as acrylic and aluminum sheets – that are compatible only with the Engraving Tip. Those settings will be available for you to select under the 'Compatible' tab when you have an Engrave operation on the mat. 

Tip: If your material is not listed here, try a test cut with a similar material setting, provided the thickness of your material is less than less than 2.4 mm for Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Maker 4. The maximum thickness can also vary with the rigidity and density of the cutting material. 

The list below contains materials that can be cut by the machine. There are other materials the machine can use but cannot cut – such as acrylic and aluminum sheets – that are compatible only with the Engraving Tip. Those settings will be available for you to select under the 'Compatible' tab when you have an Engrave operation on the mat. 

Tip: If your material is not listed here, try a test cut with a similar material setting, provided the thickness of your material is less than less than 2.4 mm for Cricut Maker. The maximum thickness can also vary with the rigidity and density of the cutting material.

Tip: If your material is not listed here, try a test cut with a similar material setting, provided the thickness of your material is less than 2.0 mm for Cricut Explore 5. The maximum thickness the machine can cut varies with the rigidity and density of the cutting material. To know how to use the Custom material settings in Design Space, visit this help article.

Tip: If your material is not listed here, try a test cut with a similar material setting, provided the thickness of your material is less than less than 2.0 mm for Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Explore 4. The maximum thickness can also vary with the rigidity and density of the cutting material. 

*Applies to Cricut Explore Air 2 and older

Tip: If your material is not listed here, try a test cut with a similar material setting, provided the thickness of your material is less than less than 2.0 mm for Cricut Explore Air 2. The maximum thickness can also vary with the rigidity and density of the cutting material.

Smart Set Dial Settings

Custom Materials

* With Stabilizers.

Tip: Stabilizers are used to hold fabrics and other woven materials flat and firm on the cutting mat and to prevent stretching during cutting. We have used Wonder Under and Heat n Bond. You can find similar brands at your local craft and fabric stores.

Tip: If your material is not listed here, try a test cut with a similar material setting, provided the thickness of your material is less than 1.65 mm for Cricut Joy 2. The maximum thickness the machine can cut varies with the rigidity and density of the cutting material. To know how to use the Custom material settings in Design Space, visit this help article.