Edited: October 9, 2024
Fast Mode is a feature of the Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker machines which allows you to cut and write up to 2x faster on a mat than previous models. This feature is available with the Vinyl, Iron-on, and Cardstock material settings in Design Space (Vinyl to Cardstock+ on the Explore Air 2 Smart Set Dial).
How to use Fast Mode
- When you are ready to write or cut your project, proceed to the Cut screen.
- The Fast Mode option will be available to you if you have selected a compatible material.
- Simply toggle the switch On to activate Fast Mode.
Note: Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore 3 are already optimized to cut and write at Fast Mode's speeds, so the Fast Mode toggle is unnecessary and will not appear when using these models.
Note: Machines will be louder when using Fast Mode. This is normal.
Speed test results
| Test | Project Image |
Fast Mode Off (seconds) |
Fast Mode On (seconds) |
Times Faster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draw straight line (point A to B) |
6.97 | 3.47 | 2.01 | |
| Cut straight line (point A to B) |
5.90 | 2.94 | 2.01 | |
| Draw 11.5” x 23.5” swirl | 73.04 | 36.59 | 2.00 | |
| Cut 11.5” x 23.5” swirl | 73.71 | 37.45 | 1.97 | |
| Cut 11.5” x 23.5” spiral | 60.80 | 31.02 | 1.96 | |
| Cut 11.5” x 23.5” triangle | 30.55 | 15.61 | 1.96 | |
| Cut 11.5” x 11.5” heart | 17.09 | 8.81 | 1.94 | |
| Cut 11.5” x 11.5” star | 21.13 | 11.32 | 1.87 |
Tip: If your cuts or drawings are imprecise when using Fast Mode, switch back to the regular mode for those particular projects.
Note: Fast Mode available only for Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker. Not available for other Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker models, or Cricut Joy.