Edited: September 30, 2024
Design Space gives you the ability to upload your own images and converts them into cuttable shapes! Select a link below for information on uploading images into Design Space.
Upload Instructions
There are two different types of uploaded images: Basic and Vector.
- Basic Images, also known as raster images, include .jpg, .bmp, .png, and .gif file types. These files are uploaded as a single layer, and you can edit the image during the upload process.
- Vector Images include .svg and .dxf files. These cut ready images that upload as designed. Files designed with layers will automatically be separated into layers after uploading and saving.
Select a platform below to view step-by-step instructions to upload basic and vector images.
Note: DXF files are not supported in Design Space for iOS and Android at this time.
Step 1 - Select Upload on the design panel to the left of the Canvas. Upload allows you to work with raster image types, including .jpg, .bmp, .png, .gif and .heic image files as well as vector images, including .svg and .dxf files. To begin, select Upload Image.
Step 2 - Select Browse to open the file selector and locate the image you want to use from your computer, or simply drag and drop the file into the upload window. If you select a .jpg, .gif, .png, or .bmp file, you will be taken through the Basic image upload flow. If you select a .svg or .dxf, you will be taken through the Vector image upload flow.
Option 1 – Basic Image Upload:
- Select the .jpg, .png, .gif, .heic, or .bmp file you want to upload. Then select Open in the file selector or drag and drop the file into the Design Space image upload window.
- A preview of the image will be shown. At the bottom right of the screen select Continue.
- Next, define the cut lines of your image.
- Use the Select, Erase, and Restore tools to remove the unwanted background and other areas from your image. You can use the Reduce colors dropdown to simplify your image, and the Color Tolerance to adjust how much the Select tool removes at once. You can use the Crop tool to trim off excess edges on your image.
- The checkerboard background indicates the areas that have been removed and will not cut. The solid areas represent the image you will use on the design screen.
- You can also use the Automatic Background Remover (exclusive to Cricut Access subscribers) to quickly remove unwanted background from your image. To learn more, read How to use Automatic Background Remover.
- Select Preview Single Layer to view the cut shape of your image. If the image doesn’t appear as desired, deselect Preview Single Layer and continue editing the image until you are satisfied with the preview. To zoom in or out select the - and + symbols beneath your image. You can select the % symbol to reset the zoom to 100%. You can also pan the image by scrolling vertically or horizontally (Shift + scroll to pan horizontally with a mouse). Once the image looks how you want it, select Apply & Continue.
- Select what kind of upload you want, then select Continue.
- Multiple Layers - For multi-colored images, Design Space can quickly and easily create a multi-layered image separated by color. This feature is exclusive to Cricut Access subscribers. Read more on How to use Convert to Layers in Design Space.
- Single Layer - Create a simple one-colored image or silhouette.
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Flat Graphic - Creates a single layer, full-color image (for Print Then Cut projects with a home printer).
- Name your image and tag it for easy searching later. You can also click Create New Collection or Add to Collection to upload the image into a custom collection. Select Upload.
- You will be returned to the Canvas page and an Uploaded pop-up will show. Your new uploaded image will then appear on the Canvas. You can find your uploaded image in your uploaded image library as well.
Option 2 – Vector Image Upload:
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Select the .svg or .dxf file you want to upload. Then select Open in the file selector or drag and drop the file into the Design Space image upload window. Select Continue.
Please note: SVGs are restricted to 5000 paths; more than 5000 will cause an upload error to occur. - Name your image and tag it for easier searching later. Add it to any collections you'd like as well. Then select Upload.
- You will be returned to the Canvas page and an Uploaded pop-up will show. Your new uploaded image will then appear on the Canvas. You can find your uploaded image in your uploaded image library as well.
- Vector images designed with layers will appear on your Canvas as a grouped image. If ungrouped, the image layers can be moved and sized separately.
- Tap Upload on the bottom toolbar.
- Choose to take a photo, select from the Camera Roll, browse files, or open your uploaded images.
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Browse files allows you to select any file storage applications on your device (i.e. iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive). Select the location where your image file is stored and locate your image. This may look different depending on which version of iOS is running on your device.
- If the image is a vector image (SVG), the cut paths for the image are already defined, and it is ready to be saved to your uploaded images library. Enter a name for the image and select Upload in the upper right of the screen.
Note: When the image has been saved, it is automatically added to your Canvas. You can also select Upload > Open Uploaded Images to view your library of uploaded images. Select an image to insert onto the Canvas. Pull down to refresh your uploaded images as needed.
- If the image is a basic image (JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, HEIC), as it is if you take a photo or select an image from the Camera Roll, the next step is to clean up the image. This removes areas of the image you don't want, and defines the cut lines of the image. There are several clean-up tools you can use:
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Automatic Background Remover: This feature is available to Cricut Access subscribers - it uses an algorithm to remove unwanted background from your uploaded raster images in just one click. Learn more.
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Select: quickly removes connected areas of the same color. Tap on an area, or tap and hold to select a precise area. Pinch to zoom in for more precise edits. Increase or decrease the color tolerance to make it easier to remove large areas of color as needed.
To view a cut preview, select the three dots in the upper right, then choose Single Color. Switch back to Original as needed to continue cleaning.
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Erase: Drag one finger to erase areas of the image you want to remove. Adjust the slider to increase or decrease the size of the eraser. Pinch outward to zoom in for more precise edits.
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Restore brush: Restores parts of the image that have been removed. Drag one finger to bring back areas of the image you want to keep. Adjust the slider to increase or decrease the size of the brush. Pinch outward to zoom in for more precise edits.
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Crop: focuses your work area by trimming the edges of your image. Tap and drag the handles in the corners to set the crop area, then tap Done to crop the image, or tap the circular arrow in the center bottom of the screen to reset the image.
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Automatic Background Remover: This feature is available to Cricut Access subscribers - it uses an algorithm to remove unwanted background from your uploaded raster images in just one click. Learn more.
- If your image is intended to cut rather than Print Then Cut, select the three dots in the upper right corner and choose Single Color. Additional refinement tools will appear.
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Despeckle: Quickly eliminates small artifacts. Drag the slider to the right to remove larger artifacts.
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Despeckle: Quickly eliminates small artifacts. Drag the slider to the right to remove larger artifacts.
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Smooth: Simplifies jagged lines. Simply tap the + button as needed to smooth any pixelated edges. Tap the - button or the Undo icon as needed.
- When you are done cleaning up the image, tap Apply in the upper right.
- Select what kind of upload you want, then select Next.
- Multiple Layers - For multi-colored images, Design Space can quickly and easily create a multi-layered image separated by color. This feature is exclusive to Cricut Access subscribers. Read more on How to use Convert to Layers in Design Space.
- Single Layer - Create a simple one-colored image or silhouette.
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Flat Graphic - Creates a single layer, full-color image (For Print Then Cut projects with a home printer).
- Name your image, and then tap Upload in the upper right.
- Finished! When the image has been uploaded, it is automatically added to your Canvas. You can find your new upload in the uploaded images library as well. Select Upload > Open Uploaded Images to view your library of uploaded images.
- To begin an image upload, tap Upload on the bottom toolbar.
- Choose to take a photo, select from the photo library, or open Uploaded Images.
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Select from Photo Library allows you to select any file storage applications on your device (i.e., Google Drive, Onedrive, Dropbox, etc). Select the location where your image file is stored and locate your image. This may look different depending on which version of Android OS is running on your device.
- If the image is a vector image (SVG), the cut paths for the image are already defined, and it is ready to be saved to your uploaded images library. Enter a name for the image and select Upload in the upper right.
Note: When the image has been uploaded it is automatically added to your Canvas. You can also select Upload > Open Uploaded Images to view your library of uploaded images. Select an image to insert onto the Canvas. Pull down to refresh your uploaded images as needed.
- If the image is a basic image (JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF), which it would be if you take a photo or select an image from the Camera Roll, the next step is to clean up the image. This removes areas of the image you don't want and defines the cut lines of the image. There are several clean-up tools:
- Automatic Background Remover: This feature is available to Cricut Access subscribers - it uses an algorithm to remove unwanted background from your uploaded raster images in just one click. Learn more.
- Select: Tap an area to quickly removes connected pieces of the same color. Pinch to zoom in for more precise edits. Tap on color tolerance and change the default number to increase or decrease how much is removed with each selection. The checkered background indicates areas that have been removed and will not be cut.
- Erase: Erase areas of the image. Drag one finger across areas of the image you want to remove. Adjust the slider to increase or decrease the size of the eraser. Pinch outward to zoom in for more precise edits.
- Crop: Focuses your work area by trimming the edges of your image. Tap and drag the handles in the corners to set the crop area, then tap Save to crop the image, or tap the Cancel to reset the image.
- Undo and Redo Arrows: Tap the arrows at the top to undo or redo the most recent edit.
- When you are done cleaning up the image, tap Apply in the upper right of the screen.
- Select what kind of upload you want, then select Next.
- Multiple Layers - For multi-colored images, Design Space can quickly and easily create a multi-layered image separated by color. This feature is exclusive to Cricut Access subscribers. Read more on How to use Convert to Layers in Design Space.
- Single Layer - Create a simple one-colored image or silhouette.
-
Flat Graphic - Creates a single layer, full-color image (for Print Then Cut projects with a home printer).
- Name your image and tap Upload in the upper right of the screen.
- Finished! When the image has been uploaded, it is automatically added to your Canvas. You can find your new upload in the uploaded images library as well. Select Upload > Open Uploaded Images to view your library of uploaded images.
Tip: Uploaded images can also be searched by name or tag. While in the Images screen select the Upload filter and then use the search at the top.
Important: Cricut encourages you to respect the intellectual property rights of others and only upload images you own and are authorized to use.
Troubleshooting
Large Image Warning: While uploading or saving a large or high resolution image, a warning may show "Loading Image. Wow! That's a large image. This may take a moment." You can either wait for the image to finish uploading/saving/adding to Canvas, resize the image, crop the image, or reduce the resolution outside of Design Space to make it upload or render faster.
File too large Error: Some images will be too large to upload into Design Space. For instance, vector images with over 5000 paths are too large and will cause an error to appear: "File Too Large. To upload, reduce size, then try again." To resolve this, the creator of the SVG will need to reduce the number of paths in the file, then you can attempt to upload again.
How to use Automatic Background Remover
Note: This feature is available to Cricut Access subscribers in Design Space for Desktop v6.14 and higher only.
What is Automatic Background Remover?
Automatic Background Remover uses an algorithm to remove unwanted background from your uploaded raster images in just one click!
How it works
1. Select Upload, then select a raster image from your computer (.png, .jpg, .gif, .bmp)
2. Select image type – Simple, Moderately Complex, or Complex – and click Continue.
3. In the Background Removal area at the left of the screen, find Automatic and select Remove Background.
Note: If you don't have a Cricut Access subscription, you'll have the option to preview the feature. To have full access to the automatic background remover, select Subscribe and set up your Cricut Access subscription. If your account is eligible for a free trial, you'll see the option to start that free trial after you select Subscribe.
4. Use Preview Cut Image to check the cut preview for accuracy.
5. If further edits are needed, use the Manual tools to Select or Erase areas of the image you want to remove, or Restore parts of the image.
6. When you're satisfied with the cut preview, select Continue.
7. Choose to save as a Cut image or as a Print Then Cut Image, name and tag the image, then select Upload to add it to your library.
Automatic Background Remover FAQ
What types of images work best for the Automatic Background Remover feature?
Images with well-defined foreground and background work best. In the first image below the contrast between foreground and background is well-defined. The second image is more complex; only the central trees were detected as foreground, so one would use the Restore brush to bring back desired parts of the image, or revert to the original image and use the Manual tools to define the cut shape.
The feature removed parts of the image I wanted to keep. What do I do?
Drag the Restore brush over the areas you wish to include. You can adjust the size of the brush as needed.
If needed, select Revert to reset the image, then use the Manual tools to remove the areas you don't want to keep.
Why is there a Cricut watermark over my image preview?
A Cricut Access subscription is necessary to use the Automatic Background Remover feature, but we wanted to give everyone the option to see how it works, so the preview will contain a watermark. If you choose to subscribe to Cricut Access, the watermark will be removed from the image preview.
What if I don't have Cricut Access? Can I still use the Manual tools?
Absolutely! The Manual tools are still available to all users regardless of Cricut Access subscription status.
How to use Convert to Layers
Instantly convert an uploaded multicolored image into separate layers with the Convert to Layers feature. Select a link below for information about using Convert to Layers in Design Space.
Note: Convert to Layers is an exclusive feature for Cricut Access subscribers. However, anyone can preview the final image upload screen. The feature is currently available with Design Space for Desktop v8.28 and later, iOS v5.56.0 and later, and Android v5.49 and later.
Convert to Layers Instructions
- Select Upload on the design panel to the left of the Canvas.
- Select Upload Image.
- Drag and drop a compatible image file into the upload window, or select Browse to locate and choose a file to upload. Then, select Continue.
- Remove the unwanted areas of the uploaded image using Automatic Background Remover and/or the Manual editing tools. When you’re satisfied with your edits, click Apply & Continue.
Tip: Use the Preview Single Layer option to view the cut shape of your image. This often will reveal background areas or other artifacts that you may wish to remove before continuing to the next step.
- On the Convert Upload To screen, select Multiple Layers, then select Continue.
- On the Multiple Layers screen, choose from several options to optimize how your image will cut. First, select the Uploaded Image type: did you upload clipart or a photograph?
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Next, choose an Output Style, or how you intend to assemble your design after cutting:
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Stacked: Creates a solid base layer that other layers stack on top of. Best for iron-on (HTV), paper, & vinyl projects.
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Sliced: Creates layers that fit together like puzzle pieces without overlapping. Best for Infusible Ink™ projects.
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- Select the number of layers you want to cut out, up to 9. The preview will adjust to reflect your selection. Colors are automatically assigned based on the colors in your image, but you can adjust these on the Canvas later.
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Use the Advanced tools as desired to further refine your image. The preview will adjust to reflect your selections.
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Smooth – Smooths textures and rounds borders to reduce complexity.
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Reduce Noise – Reduces speckles and ultra-fine details while preserving sharpness.
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Simplify – Simplifies complex images to improve cuttability.
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- Inspect the preview as you refine your image. You can preview the composite image as well as click to preview the individual layers. When you’re finished, select Continue.
- Name, tag, and assign your image to a Collection as desired. Then select Upload.
- Done! The multi-layer image is automatically added to the Canvas. You can also find it later under My Stuff > Images > Uploaded.
- Select Upload on the bottom toolbar.
- Choose to take a photo or select from Photo Library. Then, choose a file to upload.
- Remove the unwanted areas of the image using Automatic Background Remover and/or the Manual editing tools. When you’re satisfied with your edits, select Apply.
Tip: Use the Preview Single Layer option to view the cut shape of your image. This often will reveal background areas that you may wish to remove before continuing to the next step.
- Next, select Multiple Layers on the “Convert Upload To” screen. Then, select Next.
- Navigate through Edit, Layers, and Advanced at the bottom of the screen to prepare your image for conversion to layers. Then, select Next.
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Edit - Choose the type of image you’re uploading (Clipart or Photo), and the Output Style (Stacked or Sliced)
- Stacked: Creates a solid base layer that other layers stack on top of. This is best for iron-on (HTV), paper, & vinyl projects.
- Sliced: Creates layers that fit together like puzzle pieces without overlapping. Best for Infusible Ink™ projects.
- Layers – Select the number of layers you want to cut out, up to 9. The preview will adjust to reflect your selection. Colors are automatically assigned based on the colors in your image, but you can adjust these on the Canvas later.
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Advanced – Use the Advanced tools as desired to further refine your image. The preview will adjust to reflect your selections.
- Smooth – Smooths textures and rounds borders to reduce complexity.
- Reduce Noise – Reduces speckles and ultra-fine details while preserving sharpness.
- Simplify – Simplifies complex images to improve cuttability.
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Edit - Choose the type of image you’re uploading (Clipart or Photo), and the Output Style (Stacked or Sliced)
- Name your image and select Upload.
- Done! The image is automatically inserted onto the Canvas. You can also find it later under My Stuff > Images > Uploaded.
Important: Cricut encourages you to respect the intellectual property rights of others and only upload images you own and are authorized to use.
Convert to Layers Tips
- Convert to Layers works best on simple, clipart types of images. Photos can have a lot of color gradients and therefore variation in their results.
- Using low fidelity, low resolution images or images that have very small dimensions can quickly result in a poor trace. For the best experience with Convert to Layers, we recommend using high definition, high resolution images.
- Automatic Background Remover - Clipart type images with clean lines and high contrast work well when using Automatic Background Remover followed by Convert to Layers. Photos or images with more colors, gradients, etc., may have a cleaner outline if you skip Automatic Background Remover and only use Convert to Layers.
- Using the Reduce Colors or Color Tolerance options, adjusting them to match your intended number of layers, can make a world of difference in your Convert to Layers results.
- There is a difference between the "Stacked" and "Sliced" Output Styles. "Stacked" creates a solid base layer that other layers stack on top of, as one often does with iron-on (HTV), paper, and vinyl projects. "Sliced" creates layers that fit together like puzzle pieces without overlapping. This output style is best for things like Infusible Ink projects.
- Using the Offset tool after adding your image to Canvas is a quick and easy way to create a base layer for iron-on designs or cardstock projects.
- If your final layered image still has unwanted pieces, use the Contour tool on the Canvas to quickly remove them.
- If the Convert to Layers tool doesn't auto-assign colors you want, you can easily change the color of individual layers after adding your image to the Canvas.
Convert to Layers FAQ
Can I use Convert to Layers if I’m not subscribed to Cricut Access?
Anyone can preview the results of Convert to Layers. To add the layers created with this feature to your Canvas, you'll need a Cricut Access™ subscription.
What image file types can I use with Convert to Layers?
Convert to Layers is for use with raster images, also known as bitmap images, which are images created using pixels (dots of color) rather than vectors. Image file types that can be uploaded into Design Space and use the Convert to Layers feature include: .jpg, .png, .gif, .heic, and .bmp.
What kind of images work best for the Convert to Layers feature?
Convert to Layers works best on simple, clipart types of images. Photos can have a lot of color gradients and therefore variation in their results.
Why does Convert to Layers have a Beta tag?
We are confident in our algorithm, but we are still working to optimize the feature in a variety of ways. With more people using the feature we can gather data on how it's performing and make needed improvements. Every design you make with it helps us further improve it to better meet your needs. Thank you for using Convert to Layers in these early stages.
How do I provide feedback about my experience with Convert to Layers?
When using Convert to Layers, if you encounter something that isn't working the way you think it should, or if you have an idea about how to improve the experience, please submit the problem or feedback through the Design Space Menu. You'll be directed to a webform where you can enter your feedback, attach screen captures, etc. Our teams are continually reviewing app feedback and bug reports in our work to further improve the Design Space app and features; thank you for helping us make Design Space better!
Desktop
Design Space menu > Settings > Application Experience > Report Issue
Mobile
Design Space Menu (from Home) > About > Send Feedback.
What happened to Simple, Moderately Complex, and Complex image type options?
In our work to develop Convert to Layers we have improved the upload process overall. It is no longer necessary for you to tell Design Space about the complexity of your image. If you’re looking for ways to adjust the complexity of your image use Reduce Colors or Color Tolerance in the Manual cleanup tools area.
How to delete uploaded images
Select your platform below and follow the steps to delete an uploaded image from your image library.
- Sign in to Design Space and go the the Canvas at the top left.
- Select Upload in the design panel to the left of the canvas.
- Click the 3 dots on the image you would like to delete.
(You can also click View All on this screen to see all your uploaded images.)
- Click delete
- Tap Canvas at the top right of the home page.
- Select Upload.
- Tap Open Uploaded Images.
- Choose the image you would like to delete.
- Tap the 3 dots and then select delete.
Tip: You can also get to all of your uploaded images by going to My Stuff > Images > Uploaded. On mobile, first navigate to Home to find My Stuff.
Image Upload FAQ
What types of images can I upload through Cricut Design Space iOS or Android App?
You can upload SVG files and any image saved to your Photos. We do not support .tiff or .pdf files.
Can I upload images through the Android app?
Image upload is supported on all Design Space mobile platforms, including Android.
Are the Despeckle and Smooth tools available in Design Space for Windows/Mac and Android?
These advanced editing tools are only available on the iOS app.
Can I upload images while offline?
An Internet connection is required to upload images. Images that have already been uploaded can be downloaded to your device for use while offline on Windows/Mac or iOS devices.
Can I upload my own sewing patterns into Design Space?
Design Space does allow you to upload the following file types: .svg, .jpg, .bmp, .png, .gif, .dxf.
When you upload an SVG file, it will retain its original size, but all vectors are imported as cut lines. If your sewing pattern contains pattern markings that should be drawn with a fabric pen, be sure to change the relevant lines to Draw lines, then use the Attach tool to fasten them to your pattern pieces.