Cricut Joy Machines - Insert Cards and Card Mat 101

Edited: August 30, 2023

Cricut Insert Cards are designed for use with Cricut Joy Card Mat, Cricut Joy Xtra Card Mat, and Cricut Card Mat 2 x 2 (sold separately).

Cricut Card Mats are uniquely designed with a divider to protect the back of the folded Cricut Insert Card while cutting a design on the front.

Cricut Joy Card Mat

Cricut Joy Xtra Card Mat

Cricut Card Mat 2 x 2 (for Cricut Explore & Cricut Maker machines)

Select a link below for information about how to use Cricut Joy Insert Cards and Cricut Joy Card Mat or Cricut Joy Xtra Card Mat.

• Tutorial Video
• What you need
• Instructions
• Tips
• FAQ

Tutorial Video

 

What you need

• Cricut Joy or Cricut Joy Xtra smart cutting machine
• Design Space software on computer or mobile device
• Cricut Joy Blade and Housing
• Cricut Joy or Cricut Joy Xtra Card Mat
• Cricut Joy Pens or Markers (optional)
• Cricut Joy Insert Cards compatible with your machine: 
  • Cricut Joy with Cricut Joy Card Mat can use: 
    • R10 - 3.5 in x 4.9 in (8.9 cm x 12.4 cm) - formerly called A1
    • R20 - 4.25 in x 5.5 in (10.8 cm x 14 cm) - formerly called A2
    • R30 - 4.5 in x 6.25 in (11.4 cm x 15.9 cm) - formerly called A6
  • Cricut Joy Xtra with Cricut Joy Xtra Card Mat can use:
    • R10 - 3.5 in x 4.9 in (8.9 cm x 12.4 cm) - formerly called A1
    • R20 - 4.25 in x 5.5 in (10.8 cm x 14 cm) - formerly called A2
    • R30 - 4.5 in x 6.25 in (11.4 cm x 15.9 cm) - formerly called A6
    • R40 - 4.75 in x 6.6 in (12.1 cm x 16.8 cm)
    • S40 - 4.75 in x 4.75 in (12.1 cm x 12.1 cm)

 

Instructions

1. In Design Space, select Insert Card design you want. In Design Space for Desktop you can browse designs created for a specific card size by selecting the size from the category drop down.

2. Once you've selected a design, use the Finished Size selector to choose your card size. 

Important: In Design Space for Desktop, the Finished Size selector will default to 4.25 in x 5.5 in (10.8 cm x 14 cm). Be sure to select your preferred insert card size before selecting Make It.

Design Space for Desktop

Design Space for iOS

 

3. Select Make It.

4. Choose On Card Mat. Then select Continue.

5. Select Browse All Materials and choose Insert Card - Cardstock.

6. Remove protective cover from mat.

7. Open card. From the left, slide one side of the folded card under the plastic divider.

8. Ensure card is aligned to the top left corner of mat. Push card up until it's flush with top, then align the inside fold of the card against plastic divider. 

9. Press the front of the card into the adhesive on mat.

10. For Cricut Joy Xtra:

• To avoid track marks on your cards, move the machine star wheels to the sides of the rail, making sure none of them will roll over the top of the card.
  
  

11. Insert mat into machine, top end first: 

• Cricut Joy Card Mat has an arrow at the top indicating load direction
• Cricut Joy Xtra Card Mat has the Cricut logo and "Card Mat" printed at the top
   
  
  
  

12. When cut is complete, peel mat away from card.

13. Tuck insert into corner notches in the card.

14. Enjoy! 

Tips

• To write or draw on the inside of your card, fold the card inside out and repeat the steps above. Be sure that your Draw design is properly oriented and positioned on the project preview screen. 
• The cuts will leave impressions on your mat. This is normal. 
• If material is not adhering well to mat, use a brayer to create a firm bond. Card mats will lose stickiness with use and will eventually need to be replaced. 
• Cricut Insert Cards are compatible with all Cricut Joy Pens and Markers.

Note: Cricut Joy Insert Cards, Charmed Sampler and Cricut Joy Insert Cards, Silver Lining Sampler come with inserts that have a thin, protective layer on the back side to protect the inserts from any scratches. Remove the layer before using the inserts with your cards by peeling it away using a weeder.

 

FAQ