Cricut Joy Machines FAQ

Yes. Cricut Joy machines are used with the free Design Space software on Android and iOS. They will also work with Design Space for Desktop on Bluetooth-enabled Windows or Mac computers. Design Space is installed on your mobile device or computer when you set up your new machine.

Design Space is a free software application that may be used with Cricut Joy machines to create projects and send them to your machine. Through Design Space you may purchase images, fonts, and projects from the Cricut library as needed. You can upload your own images, and Design Space allows you free use of fonts installed on your device.

Cricut Access is an auto-renewing subscription to the Cricut library of images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. With Cricut Access, you'll have use of all Cricut content marked with the Cricut Access symbol for the duration of your subscription. Subscribers also enjoy other benefits, such as unlimited Collections in Design Space, and use of Cricut Access exclusive features like Monogram Maker, Warp, and Automatic Background Remover.

Yes. Cricut Joy machines have built-in Bluetooth and are ready to pair with your compatible mobile device or Bluetooth-enabled Windows or Mac computer.

You'll need to be online initially to install the software and complete the machine setup. If using Design Space for Desktop or for iOS, you also have the option to work offline. If using Design Space for Android mobile an internet connection is required.

Nope! Cricut Joy machines connect using Bluetooth. Learn how to pair your machine to your device.

Yes! Your machine comes with 50 ready-to-make projects to get you started. Plus, all Design Space users have access to additional fonts, images, and ready-to-make projects at no charge. To find your free projects in Design Space, select My Stuff > Projects, then apply the “Purchased” filter. See How do I find the free images that came with my Cricut machine?

These clever crafting materials work without a cutting mat, so you can just load the material directly into your machine and go. Smart Materials come in a variety of material types, including Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Label Paper, and Smart Label Vinyl.

Cricut Joy machines need a little space above and below your cuts for the rollers to grip and load your material, for the sensors to sense that the material is loaded, and to feed material back and forth without ejecting the material from the machine. This space is about 1 in (2.5 cm) above the design, and 0.5 in (1.2 cm) below the design.

Note: Smart Materials must be at least 4 in (10 cm) to use without a mat with Cricut Joy, and at least 6 in (16 cm) to use without a mat for Cricut Joy Xtra. You can use shorter by placing them on a machine mat.

For all Cut projects, the blade will lower and make a small cut to align the blade. Not to worry, the machine will never make this small cut over your design.

Cricut Joy machines are compact and portable, and the machine tools and accessories are designed to fit that smaller scale. Other than the size, there's no difference at all.

When you launch Design Space, you'll be prompted to select your machine. Select your specific model (Cricut Joy or Cricut Joy Xtra) to customize your session with all the latest options and features for your machine.

No. The compact size of Cricut Joy machines requires smaller accessories to fit the machine. When purchasing machine tools and accessories, look for Cricut Joy or Cricut Joy Xtra in the machine compatibility section. However, while many Cricut materials are conveniently sized to fit on Cricut Joy or Cricut Joy Xtra cutting mats, you can also trim larger versions of these materials to fit on Cricut Joy pr Cricut Joy Xtra mats.

Nope! Cricut Joy Pens are sized to fit directly into the Clamp - no adapter needed.

No. Cricut Joy Pens are compact, sized perfectly for your machine.

The power cord for Cricut Joy may be used with Cricut Joy Xtra, and vice versa, but no other machine power cord may be used.

• Dimensions: 5.50 in x 8.40 in x 4.25 in (13.9 cm x 21.4 cm x 10.8 cm)
• Weight: 3.85 lbs (1.75 kg)

• Cricut Joy machine
• Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in machine)
• Fine Point Pen, Black (0.4 mm)
• StandardGrip Mat, 4.5 in x 6.5 in (11.4 cm x 16.5 cm)
• Welcome card
• Power adapter
• Free 30-day trial membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers)
• 50 ready-to-make projects online
• Materials for a practice cut

What you need

• Compatible computer or mobile device*
• High speed internet connection*

*Requires mobile phone, tablet or computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. System requirements may change. For details and updates on compatibility with all devices, browsers and operating systems, see cricut.com/systemrequirements.

That depends on the type of material you use. With Smart Materials, Cricut Joy can cut an individual, continuous shape up to 4.5 inches wide and 4 feet long, and repeated cuts (like stars, hearts, and confetti) up to 20 feet long! With a cutting mat, Cricut Joy can cut up to 4.25 in x 6.25 in (10.795 cm x 15.875 cm), or 4.25 in x 11.75 in (10.795 cm x 29.845 cm).

• Dimensions (Width x Length x Height): 12.48 in x 4.46 in x 5.87 in (31.71 cm x 11.32 cm x 14.91 cm)
• Weight: 6.03 lbs (2.73 kg)

Cricut Joy Xtra features all the convenience and portability of Cricut Joy but adds versatility you need to create more projects you love!

Cricut Joy pens and markers, Cricut Joy blades, and Cricut Joy Foil Transfer System are all compatible with Cricut Joy Xtra. However, you will need to use the wider Cricut Joy Xtra machine mats and Smart Materials with your Cricut Joy Xtra machine.

• Cricut Joy Xtra smart cutting machine
• Blade + housing
• Power Adapter & Cord
• Cricut Joy Fine Point Pen (0.4 mm)
• Mini Weeder
• Free trial membership to Cricut Access (new subscribers only)
• 50 Ready-To-Make projects online
• Materials for practice cut
• Bonus materials
• Welcome Card
• User Guide & Safety Instructions
• Warranty document

What you need

• Compatible computer or mobile device*
• High speed internet connection*

*Requires mobile phone, tablet or computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. System requirements may change. For details and updates on compatibility with all devices, browsers and operating systems, see cricut.com/systemrequirements.

Cricut Joy Xtra can cut single images up to 48 in (121.92 cm) long, or repeated images up to 20 feet (6 m) long on Smart Materials.

Note: Print Then Cut size maximums vary based on your design.

Nope! Simply follow these instructions to pair Cricut Joy Xtra to your Windows/Mac computer or iOS/Android mobile device, and you’re good to go!

This prevents the star wheels from leaving track marks on your project.

Yes, for other projects, and particularly those with long cuts on Smart Materials, star wheels prevent bowing and keep materials from shifting. Don’t worry – no need for them to be precisely positioned, just evenly spaced.

No, just move them far enough to either side that they don’t roll over your material. You may wish to leave a little space between star wheels and the rubber rollers, though, so it’s easier to spread the star wheels back out for Print Then Cut projects.