The Pen Holder and Tool Clamp on Cricut Explore 5 and Cricut Maker 5 work differently than previous models. Rather than moving independently, Pen Holder and Tool Clamp move at the same time, no matter what operation is being performed.
This means that it’s important to follow the prompts in Design Space that tell you when to insert or remove pens or cutting tools. Continue reading for more information.
Push the pen in until it clicks into place
Cricut pens & markers that are compatible with Cricut Explore 5 and Cricut Maker 5 are marked with this symbol: . These pens click solidly into place when properly inserted in the Pen Holder. Make sure you push the pen in firmly until it clicks into place.
Other pens will not click firmly into the Pen Holder, so they can gradually slip upward, resulting in a very lightly drawn line or no line at all. This can also allow the Cutting Tool to make unintended contact with your material, creating a shallow cut line parallel to your intended drawing line.
To prevent this, use only Cricut pens & markers with the symbol, and make sure they’re firmly inserted until they click into place
Important: Remove pen when instructed by Design Space
If left in the Pen Holder, the pen will make unintended contact with your material during cutting, creating a draw line parallel to your cut line.
You do not need to remove the Cutting Tool from the tool clamp while drawing, but it is important to remove pens from the pen holder before operations that use the Tool Clamp. Carefully follow the prompts in Design Space to know when it’s time to remove or swap tools.
Troubleshooting
Machine is cutting during a Draw step
Make sure you are using a compatible Cricut pen and that it is fully inserted until it clicks into place. An incompatible pen or one that is not fully seated can allow the blade to contact the material during drawing.
Machine is drawing during a Cut step
Remove the pen when Design Space prompts you to do so. If the pen remains inserted, it can interfere with cutting and will create a drawn line parallel to the cut path.
Need more help? Contact Member Care for assistance.