The goal of this guide is to provide the uninitiated through the processes of the Cricut Maker 3 at the IDEA Lab. This guide will provide information regarding different materials you can cut, the process it entails, and how the design software works. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. It should be an educational experience.
The Cricut is a machine that can cut a variety of materials to use in creative design projects following a digital design created in Design Space. The Cricut can cut on paper, vinyl, leather, fabric, and more!
Make more than you ever dreamed possible with Cricut Maker 3, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to cut more than 300 materials, and compatible with more than 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, and more, the versatile Cricut Maker 3 combines power, speed, and pro-level performance to keep up with your making demands. Cricut helps you make what's possible.
Yes, it will cost you to use the Cricut Maker 3 on campus. The rates are as follows: $4.00 base cost per cut + material cost which varies based on type.
Going Clockwise from the bottom left:
Storage In Door: Store tools or other pieces by lifting up the lid.
Mat Guide: Align mat with the guides to help materials cut properly with the Cricut machine. (Cricut will try to straighten the mat if loaded incorrectly)
Storage Cup: Store frequently used tools like the weeding tool, or scissors in this cup.
Clamp A: Tools like Cricut pens or the Scoring tool use Clamp A. Design Space will let you know which clamp is used for what tools when a design is made.
Slot for Mobile Device: Phones or small tables can be placed into this slot.
Double Tool Holder: This allows for multiple tools to be inserted in either clamp, so that you don't have to replace tools while cutting and/or drawing or scoring a design.
Clamp B: Tools that use Clamp B include cricut blades, like the Fine Point blade, or Knife blade. Design Space will let you know which clamp is used for what tools when a design is made.
Power Button: Turn the Cricut On and Off.
Go Button: Use the Go button to have the Cricut machine begin creating the design. Design Space prompts you to click this button. It looks like a "Play" triangle button.
Load/Unload Mat Button: Use this button to load or unload a mat properly into the Cricut when prompted by Design Space. The Cricut then measures the mat length and begins to create the design. When the Cricut is done, you will be prompted to tap the button again to unload the mat. This button looks like an Up arrow above a Down arrow
USB Charging Port: To charge your mobile device while using the Cricut machine, there's a USB charging port at the front right of the machine.
Mat Guide: Align mat with the guides to help materials cut properly with the Cricut machine. (Cricut will try to straighten the mat if loaded incorrectly)
