Take a look at the New Cricut Design Space and get a few of the most commonly asked questions answered. I am sharing this post as a part of the Cricut Ambassador Program. My opinions and craft tutorials are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t cost you extra, but helps support this site.
I have been waiting for this for the longest time- the new version of Cricut Design Space is here! I wasn’t a part of the beta testing group, but I’ve been reading many great things about the new site and anxiously awaiting my own turn to try it. The site is officially opened to everyone now, and I’m loving the new site and features.
As with anything, I have noticed that some users are unsure of the changes and wondering if their previous Design Space frustrations have been eliminated. If you are nervous to try it out, here is a tour of the new Cricut Design Space version in the form of frequently asked questions.
How do I access the new Cricut Design Space?
The new Cricut Design Space can be found at design.cricut.com. You will need to download the latest version.
What is the biggest positive change to the new version?
Hello, no Adobe Flash! All of those times refreshing my browser because the Flash was quirky is now gone. Thank heavens! This is definitely my favorite aspect of the new Cricut Design Space.
How do I find My Projects?
Finding my own projects is now easier than ever! On the new Cricut Design Space home page, my projects are conveniently in the middle of the page. I can click on them to see what images and fonts that I used, making it much more visually appealing when trying to locate a recent project.
Will My Projects transfer over from the old version?
Yes, all projects that are saved in the previous version of Design Space will transfer over to the new version.
How do I find Make It Now projects?
Previously, I had a hard time locating Make It Now projects. With the new Cricut Design Space version, I can access them now from my new project grid. The Make It Now projects are under the “Projects” icon on the sidebar.
Another thing that you will notice is the new layout for the supplies and instructions for the Make It Now projects. The description box is easier to read and follow.
Are Make It Now projects searchable?
Yes! Before, I could only search the projects by category. Now, there is a search bar that will show any project that is any category for the topic for which you are searching.
Is the font option easier to use?
Another resounding “Yes!” Who has waited for the font choices to upload for so long that you decided to just go do laundry? This is no more with the upgraded font feature. All the fonts are searchable with the click of a button, and they have a nice preview that helps with choosing the perfect font for my project.
What other new features do I need to know about?
-Hide Contour
The Hide Contour feature is awesome. The Hide Contour button lets me hide certain elements of an image. This is specifically helpful when I only want an outline of an image to cut. By clicking the button on the lower right panel, a new window appears that lets me choose what parts to hide.
-Align
This tool is helpful when trying to line up an image within another image, as with the below “O” inside the rectangle. There are several align choices.
-Current Colors
I really like this feature! Under the color choices, I can now see which colors I am already using in my project, making it easy to choose the same (or different) one.
-Cutting features
Once the machine is cutting, a new progress bar appears on the screen to let you know when the Cricut is at a new stage in the cutting process.
Also, I’ve heard that the Print to Cut area is now a bit larger, though I have yet to try this feature out personally since the update.
Can I now curve text?
Well, curving text has always been an option to do manually. And it appears that it will stay that way. There is no “magic button” to curve text. It will still have to be done the old-fashioned way by ungrouping the letters and curving them individually. I do have a tutorial for that– How to Curve Text in Cricut Design Space. The tutorial is done with the previous version but is still applicable for the new version.
What seems to be the biggest complaint about the new version?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2017: The Canvas feature is back! After tons of input, Cricut placed this feature back into Design Space. Yay!
I’ve heard the most complaints over there no longer being a “Canvas” option. I never used this feature in the old design space, but apparently many others did. If this was a favorite element of yours, sorry, but it appears to be a thing of the past.
Do I have to upgrade to the new version?
Not currently. However, Cricut team members are estimating that everyone will be transferred over in about two months. I recommend going ahead and downloading it and familiarizing yourself with it.
As a frequent Cricut Explore Air 2 user, I am extremely happy and satisfied with the Cricut Design Space upgrade. I find it user friendly, visually appealing, and faster to use than the previous version. I recommend every Cricut user to upgrade; I believe it will greatly enhance your Cricut crafting experience.
Do you have any questions about the new version?
I feel like the new design space is a downgrade instead of an upgrade. The only positive I have found is the new drop down for choosing font.
The flash stalled my projects out frequently. Not having that has helped out a lot for me.
I understand that you have to have Windows 8 or above to use this new version of D.S. Is that so? I’m using Windows 7!!
Hi,Unfortunately, Yes. The operating System requirements are listed on this page: https://help.cricut.com/help/system-requirements-design-space
I love that there is now a better search feature and an easier way to find the Make it Now projects!
Will using design space be easier with an iPhone and iPad? I’ve had a terrible time with that.
The Design Space on iPad/iPhone is an app, and this was not part of the desktop computer Design Space update. I have asked someone at Cricut about the app, and they responded that the app is constantly being evaluated and updated, but there has not been a massive update on the app at this time.
Hi,
Frequently often when I log into design space, a little box comes up saying I have to download the plug in. I have already done that since day one. But it keeps me from getting into my projects. I have to sign out and shut my computer down and get back on. Sometimes it takes me doing this a couple times. Have you heard anyone else complain about this. I did a message chat and he said microsoft edge is having trouble with the new beta. I only switched to edge a few months back because it said internet explorer was not going to be compatible or internet explorer was shutting down. If you find any info out please let me know.
Thank you
Hi, I have heard of others having this issue, and I have had it myself once. Several have had luck with exiting the running application in the background via the instructions on this page http://help.cricut.com/help/exit-running-application
An offset button would be fabulous! Silhouette offers this feature (I have both machines), and it does make some of those pesky thin fonts that I adore cut better! That would be my suggestion. I have fortunately been using the Beta version for months and love it!
I have a expression and expression 2 can I use design space and how do I go about getting it?
Unfortunately, no. The Expression machines are designed to work with cartridges or Cricut Craft room: https://help.cricut.com/help/machines/cricut-expression
How can you splice an image on the new design space?
Hi, I have a tutorial for that : http://ithappensinablink.com/how-to-splice-in-cricut-design-space/, as well as other Cricut tutorials on this page: http://ithappensinablink.com/cricut-class-tutorials-and-projects/ .
Hi, I just purchased the cricut air 2. And still trying to learn what I can. Is there any place to download and print out how to do certain things? For instance, layering and welding. I can watch videos, but when I get into Desgin Space, its a different story. My brain goes blank.
Hi, There is nothing like this that I know of. My recommendation is to pull up a video, start it, and then try it in Design Space along with the video (while pausing the video). Using your phone or a tablet to watch the video while using Design Space on your desktop may be helpful.
In the old Design Space I could write all my system fonts (i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) but with the new version they do not have the option to write them. Is there a way that I can still write these fonts?
I am having a difficulty moving things around on the mat to a different place. Anyone know how I can freely move items?
Are you using a desktop or the mobile app?
Could you please tell me if I can link up cartridges that are on a gypsy with design space? I have never used the cricut craft room either but I have heard that I have to link them up to that first then use the same account when I download design space and they will be on there, do you know anything about doing this?
Yes, that is the same thing that I have heard. Any cartridges that are linked to Craft Room can be transferred to Design Space. Are the gypsy cartridges the same as the Cricut cartridges? If so, then you can wait and link them with the Cricut Explore Air.
Some of the cartridges that are on the gypsy were on it when I bought it on ebay so I don’t know if those will transfer, otherwise I have most of the cartridges so I may just link them with the Cricut Explore Air.
I for some reason can’t find the free images, when I looked on design space at the beginning of 2017 I could use the funnel but how do I find them now? Sorry if this is a dumb questions, but I just can’t find the filter for just free images?? Thanks 🙂
Yes, if those cartridges were linked to someone else’s account through the gypsy, then you may not be able to transfer those. Some people have claimed to make headway with this by calling customer service, but I have no experience with this personally so I am not sure.
You are correct. There is a “filter” button that will allow you to filter the free images (as well as access images and any that you have purchased. Click on the images icon on the left hand side, then the filter/funnel should be near the search bar.