Do you have a stack of Cricut cartridges that you used with a older model Cricut machine? Or maybe you received some in a Cricut mystery box? Here’s how to link Cricut cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account. This post contains affiliate links.
Recently, I shared my Cricut story and how I came to upgrade from an older model Cricut to the Cricut Explore Air. I’m pumped with the Cricut Explore Air 2 and use it often, but my upgrade left me with a stack of Cricut cartridges that I wasn’t sure if I could use anymore. Luckily, I discovered that not only could I still utilize the cartridges, but I also found out that linking them to Cricut Design Space is quite easy.
One of the most common Cricut questions is “Do I need to use Cricut cartridges after I buy a Cricut?” Nope! If you’ve purchased a Cricut Explore Air or Cricut Explore Air 2, you could craft all month and never need the first Cricut cartridge. Cricut Design Space provides all the images that you would need. However, not all of these are free. Some users decide to go with a Cricut Access subscription. See my Do I Really Need Cricut Access post to read my thoughts on the subscription. Some crafters utilize the free images and then purchase individual images as they need them.
But for those who have cartridges from an older model Cricut or received some in a mystery box, these cartridges can easily be linked to your Cricut account.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when linking cartridge images:
-The images that are linked from the cartridges will show as free for you (even if they are normally not free in Cricut Access).
-The cartridge can only be linked to 1 account. So you can’t link it to your account and then give it to your friend to link to her account. That’s a definite no-no!
-Watch out when purchasing used cartridges from eBay. If they have already been linked to an account and you purchase the cartridge, then you will not be able to link it to your account.
Now, here’s how to link your current cartridges!
Step 1
Open Cricut Design Space and log into your account. Click on Link Cartridges.
Step 2
Allow Cricut Design Space to locate your machine. You’ll see your machine listed and the “Insert” paragraph will be back.
Step 3
Insert a Cricut cartridge into the section on the left.
Step 4
The “Link” paragraph will turn black. Click the green “Link Cartridge” at the bottom right.
Step 5
Wait until a message pops up to let you know the cartridge is linked. Remove the cartridge and repeat until all cartridges have been linked.
Here is a Disney image that previously was showing as a paid image. It is now free since I have linked my Disney Cartridge.
Are you looking for more Cricut related tutorials, projects, or ideas? I have a TON! Check them out on the Cricut Class page!
Can you use cricut design if I have a cricut expression 2?
Hi, I believe the Cricut Expression 2 uses Cricut Craft Room, which is different than Design Space if I am not mistaken. Here is the FAQ page on the Expression 2 https://help.cricut.com/help/machines/cricut-expression-2
They did away with the Cricut Craft Room! I was so disappointed……why did they do this?
They are only offering technical support to Cricut Design Space, and the new machines only correspond with Cricut Design Space, so I assume that had something to do with it.
I heard linking them to cricut design space deletes the cricut cartridge?
I haven’t heard this, but I am checking for you. I know that once linked, they cannot be unlinked or linked to another account. But I’m not sure if they are wiped clean and cannot be used with an older Cricut (that does not use Design Space).
I do not believe this is true, I purchased a few used cartridges and she neglected to tell me they had been linked prior to her account but I was still able to use them without any issues!
Is it possible to link with the Maker?
Hi, Yes. Cricut removed the cartridge adapter on the Maker machine as they try to phase out the cartridges. However, you can order a Cricut Cartridge Adapter (seen HERE) to link the cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account.
Hi! I apologize for the delay. It took me a little while to get the answer, but I heard back from someone at Cricut. According to the answer that I received, linking cartridges does not delete the cartridge. The cartridge may still be used with an older model Cricut that does not use Cricut Design Space.
I’ve had Cricut machines for a long time but only done scrapbooking until now. I have an Explore Air and starting to work with other materials such as vinyl, etc. IF i link my cartridges and IF I decide to sell my older machine with cartridges, they will still work, but I need to advise buyer they cannot be linked, correct? Can’t imagine not having my old faithful but I’m running out of counter space.
That is correct. The cartridges will still work with the older machine that is not connected to Design Space, but they cannot be linked to a new account.
Hi, Yes, once they are linked to an account, it does not delete the cartridge.You can still use it with an older Cricut model that does not use Design Space.
This is not true at all, you can still use the cartridges in the older machines. I have 150 cartridges and I linked some and I bought a lot of them from other people who had already linked them and I still use them in my expression
Yes, you can use linked cartridges in older machines. But you cannot link them to your own personal Design Space account. They may only be linked once. For those out there using older Cricut machines that do not require Design Space, any cartridge (linked or unlinked) should work.
What do I do if my cartridges are linked to my gypsy. How do I upgrade those to my explore air? And can I still use my gypsy with my expression if it’s link to the explore DS? I have been thinking about figuring it out I have a lot of cartridges. Thanks so much!
Hi! I have not owned a Gypsy, but from my understanding the cartridges are linked to the account rather than the device (if that makes sense). I found this information on the Cricut Gypsy FAQ: “if you have linked your Gypsy to your Cricut Craft Room account, you will be able to access your Gypsy-linked cartridges within Cricut Design Space.
In Cricut Design Space, you can find your linked content from Cricut Craft Room by opening the “Insert Images” window and using the filter menu in the upper right corner to select My Images (if you are searching All Images) or My Cartridges (if you are searching Cartridges). ”
I have heard other Gypsy users state that they have been able to retrieve their images that they linked to the Gypsy in Design space by following the above info.
Linking the cartridges to an account does not “wipe them clean.” The cartridges may still be used on a machine that does not require Design Space. They just cannot be linked to multiple accounts from multiple email addresses. I recommend using the same email address for Design Space that you have used for the Gypsy.
Hope that is helpful!
Can I link my gypsy contents to the design space or cricut craft rooom? My cartridges are linked to my gypsy and I am interested in buying a cricut air and want to be able to use all the cartridges I have already purchased.
Yes, from my understanding you may do so. I believe the cartridges are linked to a specific account rather than the machine (if that makes sense). Just be sure to use the same email address for Cricut Design Space.
I found this information on the Cricut Gypsy FAQ: “if you have linked your Gypsy to your Cricut Craft Room account, you will be able to access your Gypsy-linked cartridges within Cricut Design Space.
In Cricut Design Space, you can find your linked content from Cricut Craft Room by opening the “Insert Images” window and using the filter menu in the upper right corner to select My Images (if you are searching All Images) or My Cartridges (if you are searching Cartridges). ”
I hope that is helpful!
Hi!!
I have a lot of cartridges but they are linked to the gipsy machine. Would I have any trouble linking the cartridges to design space?
Thanks
Hi! I have not owned a gyspy machine, but I did find this information on the Cricut Gyspsy FAQ: “if you have linked your Gypsy to your Cricut Craft Room account, you will be able to access your Gypsy-linked cartridges within Cricut Design Space.
In Cricut Design Space, you can find your linked content from Cricut Craft Room by opening the “Insert Images” window and using the filter menu in the upper right corner to select My Images (if you are searching All Images) or My Cartridges (if you are searching Cartridges). ”
I hope that is helpful!
I don’t have the Cricut Ex. Air I just have the Explore. Is it the same for the Explore as it is for the Air? I have a ton of cartridges that aren’t being used!!
Hi,yes, it should be the same. Even those with older machines like the Gypsy or those using the Cricut Craft Room have stated that they were successfully able to link their cartridges, so I would think that you would be able to easily.
If I link my cartridges then I decide I don’t need the CD space will still be able to use the images from my cartridges that I linked?
Hi, you may still use them with a Cricut that does not need internet access/Design Space (an older model).
How do I link my old cartridges from the cricut expression to Cricut Design space? I do not have an explore or one of the newer models – I am contemplating purchasing one but have yet to decide if I need a new one or not.
Are you currently able to use Cricut Design Space with your Expression or are you using Cricut Craft Room?
Ok I loaded my cartridge and now I cant find it. How do I look it up or place it in an area I can retrieve all my cartridges.
Thank you but I found out how to find them, Thanks
I am glad that you located it. Happy crafting!
I can’t seem to locate my linked cartridge on my Explorer Air 2. It says that it is linked. Where do I find it and how do I pull up the images? I’m a Cricut beginner! I looked in Loaded Images; Cartridges; Funnel; but there was not a category for “My Carteridges” in the drop down box. Your help would be appreciated.
Hi! Have you upgraded to the new Cricut Design Space version yet? It is still new, but I recommend it. It does not run off of flash and has less hiccups. AND it has a section to see what cartridges that you have linked to your account (Click “Account Details” and then “Linked Cartridges”). You can find it at https://design.cricut.com
For the old design space, you have to know the name of the cartridge. Click “Insert Images”, “Cartridges”, and then type in the name of the cartridge in the search box. The cartridge will come up and should say “Purchased” if it is linked.
How long does it take once you push the green Link Cartridge in the bottom right corner.
I have been waiting for about 10 mintues.
It should not take that long. I had one that seemed to stall like that. I attempted it again and it worked.
I just purchased an Explore Air 2 and downloaded Design Space. How do I know if this is the current version? At the beginning of me downloading Design Space it asked me to download flash, which you mentioned in a previous comment that flash was not needed in the newer version. This is why I am asking how do I know if I am running the newest version of Design Space.
Hi, Go to design.cricut.com . Click “New Project.” If a grid to begin a new project appears, then you have the new version. If the page asks you to download the plugin, then you do not have the new version.
I have about 20 cartridges that say they are already linked but all images show that I must purchase them (haven’t done a subscription yet). Where can I find them? I purchased all of them new.
Hi, If you know that you have already linked them, then you should be able to use them.
Have you checked in your account to make sure that the “linking” went through properly? To check this, make sure that you are signed in to your account. If using DS3 (the new Design Space), check this by clicking “Account Details” and then “Linked Cartridges”).
For the old design space, you have to know the name of the cartridge. Click “Insert Images”, “Cartridges”, and then type in the name of the cartridge in the search box. The cartridge will come up and should say “Purchased” if it is linked.
If the cartridges are showing as indeed linked, clear your cache/cookies on your web browser. Then, log back in to your account and check again. If you are still unable to use cartridge images that you have linked, I would contact customer service.
I bought a cricut air and downloaded th design space. All my cartridges are not showing up but yet says it’s been linked. How do I find all my linked cartridges? I went through all the steps like on YouTube but it shows I don’t have any. Is all my cartridges lost to cricut craft room? Are they not linked to the design space? Please help.
Hi, are you using Cricut Design Space 2 or Design Space 3? To double check that the cartridges are indeed linked, make sure that you are signed in to your account. If using DS3 (the new Design Space), check this by clicking “Account Details” and then “Linked Cartridges”).
For the old design space, you have to know the name of the cartridge. Click “Insert Images”, “Cartridges”, and then type in the name of the cartridge in the search box. The cartridge will come up and should say “Purchased” if it is linked.
If the cartridges are showing as indeed linked, clear your cache/cookies on your web browser. Then, log back in to your account and check again. If you are still unable to use cartridge images that you have linked, I would contact customer service.
Lot’s of great information on this page! I have the Expression & have decided to purchase the Explore Air 2!
Since Cricut just announced yesterday, the new Cricut Maker being released on 08/20/17, what do you think the odds are the prices on the Air 2 may come down?? Trying to decide if I should wait to make my purchase after the release of the new machine or just go ahead and purchase!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi, I think it really depends on how long you want to wait. I wouldn’t think that they would mark the price way down between now and the 20th, but after that the price may come down a small bit. Of course, the closer that we get to the holidays and Black Friday, I am sure that there will be some good sales! I keep a Cricut Deals page (http://ithappensinablink.com/current-cricut-deals/) but most of these deals expired 7/31, and since the Cricut team is tied up with the conference, I haven’t received a notice of any new deals yet. I usually get a deals email once a week, and I will update the page when I do if you want to check back.
Thanks, I definitely can’t wait til Black Friday!! I’ll probably go ahead & get it this weekend, I have several projects to complete.
I will keep an eye on your deals page, just in case! Thanks again for the quick response!
Can I use my cartridges if they’re linked to the gypsy?
Hi, I found an answer on the Cricut troubleshooting page (http://help.cricut.com/help/cartridge-linking-issues ):
“Has your cartridge already been linked to a Gypsy device? If so, in order to transfer cartridges from your Gypsy to your Cricut account so that you can use them in Design Space, you first have to link the Gypsy to your account through the Craft Room software. Items linked to your account through Craft Room are automatically made available in Design Space as well. For instructions on how to link your Gypsy to your account through Craft Room, please visit this help article. If your cartridge has not previously been linked to a Gypsy device, proceed to step 2. “
Tou have provided a lot of valuable information. Thanks for your reply s. My very first Cricut died. Some of my cartridges have not been opened and I never created an account. I’m contemplating ordering the Cricut Maker or the Air II. I realize that the Maker does not have a slot for the cartridges. Please confirm that there is no way I could use them. My reasoning for wanting the Maker is the wood and pattern cutting option. My next concern is that: Will I need to down load them to the Air II and create an account or could I plug and play? Thanks
Hi, There is a Cricut Cartridge Adapter coming out in December. You can use this if you decide to get the Cricut Maker to upload your cartridges.
Just curious…did the Cricut Cartridge Adapter ever go on sale? It said coming in December 2017, but I have yet to see it available for purchase. It always says “Out of Stock.” Can someone from Cricut let us know the status of this product. Thank you.
Hi, I have submitted an inquiry. I will let you know when I hear back.
Also curious, as I just got a Maker and would like to link my old cartridges to DS.
Hi, I have heard back that it has not yet been released.
If my carts are linked to my Gypsy can I still link them to my Explore 2?
Hi, I found an answer on the Cricut troubleshooting page (http://help.cricut.com/help/cartridge-linking-issues ):
“Has your cartridge already been linked to a Gypsy device? If so, in order to transfer cartridges from your Gypsy to your Cricut account so that you can use them in Design Space, you first have to link the Gypsy to your account through the Craft Room software. Items linked to your account through Craft Room are automatically made available in Design Space as well. For instructions on how to link your Gypsy to your account through Craft Room, please visit this help article. If your cartridge has not previously been linked to a Gypsy device, proceed to step 2. “
This arrticle does not really tell you how to link carts that are from old models. it assumes the old carts fit the new one – what about if you have carts from cricut imagine and only have a cricut explore air – the imagine carts do not fit the explore – how do you link those?
Hi, this is the response from Cricut regarding those cartridges: “Please note: if you have Imagine cartridges that you would like to use with your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machine, you can link them to your account using your Expression 2 or Imagine machine and Cricut Craft Room, or you can contact Customer Care for assistance linking them to your account”
I want to use my cartridges and can not find the link …. I am use on Tablet iPad …. Design Space 3.4.2 release
Hi, the Tablet iPad Design Space is great, but, unfortunately, it will not allow you to upload cartridges from there. This is from the Cricut website: “Cartridges cannot be linked through the Cricut Design Space iOS App or the Cricut Design Space beta for Android app at this time. You will need to link your cartridges using Cricut Design Space on a laptop or desktop computer. For best results, please connect your machine to the computer via USB cable.”
I am super new to Cricut and I want some of the Disney cartridges. If they are linked to the previous owner’s account, will I still be able to use them or am I wasting my money?
Any cartridges that are linked to someone else’s account can now only be used in an older Cricut machine that does not use Design Space. I would recommend not buying them.
Hi. Hope you can help me help me out. I’m kind of confused about linking cartridges. I have older models but also recently purchased the Cricut Maker. !) After using cartridges with other models can I still use my cartridges with my new machine? This is where I don’t understand “linking” and only being able to link once. 2) Does it matter what computer I use when I hook to the Maker or other model? I mean are the laptops interchangeable, say I purchase a new laptop? Thank you in advance!
Congrats on your purchase. You will love it!
Regarding the cartridges– Did you link them to Cricut Craft Room or only use them in a machine? If you only used them in a machine, then you are good to proceed with using them with your new machine.
Linking cartridges is not mandatory, but it makes it easier to use designs in the software. Once linked, you do not have to pull out your cartridges every time you want to use one. The images/fonts come up in Design Space as “yours” automatically.
However, in order to prevent people from just sharing cartridges without purchasing them, Cricut limits the cartridge to only be linked to one Design Space account at a time. So if you decide to link your cartridges, then you cannot sell them or give them to someone else to link to their account.
Regarding the computer, you can download Design Space on any laptop. As long as you have downloaded Design Space, then you can use your Maker with any device. Cartridges are linked to your Design Space account (not to your computer), so they will still show up if you change computers.
Happy crafting!
Lots of helpful information here. Thank you,
My wife and my daughter both have the Expressions 2. When both tried to power on last month, it would not go past the power on stage. Cricut was called but wasn’t any help. The lady there said to go to the website and download the software for the machine and reinstall it. When tried, the site gave the comment: “site down – try again later”. When Cricut was called back, m wife was told that the website was down and it wasn’t know when or if ever it would be repaired. The lady then told my wife that she could only purchase a new Cricut. When ask if the old cartridges could be used, my wife was assured that they could be used but was not told that she had to purchase a Cricut Adapter to upload the cartridges to her account. Now, she as the Maker but cannot use the cartridges until she purchases the adapter. Does anyone know where she can get the firmware for the Expressions 2?
Hi, Cricut does not offer permanent downloadable software. The Design Space creation system is internet based only. Cricut Design Space is for Cricut Explore machines and newer, making the Cricut Expression pretty much obsolete. Cricut Explore machines come with a built in adapter, but the Maker machine does not. She will need an adapter to link the cartridges.
Where can this adapter be bought?? I’ve been searching for 3 days and no luck.. not even the Cricut site. Any help would be appreciated. Have the Maker on the way for my daughter for Christmas
Hi, I messaged a few people at Cricut but have had no response. It is not available currently on Cricut or Amazon.
I’m looking for this adapter as well. Kind of disappointed at the moment… I upgraded to the maker from the create.
There is now a Cricut Cartridge Adapter that links to the USB on a computer and connects the cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account. You can see it HERE.
There is now a Cricut Cartridge Adapter that links to the USB on a computer and connects the cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account. You can see it HERE.
When will the cartridge adapter be back in stock? I just spent $450 on the maker with some goodies from Cricut.com. I was told at JoAnns store I cannot use the goodies with my expression machine. When I tried to get the adapter it says sold out. I feel lick I’ve spent a small fortune and don’t know when I can use everything I bought. I check Cricut.com everyday and still sold out. 🤨
Hi, I reached out to someone at Cricut. She replied that she is unsure when the inventory will be restocked. She recommended reaching out to member care. Some of them have been able to help members add their cartridges to Design Space.
There is now a Cricut Cartridge Adapter that links to the USB on a computer and connects the cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account. You can see it HERE.
I’m so glad I read this before I sold/gave away the old personal cutter and cartridges I purchased. I just linked them to my Cricut Explore Air 2 that I got at Christmas time. I may watch for the old cartridges to go on sale at JoAnn Fabric and purchase them (Disney) to load onto this new Cricut!!!
Thanks!!!
So as of right now there is no way of linking my cartridges to the Maker I own until Cricut decides to market the adapter. ( If they decide to.)
I really think they have done a disservice to all the scrapbookers who were their bread and butter for many years. It is like they are more interested in serving the new crafters at this point.
No, the Cricut Maker does not come with a built in cartridge adapter. I have been told from someone at Cricut that customer service can help Cricut Maker users to get their cartridges onto their Cricut Design Space account. As I have not done this personally, I am not totally sure how it works, but I have heard of some having success with this.
There is now a Cricut Cartridge Adapter that links to the USB on a computer and connects the cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account. You can see it HERE.
Can you use the cartridge with the explorer air 2 even if they were linked to another account. I bought some from someone and they didn’t tell me they had linked them to their account. But I would like to use them if possible.
Unfortunately, no. The seller should have disclosed that they had already linked them. Linked cartridges cannot be linked to or used with another account.
Once I have linked my cartridges to my Cricut Design Space on my computer, will I be able to access them on my iPad?
Hi, yes, once linked, the content from the cartridges are within Design Space itself. Anywhere that you can access Design Space, you will have access to the content.
I have an older cricut and lots of cartridges. They are all linked to the Gypsy that I use to create. Can I still link these cartridges to Cricut Explore Air 2 if I decide to upgrade?
Hi, as long as the cartridges have never been linked to Cricut Design Space then you may link them. The “linking” is to Cricut Design Space and not to the machine itself.
Except it’s never in stock and eBay is selling them for 255.00 dollars
We should be able to link through the serial numbers
I have heard that customer service can link them for you, but I have not tried this personally.