It Happens in a Blink

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Crafts
    • HandPrint the Alphabet Preschool Series
    • Kids’ Crafts
  • Cricut Tutorials and Projects
  • Gardening
  • Southeast Travels
  • New? Start Here
    • Welcome!
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Blog

January 16, 2017 by: Melanie

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

Did you find a great image on your favorite blog that you want to upload to Cricut Design Space? Or do you want to add a cute photo of your kids to make a print and cut magnet? Yes, you can upload your own images to use with your Cricut! Here’s how to upload your own images into Cricut Design Space. This post contains affiliate links. 

If you’ve used any older versions of cutting machine software, then you may be intimidated by uploading your own images into Cricut Design Space. With my older Cricut Expression machine, this was not even a possibility. When I was using a Silhouette Cameo, I could upload my JPG and PNG images but I found converting them into cut files confusing. The Cricut Explore Air and accompanying Design Space changed all of this for me!

Update: This tutorial has been updated for the new Cricut version. Click HERE for that post. 

Read my story and history with crafting machines in this post!

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space literally walks you through uploading images step-by-step. I was amazed at how easy it was the first time that I uploaded an image! Here’s how to upload your own images into Cricut Design Space.

  1. Click the “Upload Images” button on the left hand side bar.

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

2. Design Space will give you two choices- to upload an image or to upload a pattern. In this case, we want to click “upload image.”

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

3. Once you click upload image, you can choose the image from your computer files that you want to upload. This is sometimes the hard part for me because I can never remember where I saved my images (even with a folder system). Select the image and it will upload.

4. The image will appear in the Cricut Design Space window with a few options on HOW you want to upload the image. Cricut Design Space explains what each one means. I typically chose “Simple Image.”

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

5. The image will appear in the window and give you a chance to “clean it up”. There may be parts of the image that you do not want to cut, and this is your chance to remove them easily. In the image that I uploaded, you’ll see that I removed the snow that the bear was under the bear. Just click on the individual areas and the software will remove them. Once you’re finished, click “Continue.”

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

6. The last step is to tell Cricut Design Space what you want to do with the image. Do you want it to be a print and cut image or just a cut image of the silhouette? A print and cut image allows you to print the image with your computer software and then cut it with the Cricut. A simple cut image of the silhouette cuts out the image silhouette only. You’ll also be given the chance to name your image in the right hand column. Click next once you’ve finished.

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

7. The image will now show up in your uploaded images section for you to grab for future use. That’s right- the image doesn’t go away or isn’t for one time use only. Once you’ve uploaded it, you may use it again and again!

How to Upload Your Own Images into Cricut Design Space

Looking for more Cricut How-Tos, tutorials, information, and tips! Check out the Cricut Project  Page!

Spoon Snowmen Craft for Kids
DIY Mini Plush Pouch with Faux Leather Tassel

Comments

  1. Lynn Mann says

    May 29, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    Does the same technique work for moderately
    Complex image

    • Melanie says

      May 29, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      Yes, this works for any photo or image that you may have purchased/downloaded.

      • Kathy Christian says

        January 2, 2018 at 1:58 pm

        Why will my image only let me use it as a print and cut file instead of just a cut file? It just shows a black square as a cut only file. I tried to do it as a print and cut file, but it makes me print it out on my computer printer, and then only cuts a square copy of the whole picture. Sometimes it lets me use the cut file, so I know it’s not the way the file is downloading on my computer. I want to just cut out the picture and words individually not as a whole paper if it.

        • Melanie says

          January 2, 2018 at 7:10 pm

          Hmm…It seems as if the image has a shape around it? Is there a white box around the image when uploading? You may need to try uploading again and cleaning around the image, even if you cannot see anything.

  2. Julie says

    August 18, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    How can this be don with an ipad

    • Melanie says

      August 18, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      I do not have an iPad, but from my understanding from those who do, it cannot be done on an iPad.

      • Cathy Koss says

        August 21, 2017 at 7:25 am

        Thank you for that info! I have an ipad and couldn’t figure out how to load an image! Now that I know I can’t, I will work on other things!Thank you so much!

        • MA says

          January 25, 2019 at 5:40 pm

          i have a ipad. You have to have the image upload for you start your cricut project.

          • Amber Osborne says

            February 14, 2019 at 7:18 pm

            How do you connect an iPhone or iPad or Mac to the Cricut. I just got expressions 2 and want to print a logo and a monogram! Thanks!

          • Melanie says

            February 15, 2019 at 1:45 pm

            Hi, unfortunately, the Expressions series machines are not compatible with Cricut Design Space. You can only use them with cartridges.

  3. rainbow says

    November 3, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Why did you use a polar bear cartoon instead of a more complex photo of a child. I would like to see how to use a real life photo of my granddaughter.

    • Melanie says

      November 4, 2017 at 11:01 pm

      Hi, I have a tutorial for photos, as well : https://ithappensinablink.com/diy-photo-magnets-with-cricut/

  4. Terry says

    December 6, 2017 at 8:33 am

    I manage a resale shop for a nonprofit organization and was trying to think of a way to cut tags out using ‘something’ besides scissors. Can a circuit cut multiples of the same image? Say a 1”x1.5” Square? If so how many to a sheet do you think and would it also be able to cut a small hole at one end of each?
    Thanks for any info.

    • Melanie says

      December 6, 2017 at 11:08 am

      Hi! Thanks for your question. A Cricut is a great machine. Yes, a Cricut can cut multiples of the same image. Of course, you have to design the sheet so that it will do so, but it will cut as many as you design. As long as you design the tag with a hole in the end, it will definitely cut that.
      A Cricut cuts papers as wide as 12″x 12,” so as many as you can fit on the sheet.

  5. christine says

    December 8, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    I TRIED TO UPLOAD A IMAGE FROM DAFONT.COM. I saved the file but it was in a zipped drive. my husband said i had to unzip the file but no matter what I do, I cant seem to down load anything from dafont .com to design space. is it because its a zipped file? do you have any suggestions? The files I tried to down load were free.

    • Melanie says

      December 10, 2017 at 10:56 pm

      Hi, yes, the files have to be unzipped to download. If they will not unzip, that sounds like a computer or font file issue. Once unzipped, they should upload easily.

  6. Jaretta says

    January 2, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    I am new to the Cricut. I have the Explore Air. On My Design space screen it doesn’t look like your screen. I don’t have an upload button. I’m using a laptop. Can you help me please?

    • Melanie says

      January 3, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Hi, Do you have an upload icon on the left hand side of Design Space?

  7. Arun says

    January 27, 2018 at 11:34 pm

    I have a cricut maker & most of the tutorials are for other models.
    I am not able to upload my creations from design sapace, on my iPhone.
    Any suggestions!

    • Melanie says

      January 29, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Hi, up until the most recent update, the mobile Design Space would not allow for uploads. However, I *think* the most recent update (within the past few days) allows for uploads. Have you updated the app recently?

  8. Elaine says

    January 30, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    Referring to the bear example above…. Could you make a cut of just his scarf so that could be a different color? and just the heart?
    Thanks!

    • Melanie says

      January 30, 2018 at 9:04 pm

      Hi, the bear image above is not a SVG file, so it does not have layers. If you view this image: (https://ithappensinablink.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-to-upload-my-own-images-in-cricut-design-space.png) you will see that it gave me the choice of a Print then Cut image or to save as a Cut Image. Notice that the “cut image” choice does not have layers; it is only the silhouette. For more layering options, use SVG uploads.

  9. Destiny says

    March 28, 2018 at 7:40 am

    I have the Cricut Expression. Can you still you the design space for that? Can i upload fonts? or do i just have to keep using the cartiages?

    • Melanie says

      March 28, 2018 at 1:21 pm

      Hi, The Cricut Expression is designed for cartridges and *maybe* Cricut Craft Room. I haven’t used Cricut Craft Room, so I can’t say for certain.

  10. Wanda drew says

    April 23, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    My Cricut expression has a place for a jump drive.Can I download images on a stick and then cut them?

    • Melanie says

      April 25, 2018 at 7:47 am

      Hi, I do not think that this is a place for a jump drive but rather just a place for the USB port so that the machine can be hooked up and used with Cricut Craft Room. However, Cricut Craft Room is going away soon. You may read more about it here: http://inspiration.cricut.com/cricut-craft-room-closing/

  11. Donna says

    June 8, 2018 at 6:59 am

    Hi I have uploaded images but when I go to cut let’s say “Merry Christmas” this is what I get when I go to cut image ” ymerr hscirtsam” why is this? Would it be because I do not have a discription? Urgg 🙁
    I uploaded free svg files

    • Melanie says

      June 8, 2018 at 10:48 am

      Hi, are you typing in the word “Merry Christmas”? If you are, then you need to attach the letters together in order for them to cut the way that you have typed them out. If the letters are not attached, Cricut Design Space will rearrange them to what the program considers to be the best way.

  12. wayne says

    March 7, 2019 at 6:13 pm

    i havea image that is already cut and has a print on it how do i upload it does it scan an item as well

    • Melanie says

      March 7, 2019 at 9:18 pm

      Hi, no the Cricut itself does not scan or take a photo. You’ll need to take a photo with your phone, etc. and upload it as a JPG or PNG image.

  13. Karianne says

    April 17, 2019 at 5:47 am

    I can’t get my cricket expression to connect to my laptop. It says cricket device not found??? Any suggestions? I’m using google as my browser.

    • Melanie says

      April 17, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      Hi, The Expression is not compatible with Cricut Design Space. In order to use Cricut Design Space, a Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine is required.

  14. Andrea Herrans Perez says

    June 26, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    hello, im trying to upload an images of my own. I tried svg. and png. files. But then a message appears on top of the screen that says unable to prepare your order. Do you have any suggestion?

    • Melanie says

      June 26, 2019 at 9:25 pm

      I have never noticed that error before. This happens when trying to upload to Cricut Design Space? Have you upzipped the files (if they are in a zip drive)?

  15. Carolynn B. says

    July 4, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    I just bought a Cricut Maker. I attached my computer, it uploaded the firmware. I’ve watched several videos on uploading an image. I tried to upload a svg. I do not have the upload button on the left hand side. Do I need to purchase something or update something? THANKS!!!

    • Melanie says

      July 6, 2019 at 10:38 am

      What device are you using for Cricut Design Space?

   
   
    The Best SVG & DXF Cut Files For Crafters at CraftBundles.com  
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of all information on this website, It Happens in a Blink, LLC, makes no guarantee to the procedures shared here. It Happens in a Blink, LLC, is not responsible or liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages or personal grievances resulting from the use of any information on ItHappensinaBlink.com. This website is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a professional.
    I love sharing my ideas and projects, and I love when others like them enough to want to share them too! If you would like to share a pattern or project, please refer to my Terms of Use for copyright details.This is a personal blog written and edited by me. If you have any questions, you may always contact me. I take great pride in maintaining the integrity of this site and building it as an honest and reliable source of information and inspiration for my readers. Please note that no photos of my children are to be republished on another blog under any circumstances. Read my full Privacy Policy Here: https://ithappensinablink.com/privacy-policy/ Read my full Disclosure Policy Here: https://ithappensinablink.com/disclosure-policy/

Crafts

Pony Bead Christmas Tree Ornament

Pony Bead Christmas Tree Ornament

Do you enjoy crafting Christmas ornaments? We do at our house! Here's how to … [Read More...]

Blog Partners

Recipes

Easy Christmas Simmer Pot

Easy Christmas Simmer Pot

Have you noticed how popular a Christmas Simmer Pot is on social media? I'm not … [Read More]

Kid’s Crafts

Foam Butterfly Craft (with Magnet Option)

Foam Butterfly Craft (with Magnet Option)

If you have a few craft supplies on hand, you can create this Foam Butterfly … [Read More...]

© 2023 · ithappensinablink.com