The 25 BEST Cricut Tips, Tricks, Secrets, Hidden Features, & ShortCUTS!

The 25 BEST Cricut Tips, Tricks, Hacks, Shortcuts, and Hidden Features You Can't Live Without!

Learn the top 25 best Cricut tips and tricks that every crafter should know! I demonstrate each of these shortcuts for you so you know exactly how they work.

The Cricut cutting machine is hands down my favorite crafting tool. I use it so much that over the years that Ive come across or come up with a lot of nifty Cricut Shortcuts that help me craft better and faster with it. It took time to learn these tips, which meant in the beginning I was making a lot of mistakes, wasting a lot of material, and working slower than I wanted to. So I want to pass along what I think the BEST Cricut tips and tricks are to you now in the hopes of saving YOU time and money!

These Cricut tips and tricks are from my personal collection, as well as contributed by the members of my amazing team. Between us all, we have decades of Cricut experience with a variety of different materials and techniques. These shortcuts are the best of the best. If you only had time to learn so many tips, these are the ones I want you to know!

By the way, if you prefer to read or just want to print out these tips to keep next to your Cricut, Ive put all 25 of these tips and a whole lot more into my Cricut ShortCUTS collection. You can get all the details on it at

See exactly how these 25 Best Cricut Tips & Tricks work in my video, where I demonstrate each one, or keep scrolling to read the tips:

But the video is just part of this, theres something even better. I pretty much always have a thing you can download and keep, and today is no exception. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to see what it is!

Ive organized the tips in this video as a countdown to my most favorite Cricut tip, and Im excited to share and demonstrate them to you! Lets get started! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it wont cost you a penny more)! Read myfull disclosure policy.

Quick Links to Information in this Post

Things You Can Get That Make Your Cricut Crafting Easier & Faster

The 25 Best Cricut Tips & Tricks

#1 Best Cricut Tip: Improve Your Cuts with Aluminum Foil

To keep your fine-point and deep-point blades clean and cutting well, repeatedly poke the blade tip into a piece of aluminum rolled into a tight ball. Just tear of a 12 sheet of aluminum foil, ball it up tightly, push the blades plunger down to expose the blade, and poke about 40-50 times. Poking the pointy part of the blade into that foil ball will remove debris or oxidation that can build up on the blade, and help it cut better.

While this is not sharpening the blade, as is commonly believed, it is using friction to remove little bits of stuff that collect on your blade and can cause issues when cutting. I regularly poke my blade into an aluminum foil ball and rarely, if ever, have issues getting clean cuts anymore.

Alternatively, if you dont want to risk poking yourself with your blade or leaving your blade behind in your foil ball, you can put a piece of aluminum foil on your mat and cut several simple designs out of itthis will also clean your blade and improve your cuts!

Watch this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get Aluminum Foil: Dollar store, any grocery store, Amazon

Time to Implement This ShortCut: Less than a minute

Flip the Mat to Remove Materials Without Damaging Them

Are you tired of having material rip or curl when you take it off your cutting mat? You dont have to put up with it, and Im going to share my secret to removing materials from mats, even fragile cardstock from the green StandardGrip cutting mats, without damaging them or curling them.

The key is to remove the mat from your material rather than remove your material from your mat. To do this, just flip your cutting mat over so its face down on your work surface, then gently bend your mat up and away from your materialthis puts the force of the bend into the mat, which will bend right back, not your material. Often, your material will spring right off the mat for you!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Time to Implement: Less than a minute

Get Little Bits Off Your Mat Quickly with a Scraper or Card

Often when we cut cardstock or other materials, little bits will be left behind on the mat and it can take a while to remove them one by one. The fastest ways to remove them is to scrape them off.

You can use a regular size scraper, or even an extra large scraper which will do the job faster.

If you dont have a scraper, or forgot yours somewhere, you can also scrape the little bits off your mat with a plastic card, like a store loyalty card, hotel card, or expired credit card.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Any store that gives out loyalty cards, Amazon, craft stores

Time to Implement: 1-2 minutes, depending on how many bits were left behind.

Clean Mats with Baby Wipes

Do you have a cutting mat that is so well-loved that it just wont keep anything stuck on it? Never fear you can give it new life!

Just use a non-alcohol based baby wipe to wipe down your cutting mat. If its particularly dirty with fibers or whatnot, wipe in small circles all around the mat until its clean.

Then allow it to dry, which usually takes about 10 minutes for me.

Not only will this clean your mat, but itll help retain some of its stickiness, too.

I have a mat that Id used well over a year ago and when it lost its stick, I just put it into a drawer, then forgot about it. When I pulled it out and wiped it down with the wipe, it became sticky and useable again!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Baby wipes are at dollar stores, grocery stores, and Amazon

Time to Implement: About 5 minutes to wipe down a really dirty mat

Keep Your Cricut Tools Handy

I recommend you keep all of your Cricut tools together in one place so its easier to use them when you need them.

The simplest way to do this is put your tools in the accessory cups in your Cricut itselfyou can also use the flip up compartment on your Cricut drawer.

Did you know theres even a little section for blades on the right and it has a magnet to keep them in place? Another idea is to put your tools on a pegboard near your Cricut.

Or you can make my Cricut tool benchget the files and tutorial for it at

You can also use a 3D printed tool holder, like this one we designed and made ourselves. Get details on this tool holder at

The key is to keep everything together so youre not wasting time hunting for your tools.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Tool Bench, 3D Tool Holder, Amazon

Time to Implement: Just a few minutes to collect everything together

Store Your Cricut Pens Tip Down

Store your pens with the tip down in your accessory cup, tool holder, or pen storage. Storing pens upside down means the ink is always near the tip and is ready to go when you are ready to use them. This avoids or reduces issues where your Cricut pens just dont want to write after putting them in the machine. And if you just bought a pack of pens and are having issues with them, keep in mind that theyre packaged with the point up and need some time for the ink to settle to the tip. The only exception to this rule is the Cricut gel pensgel pens should be stored horizontally to keep the ink from leaking out. This may also go without saying, but also keep the caps on your pens. In fact, when you go to use your pen in your Cricut, put the cap on the machine while its in your Cricut so you dont lose it!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Tool Bench, 3D Tool Holder, Amazon

Time to Implement: Store as you go!

Weed Faster with a Container or Painters Tape

When youre weeding a design and there are small bits to remove, its crucial you keep this tiny pieces away from your work surface or they can migrate back into your design. This usually means having to stop and move your weeded bits out of the way every once in a while. But you can speed up weeding if you keep a small container close at hand as you work. You can use something fancy like this silicone ring that lets you put bits in as you go, or something as low tech as a baby wipe container, wet wipe dispenser, or even just an empty tissue box. Another idea is to wrap some painters tape around your hand several times, sticky side up, and then just put the bits on the tape as you work. You use whatever works best for you!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

See Cut Lines Better with Baby Powder or Corn Starch

It can be difficult to see the cut lines in vinyl in order to weed them, especially if you have less than stellar eyesight like me.

To make the lines more visible, sprinkle a little baby powder or corn starch on your vinyl, then brush it in with a makeup brush (both of which you can get at the dollar store inexpensively).

The powder goes right into the cut lines making them appear for you so you can weed better and faster! The powder wipes right off when youre finished.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: Less than 30 seconds to shake and brush!

Use the Right Tools for Faster Weeding

Weeding vinyl is challenging when youre not using the right tools. Most people just use the Cricut weeder, not realizing that while it is a fine tool, it may not always be the right tool for the job. Other great weeding tools include dental tools, tweezers, and craft knifes. You can also use an empty 5mm pencil and a size 70 needle in place of the lead and make your own weeding tool. Or get fancy and buy a special weeding tool that also serves as an air release pen for bubbles the other end can hold down small pieces that lift up when youre removing vinyl.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Keep Your Vinyl in Place As You Weed

A lot of vinyl comes on rolls, specifically Cricut vinyl, and that means when youre done cutting it can still be really curly and not want to lay flat on your surface. And frankly trying to keep the curl down while you weed can be a nightmoare. You can to keep your vinyl in place while you weed, and it makes it so much easier. There are a few ways to do this. One way is to weed on a slightly sticky (not super sticky) mat to keep it in place. You can use a blue LightGrip mate or an older green StandardGrip mat. You can also just tape your vinyl down to your surface with some painters tape and that will keep it in place. And finally, if you prefer to weed on a BrightPad or some other sort of lightbox so you can see your cut lines, you can use fabric weights and that will keep it in place, or also painters tape works just fine on your BrightPad. If you can keep your vinyl in place while you weed, its almost like having a third hand. And it is a huge help!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: Just a few extra seconds

Keep Your Cricut Clean with Compressed Air

Over time, little bits of paper and debris will collect in your Cricut and it can be really difficult to get to them to clean them out. But keeping your machine clean matters, as it makes it easier for the mat to pass through unimpeded. I like to use a can of compressed air, the type used for electronics, and squirt puffs of air along the bed to remove all the gunk. It works really well and you dont have to worry about getting into those hard to reach places. So long as you aim the can of compressed air directly at the bed of the machine, the air can go right out the back slot, along with all of your dust!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: 1 minute or less

Keep Mats Within Easy Reach

Youre more likely to craft if your mats are within reach and ready to go. When youre new and have just one or two, you can simply slide them right under your Cricut. But what about later when youve collected several mats of various grip strengths? Or you have the longer mats? Use a picture hook or Command strip hook (the metal type) near your Cricut to hang your mats. I have a hook for regular size mats and long size mats, and its SO convenient.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: Just a few minutes to hang up on your wall or on the side of your desk

Transfer With Less Sticky Tape and Save Your Sanity

Lets face it, sometimes transfer tape is just TOO sticky. So if you are having issues getting your vinyl to come off your tape, or youre just out of tape, there are some alternatives. You can put strips of painters tape or masking tape on a vinyl design and transfer with that. You can use lint roller sheets in a pinch, too. Another idea is to use clear contact paper, which is less sticky and generally quite inexpensive. If you have none of these things and are struggling with the sticky tape, try sticking your tape to a clean shirt or piece of fabric before you use it this will reduce its tack and make it a little less sticky.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: No extra time needed

Waste Less Material with Test Cuts

One of the most frustrating things you can do is waste expensive material, especially when it was your last piece of cardstock or vinyl in just that one color. But you dont have to do this! Whenever you have a piece of material that is either new to you, or is in scarce supply, always do a test cut first. Simply open Cricut Design Space, click on Shapes then click Circle and resize the circle down to a half inch. Now just cut out the circle. If you can remove the circle freely from your material, youll know your settings are good and you can cut out your entire design. But if you cannot, change your settings and try to cut out that circle again. Repeat until you can cut out the circle, THEN cut out your design. You will waste a LOT less material this way.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Time to Implement: Just a minute or two!

Get Better Results with Double Passes

Have you ever cut something and you can already tell it didnt cut all the way through before you even unload it? I can often tell just by lifting up a corner on my mat. If this happens to you, theres something you can do. Before unloading your mat, press your C button again. This will pull your mat back in and re-cut it exactly as it just did, and this time it will cut a little further. You can do the same thing with scoring if you think the score isnt quite deep enough. The key is to do it before you press the Unload button. If you do it after youve unloaded the mat, the mat is likely to be a slightly different position and will cut or score in a different position, too.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Time to Implement: As much time as your first cut.

Keep Your FabricGrip Mats Cleaner

The pink FabricGrip mats can get messy, especially when you cut something like felt or fleece. While the mats will keep working for a while even with fibers and threads on them, it can be a mess. And you cant wipe down or wash the FabricGrip mats the same way you can the other mats. If you also struggle with this, consider putting a sheet of contact paper or transfer tape sticky side up on your FabricGrip mat before you position your fabric on it. This means the fabric bits get stuck on that paper or tape rather than your mat, and it extends the life of your mats. Keep in mind that you can only get about 7 cuts before youll need to change your contact paper or transfer tape on your mat, and it may take a while to remove because the cuts will cut into the paper or tape, too. But it will keep your mat cleaner!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: 10-15 minutes

Keep Vinyl Rolls From Unrolling

Are vinyl rolls unrolling on you and making a mess?

You can tape it closed with painters tape and it wont leave any residue like Scotch tape might.

Another idea is to take a paper cardboard roll, cut it into a two inch length, then cut a slit in it you can wrap these right around your rolls to keep them tidy. And, bonus, you can even write the type of vinyl it is on the cardboard!

And if you have some of those slap bracelets, you can quickly wrap those right around your rolls of vinyl to keep them in place, too!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: Store as you go!

Extend the Life of your Cutting Mats

If you cut a lot of projects like me, your mats can lose their stick pretty quickly. But there something you can do to get more out a mat thats losing its stick! If you pay attention, your Cricut always puts items to cut in the upper left corner of your mat by default. This means if you move things to be cut to other parts of mat, its likely to be more sticky in those areas. For example, try moving things to the center or other corner in the mat preview to use your mat more evenly. And also be sure to turn your mat around 180 and use the other end, too! Often an old mat will be stickiest on the bottom edge.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Time to Implement: Do it as you go along!

Tape Down Materials To Prevent Moving On Your Mat

If your mat has lost its stick entirely, you may still be able to use it with a little painters tape. Just place your material down on the mat, then tape it down at the very edges with some painters tape. You may need to move your design to the center of the mat to accommodate the tape lines. Just avoid using this on any design with really intricate cuts, as that sticky mat really makes a difference then. And dont let the tape overlap the mat or get under the rollers, as it will likely jam your Cricut. This tip is also great for cutting any material that is really stiff, as they dont like to stay in place even with a brand new and sticky mat.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Painters Tape on Amazon

Charge Your Phone or iPad While You Craft on a Cricut Maker

If you have a Cricut Maker, you also have another charging station. On the right lower side of the Maker, look and youll see a USB port. You can use this to charge your phone or iPad, or even plug in your BrightPad. And you can rest your device or BrightPad in the built-in slot at the top of your Cricut Maker, too! I cant tell you how many times Ive charged my phone from this port. Most people have no idea this port is even here, but now YOU do!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Access All Material Settings for Better Cutting

Youre not limited by the material you see on your dial on the Explore series machines, or the materials you see under Popular on your Make screen in Design Space. You can access a whole bunch settings for very specific materials. First, if youre using an Explore series machine, make sure you turn your dial to Custom Settings and keep it there. (Makers dont even have a dial, and are always on Custom Settings.) Second, when youre on the Make screen, be sure to click the Browse All Materials link in the upper right corner to search through ALL the settings and select the best one. Having the right setting makes a HUGE difference in the success of your cut!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Cut More Than One Color of Material at Once

Frustrated by loading and unloading lots of mats when you have a design with many layers or colors? You can save time and headache by cutting more than one color of a material at once! Just move all cut elements to the same mat in Design Space, either by making them the same color or by moving them individually on the Mat Preview screen (click the three dots in the upper left corner of each cut element and then click Move to Mat). Then you need to position each element in a different corner or section of your cutting mat in the mat preview screen. Once the Cricut knows where to cut everything, put appropriately sized pieces of material in the corresponding sections on your mat. It helps to refer to your mat preview as you place your material. This allows you to cut a TON of different colors at once!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Time to Implement: A couple extra minutes saves a lot of extra loading and unloading!

Reduce Tack on New Mats

Brand new mats can be super tacky, and this can cause issues with getting materials off mats.But you can reduce the tack on new cutting mats simply by patting them down with your handsthe oil from your hands will make the mats a touch less sticky. Alternately, press a clean paper towel on your mat to transfer a thin layer of fibers to the mat and reduce its stick. Neither of these actions actually harms the adhesive on the mat, and you can later wipe them down to reveal more of the adhesive later.

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Use a Lint Roller to Remove Debris and Fibers

Cutting mats collect a lot of bits of paper, dust, and fibers, all of which can reduce the effectiveness of your mats. One really quick way to remove this layer of stuff and get a sticker mat is to run a lint roller over the surface of the mat. This will pick up a lot of the loose little bits that like to cling to your mat. Of course, its a great idea to keep your plastic mat protectors on your cutting mats while theyre not in use to avoid collecting any extra dust or pet hair!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Get Lint Rollers on Amazon or at your local dollar store

Time to Implement: A couple of minutes

Wipe Down Surfaces with Alcohol Before Applying Vinyl

Whenever you are applying vinyl to smooth surfaces, youll get a much better adhesion if you wipe it down first with rubbing alcohol. And the higher the alcohol count, like 91% or 95%, the faster it will dry. You can just use a giant jug like this, but a spray bottle with a fine mist works really well. If you find you need to apply small amounts of alcohol frequently, a push-down pump dispenser is a lifesaveryou can get the big ones on Amazon, or the small ones at the dollar store (they are marketed as nail polish remover pumps). Its also really important that when you wipe down your surface that you use a lint-free towel, or youre just introducing more dust to your surface. I use Scott shop towels, but if you dont have those, you can just use a coffee filter, which is lint free!

See this ShortCUT in action:

Where to Get: Amazon

Time to Implement: Less than a minute

Get my Cricut ShortCUTS E-Book!

Ive turned my favorite tips & tricks (and many more tips that I dont mention in the video) into a brand new ebook calledCricut ShortCUTS:Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Hidden Features to Craft Faster and Better. This will be a for-sale book like my extremely popular Cricut Coach Playbook that has been purchased by tens of thousands of crafters. Only thing is YOU GET MY NEW EBOOK TOTALLY FREE if you go get it now. I made you a coupon code as a gift (the code is GIFTAWAY), and the coupon code is good for 100% off the price of the e-book (currently $14 without the coupon). And Im giving you the coupon so you can get it in the store rather than simply sharing the file with you because that way you get to keep access to it, and all of its future updates, forever just like with my Playbook. So by getting it through the store for free, you get to keep downloading its updates in perpetuity. The only catch is the coupon expires January 6, 2020 so you have more than 10 days to go get it for free. Ill be continuously updating it, like I do the Playbook, so get it now and watch it grow and expand!

Get my Cricut ShortCUTS e-book FREE from now until January 6, 2019 (after that, it is $14).

Id love to hear YOUR tips and tricks! Please share them in our Facebook group, email them to me at hello@jennifermaker.com, or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

Want to remember this? Save the 25 Best Cricut Shortcuts to your favorite Pinterest Board

The post The 25 BEST Cricut Tips, Tricks, Secrets, Hidden Features, & ShortCUTS! appeared first on Jennifer Maker.