Cricut machines do not print in the traditional sense
Cricut machines cut and write, but they do not print. A Cricut is a cutting machine that uses a blade or pen to cut shapes from paper, vinyl, fabric, and other materials. It does not have ink cartridges or a print head. If you want color on your finished project, you need to either use pre-colored materials or print separately on a printer before cutting.
The confusion often comes from the fact that Cricut's design software, Cricut Design Space, works similarly to how you might prepare a print job. You upload or create an image, arrange it on a virtual canvas, and send it to a machine. But instead of spraying ink onto paper, the Cricut's blade traces the outline and cuts it out.
Some newer Cricut models include a pen tool that can draw lines in different colors, but this is not printing — it is writing or drawing with a marker or pen cartridge that you load into the machine.
Key Takeaways
- Cricut machines cut materials using a blade; they do not have printing capabilities.
- To add color to a Cricut project, you can use pre-colored materials like patterned vinyl or cardstock, or print designs on a regular printer before cutting.
- Some Cricut models include a pen tool that can draw lines in multiple colors, but this is drawing, not printing.
- The Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker are cutting machines, not printers, and work best when paired with a standard inkjet or laser printer for color designs.
How to add color to Cricut projects
If you want a colored design, the most common approach is to print your image on a regular printer first, then load that printed paper into your Cricut to cut it out. This works well for photographs, detailed artwork, or any design with multiple colors. You print on standard cardstock or photo paper, and the Cricut cuts around the edges or along the lines you've drawn in your design file.
Another option is to use pre-colored materials. Cricut sells and works with patterned vinyl, cardstock in many colors, and specialty papers that already have designs or colors on them. You simply load the material and cut — no printing step needed.
For simpler designs with solid colors, you can also use the pen tool (available on Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Maker, and some other models) to draw directly onto your material. Load a colored pen cartridge, and the machine will draw the lines you've designed. This is slower than cutting and works best for outlines, text, or decorative details rather than filling large areas.
What Cricut machines can actually do
Cricut machines are cutting and writing tools. The blade can cut through paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, leather, wood veneer, and other thin materials. The pen tool can draw lines, write text, or create decorative marks. You control what gets cut or drawn by uploading a design file to Cricut Design Space, the free software that comes with every machine.
The Cricut Explore line is the entry-level option and can cut and write. The Cricut Maker is more powerful and can cut thicker materials like leather and wood. Both machines work with the same Design Space software and neither one prints.
Cricut also makes the Cricut Joy, a smaller machine designed for quick projects like labels and small vinyl decals. It also cuts and writes, but does not print.
Cricut vs. a printer: what each machine does
| Feature | Cricut Machine | Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Applies ink or color to material | No | Yes |
| Cuts shapes and outlines | Yes | No |
| Draws lines with a pen tool | Yes (on some models) | No |
| Works with Design Space software | Yes | No |
| Requires ink cartridges | No (uses blades and pens) | Yes |
Many crafters use both machines together. Print a design on your printer, then cut it with your Cricut. Or design something in Cricut Design Space, cut it out, and print details on top with a printer afterward.
Common Cricut project workflows
A typical Cricut project starts in Design Space, where you upload an image or choose from Cricut's library of designs. You arrange the design on the canvas, set the size, and choose which material you'll use. Then you load that material into the machine and press the button to cut.
If your design has color, you have two main paths. First: print the design on a regular printer using cardstock or photo paper, then load that printed sheet into your Cricut and cut around the edges or along internal lines. Second: use pre-colored materials like patterned vinyl or colored cardstock, load them into the Cricut, and cut without any printing step.
For designs that need both cutting and drawing, you can load a blade and a pen into the machine at the same time. Design Space will tell the machine when to switch between the two tools. This is useful for adding text, outlines, or decorative details to a cut shape.
When you might want a printer instead
If your main goal is to print photos, documents, or full-color artwork, a printer is the right tool. Cricut machines are not designed for that job and will not do it.
If you want to print onto fabric, a regular inkjet printer cannot do that either — you would need a specialized fabric printer or transfer paper. Cricut can cut fabric, but it cannot print on it.
Some people buy a Cricut thinking it will replace their printer. It will not. A Cricut is a specialized tool for cutting and drawing. It works best when paired with a regular printer as part of your craft workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print directly onto vinyl with a Cricut?
No. Cricut machines cannot print. However, you can print an image onto printable vinyl using a regular inkjet printer, then load that printed vinyl into your Cricut to cut it into shapes. Printable vinyl is designed to accept ink from standard printers.
Does Cricut have a printer model I can buy?
Cricut does not make printers. The company makes cutting machines (Explore, Maker, Joy) and writing tools (pens), but no printing devices. If you need to print, you will need a separate printer.
Can the Cricut pen tool print colors?
No. The pen tool draws lines using a marker or pen cartridge, but it does not print. It writes or draws on the material, similar to how a regular marker would. It is much slower than printing and works best for outlines, text, or small decorative details.
What if I want a colored design without printing first?
Use pre-colored materials like patterned vinyl, colored cardstock, or specialty papers that Cricut sells. Load the material and cut — the color is already there. You can also combine materials, cutting different colored pieces and assembling them together.
Can I use a Cricut and printer together on the same project?
Yes, and many crafters do. Print a design on your printer first, then cut it with your Cricut. Or cut shapes with your Cricut, then print details or photos on top. The two machines work well as part of the same workflow.