How the machine actually behaves, written from what goes wrong rather than from the feature list.
All guidesStickers4 min readUpdated
How to make Cricut stickers with Print Then Cut
Cricut Print Then Cut pairs printed artwork with a sensor-guided cut. On Maker, Explore and other compatible cutting machines, a separate printer produces the image before the cutter follows its outline. Start with one sticker so you can check the artwork, paper and cut before using a whole pack.
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the sticker artwork
Choose a clear illustration and size it for the finished sticker. Keep an editable original. Export an image or SVG suitable for the upload options available in Design Space.
- 2
Set up the printable design
Upload into Design Space. Add a border if wanted, and use Flatten for layers that should print together and share an outer cut. Check the selected machine and page size.
- 3
Print from Design Space
Follow Make and the Print Then Cut flow. Use its bleed option when appropriate. Keep the print and cut in one session on the same device; do not substitute an independently printed PDF.
- 4
Load and test
Follow the material orientation and cutting prompts for your model. Inspect the first sticker before repeating the job. Keep notes on the paper, printer settings and result.
Which machines can make printed stickers?
Maker and Explore models, Venture, Joy Xtra and Joy 2 support Print Then Cut. The original Cricut Joy does not. StickerPix has its own printing workflow, covered in the separate guide linked below.
For Cricut Printable Sticker Paper, use a compatible inkjet printer and the specified cutting supplies. Check the paper label rather than assuming any printer can use it.
Check size in the selected machine profile
The usable area depends on the machine, paper size and shape of the design. There is no single 6.75 × 9.25 inch limit that describes every current setup. Sensor marks reserve part of the sheet.
If Design Space reports an oversized image, use its resizing option or choose a supported larger page that your printer can handle. Measure the finished sticker again after resizing: fitting more on a page is not useful if a product label becomes too small.
Offset, bleed and the sticker edge
An offset changes the outline around artwork; bleed extends printed colour past an intended cut. Decide whether your design should have a visible white border or colour to the edge before preparing it.
Inspect the preview for unintended holes and tiny detached pieces. A decorated word may look attractive on screen but create several loose shapes if the intended sticker backing is missing.
Troubleshoot a missed scan or shifted cut
Check the material against the supported list for your model. Highly reflective or dark surfaces can affect sensor reading. Also inspect whether the marks printed clearly and whether the sheet is positioned as instructed.
For an inaccurate cut, follow the model’s calibration guidance where available. Keep a failed sample and change one variable at a time. That makes it easier to distinguish a print-scaling problem from a material or calibration problem.
Sources and further reading
Manufacturer references checked for this guide’s October 21, 2026 update.