# Free design software for the Cricut Maker 4

The Maker 4 is built around speed, and Cricut describes it as up to twice as fast as the Maker 3 with supported materials. A faster cut only pays off if the file is right the first time, so this page covers how to prepare designs for it before they reach Design Space.

## Specifications

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Cut and engrave thickness | Compatible materials up to 2.4 mm (per Cricut) |
| Speed | Up to twice as fast as Maker 3 with supported materials (per Cricut) |
| Import formats in Design Space | SVG, PNG, JPG, DXF, BMP, GIF |

## Export formats from CricutCraft

SVG, PNG, PDF, DXF

## Workflow

1. **Design in the browser.** Open the studio and build the design at final physical size, with the mat set to 12″ × 12″ or 12″ × 24″. Working in inches from the start means nothing needs rescaling later.
2. **Weld and offset.** Weld overlapping script letters into one outline so the blade does not cut through the joins, and add an offset for a backing layer or sticker border.
3. **Give each layer its own color.** Design Space separates an uploaded SVG into layers by fill color, so give each intended layer a distinct fill before exporting.
4. **Export and upload.** Export SVG, then Upload → Upload Image in Design Space, select your material and send it to the Maker 4.

## Handoff to the machine's software

Export an SVG from the studio, then in Design Space choose Upload → Upload Image → browse to the file. It arrives with layers and colours intact, ready to place on the mat and cut. Design Space is the only software that can send cut instructions to a Cricut, so this handoff is the last step no third-party tool can remove.

## Questions

### What software do I need for a Cricut Maker 4?

Cricut Design Space, which is free and sends the cut to the machine. Design tools like this studio prepare the file; they cannot replace Design Space for the cut itself.

### Should I buy the Maker 4 or the Maker 3?

Compare the jobs you repeat. The Maker 4's advantage is speed, so it matters most for batches. See the Maker 3 vs 4 comparison in our machine guide before buying.

### What comes in a Cricut Maker 4 bundle?

Bundle contents change by retailer and season, so check the listing for the exact materials and tools included. Cricut.com lists its current bundles on the Maker 4 page.

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Canonical page: https://www.cricutcraft.com/machines/cricut-maker-4

CricutCraft Studio is independent software and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Cricut, Silhouette America, Brother, Glowforge or xTool. Product and machine names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to describe compatibility.