# Free design software for the Cricut Maker 5

Cricut positions the Maker 5 as its most versatile machine, with a more compact, lighter body and support for compatible materials up to 3 mm thick. Whichever materials you run through it, the design work happens first, and you can do that part in any browser before the file ever reaches Design Space.

## Specifications

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Cut and engrave thickness | Compatible materials up to 3 mm (per Cricut) |
| Connectivity | USB-C and Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Workflow features | Load & Go workflows, snap-in pen loading |
| 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″. 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, choose your material and cut on the Maker 5.

## 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 does the Cricut Maker 5 use?

Cricut Design Space, which is free and is the only software that can send a cut to the machine. You can design in other tools, including this browser studio, and upload the SVG to Design Space to cut.

### What is the difference between Cricut Maker 4 and Maker 5?

Cricut says the Maker 5 has a more compact, lighter design, Load & Go workflows, snap-in pen loading, USB-C, Bluetooth Low Energy, and cuts and engraves compatible materials up to 3 mm thick, where the Maker 4 goes up to 2.4 mm.

### Is the Cricut Maker 5 good for beginners?

Cricut says yes, describing it as a machine that handles everyday projects such as stickers, cards, labels and iron-on while leaving room to grow. If you only plan to cut vinyl and paper, compare the Explore and Joy lines first.

### Will my SVG files work on a Cricut Maker 5?

Yes. Design Space uploads SVG files on every Cricut machine, with no subscription needed for your own files.

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Canonical page: https://www.cricutcraft.com/machines/cricut-maker-5

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.