It is now easier and faster to outline images and make stickers in Cricut Design Space with the “Create Sticker” feature.
Cricut has introduced a new functionality called “Create Sticker” that combines tasks to outline, flatten, print, and cut images, designs, sentiments, and more and quickly turn them into stickers.
The previous process using “Print Then Cut” has been streamlined by combining the steps without losing customization options.
This post is a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to use the new “Create Sticker” feature to create, print, and cut stickers and decals. In the end, you will know how to create stickers easier and faster than before.
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Requirements to Use “Create Sticker”
Update 4/23/24: Cricut has released the Create Sticker feature, which is available in Cricut Design Space for Desktop, iOS, and Android. It can be found in the “Edit” menu on mobile.
To use the “Create Sticker” feature in Cricut Design Space, you will need a subscription to Cricut Access.
If you don’t have a subscription to Cricut Access, you can try Cricut Access for free for 30 days as a new user. You’ll be able to try Access-only features like Cricut Monogram, Phrases, Editable Images, and more, including “Create Sticker”.
If you aren’t sure if a Cricut Access subscription is right for you, read my post, Cricut Access Subscription: Do You Need it?
Without Cricut Access, you can play with the “Create Sticker” feature in Cricut Design Space Beta Version for Windows and Mac computers, but you won’t be able to print or cut them.
If you decide that Cricut Access is not for you, you can use Cricut Design Space’s “Print Then Cut” functionality to create stickers.
Learn the “Print Then Cut” process in my post How to Make Print Then Cut Stickers for Beginners.
You must use a Cricut cutting machine that supports “Print Then Cut.”
All Cricut cutting machines support the “Print Then Cut” functionality except for the Cricut Joy. These Cricut cutting machines can outline images in Cricut Design Space and print and cut stickers:
Supplies You’ll Need
- A Cricut cutting machine that supports “Print Then Cut” and has been calibrated*.
- Cricut Fine Point Blade or Cricut Joy Blade
- Cricut LightGrip Cutting Mat
- Brayer (optional but recommended)
- Inkjet Printer
- Cricut Design Space Beta Version 8.14.52
- Printable Vinyl or Sticker Paper**
* Learn how to calibrate Cricut for Print Then Cut on Cricut’s website.
**Read my detailed post and watch the video of The Best Printable Vinyl for Stickers.
I will be using Cricut Design Space Beta Version 8.14.52 on a Windows Desktop Computer in this tutorial.
How to Make Stickers With the “Create Sticker” Feature
Creating Stickers in Cricut Design Space
Open Cricut Design Space Beta version.
Select “Canvas” on the top left of the screen.
Select “Images” on the left side of the screen.
Select a category or search specifically for designs you want to make stickers out of. I will select “Animals.”
Select a few designs to create stickers from by clicking on the “+” (plus sign) to insert images onto your Canvas.
Click on “Images” on the left side of the screen to return to the Canvas.
De-select the grouped images by clicking the mouse on the canvas outside of the grouped designs.
Move and resize the designs on the canvas.
Select the butterfly image. Note that the image is set to “Basic Cut” under “Operation” at the top left of the window. This will change when we use the “Create Sticker” feature.
Note that the “Basic Cut” images can have multiple layers in the Layers Panel*, like the bunny image selected in this screenshot. When creating stickers, the images will be effectively flattened to print and cut as outlined images/stickers.
*Learn More about the Layers Panel with the Layers Cheatsheet from the Cricut website.
Select “Create Sticker” at the top of the page. Cricut Design Space may ask if you want to try the new “Create Sticker” feature. Click “Check It Out.“
Select “Kiss Cut” to leave the paper backing intact or “Die Cut” to cut through the material and paper backing.
Outline the image in Cricut Design Space by selecting the border you want to use. This border is the “offset” layer around the sticker.
To change the size of the border or outline, select from the options in the drop-down. I will select “Standard”.
You can change the outline of the image (offset) to any color you’d like. Choose from the options available, or customize with different colors by selecting the plus sign next to the defaults.
Leave “Cut Interior Shapes” off for this sticker. We will see how to use that option later in the post. Click “Apply“.
Note that under “Operation” at the top of the screen, it is now grayed out and indicates “Print Then Cut.” Initially, it was set to “Basic Cut”.
The Layers Panel shows that the design is “Print Then Cut”, but you can still make modifications to the different layers.
About Kiss-Cut and Die-Cut
The “Create Sticker” feature in Cricut Design Space has two cut options: kiss-cut and die-cut. You will need to choose one of these options when creating stickers.
Kiss Cut
A “Kiss Cut” is a cut that only cuts through the top layer of the printable vinyl or sticker paper, leaving the paper backing intact. Use “Kiss Cut” when you want the stickers to peel individually from an entire sheet of material.
Die Cut
A “Die Cut” will cut through both the material and the paper backing of the printable vinyl or sticker paper, leaving the exact shape of the sticker (and its offset or border) without any excess material. Use “Die Cut” when you want detached, individually cut stickers.
Flattening Images Before Using “Create Sticker”
Most of the time, using the “Create Sticker” feature in Cricut Design Space will effectively flatten the design for printing and cutting.
I use the term “effectively” because “Create Sticker” will create an offset and change the operation type to “Print Then Cut”, but it leaves the layers intact. The design is not flattened but will still be cut as a flattened sticker.
While testing this functionality, I had a couple of issues with the sticker offset detaching from the image and separating from the sticker.
If this happens, follow these steps:
Click the “Edit Sticker” drop-down at the top of the screen where “Create Sticker” was.
Remove the sticker by clicking “Undo Sticker” in the “Edit Sticker” drop-down.
Manually flatten the image by selecting the “Flatten” option below the Layers Panel on the right side of the screen.
Once the image is flattened, recreate the sticker with “Create Sticker”.
In the Layers Panel, note that the design has been flattened into a single layer and has been set to “Print Then Cut”.
The caveat here is that you can no longer make changes to the design’s attributes because they have been combined into a single layer.
Changing the Sticker Options
You can change the sticker options or remove the sticker altogether.
Follow these steps:
Select the sticker you want to modify. Click “Edit Sticker” at the top of the screen.
Modify the parameters. In this case, I wanted to increase the offset to a specific size. I selected “Custom” in the Border drop-down and set the offset size with the slider. Click “Apply” to make the change.
The “Cut Interior Shapes” Option
“Basic Cut” images may have negative space in the interior of the design, such as a doughnut hole. In this case, the butterfly has negative space that I want to cut out of the sticker.
Follow these steps to cut negative space:
Select “Cut Interior Shapes” in the “Create Sticker” drop-down. Click “Apply.” Note that the negative space in the butterfly’s wings has been removed. You can see the transparent background of the canvas.
If “Cut Interior Shapes” is grayed out for the image, then there are no negative spaces in the design or the design has been flattened into a single layer.
Sizing Error Messages
“Print Then Cut” Supported Sizes
Let’s talk about size for a moment. In 2023 and before, we were limited to a maximum “Print Then Cut” size of 6.75″ W x 9.25″ H for all materials.
If the sticker or sticker group was larger than this size, an error message would display in the Layers Panel next to the design.
In mid-2023, Cricut created additional sizing for “Print Then Cut” based on the Cricut machine and the mat or material size used.
These supported sizes can be viewed and selected in Cricut Design Space Settings.
Open Cricut Design Space Settings under the avatar at the top on the right-hand side of the screen.
Select the “Load Type” tab.
Select the Cricut cutting machine to be used from the drop-down called “Defaults for.”
Select the mat type in the “Load Type” drop-down.
The “Print Then Cut” sizes will populate in the “Print Then Cut Page Size” drop-down. The sizes available will change based on the Cricut machine you have selected.
The Cricut Joy Xtra supports two sizes of material for “Print Then Cut” and “Create Stickers”, and the Cricut Maker Series and Explore Series machines support five different sizes of material.
The Cricut Venture supports thirteen material sizes and, by extension, the largest maximum sticker size.
Note that if you select the Cricut Joy, the “Print Then Cut” option disappears, as it is not supported on this cutting machine.
There is a caveat to selecting larger sizes for stickers. The printer must support the same material size selected in the Cricut Design Space Settings.
For example, if your printer doesn’t support 12″ x 12″ materials, you won’t be able to print and cut a sticker of the same size.
Dealing with Sizing Errors in Cricut Design Space
If your sticker or sticker group is too large for the page size, there will be an error message (red circle, exclamation point) in the layers panel.
You can solve the problem in two ways, depending on how you want your stickers to look:
- Change the material size.
- Resize the sticker/sticker group.
How to Change the Material Size
Click on the error message to open the dialog.
Select “Change Page Size” in the error message. Cricut Design Space Settings will open.
Navigate to the “Load Type” tab.
Ensure the correct Cricut machine is selected in the “Defaults for” drop-down.
Make sure the “Load Type” is correctly set.
Select the correct Material size in the “Print Then Cut Page Size” drop-down. Click “Done”.
If the sticker or sticker group is still too large after selecting the correct material/mat size, resize the designs.
How to Resize the Stickers Automatically or Manually
The easiest way to do this is to resize the sticker or sticker group automatically.
Select “Auto-Resize Image” in the error message in the Layers Panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
For more control over sizing, resize the sticker or sticker group manually.
Use the handles in the corner of the selected sticker or sticker group, or set the width and height manually in the toolbar at the top of the window.
Once you have dealt with any sizing issues, print the stickers on printable vinyl or sticker paper.
How to Print the Stickers
At the top of the screen in Cricut Design Space, ensure you have selected the correct Cricut cutting machine.
In this case, I will use the Cricut Joy Xtra.
If you change the machine type, make sure your stickers are sized as you want them and that there are no errors in the Layers Panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
Click “Make” on the top right-hand side of the screen.
You can increase the number of “Project Copies” on this page.
Use this feature to make multiple copies of a sticker or sticker group by increasing the count and selecting “Apply.”
This will create the specified number of copies of the sticker or sticker group.
Note that in the example image, the “Material Load Type” is automatically set to “Mat” and cannot be changed.
Note the material size. If the material size selected is not correct, click the drop-down and select from the available sizes to match your printable vinyl or sticker paper.
Click “Continue” when you have the options set correctly.
This screen sends the sticker or sticker group to the printer.
Select “Send to Printer”.
Select your printer.
If your stickers have a white offset (outline or border), do not select “Add Bleed.”
However, if you are printing a full-page sticker or a sticker with no offset, select “Add Bleed.”
Learn more about “Add Bleed” in the FAQ section of this post.
Toggle “Use System Dialog” to the “On” position. This will allow you to customize print parameters.
Click on “Print”. The printer system dialog should appear. If it doesn’t, minimize Cricut Design Space, as it may be “hiding” behind the program.
Navigate to the Printer Preferences. Your printer system dialogue may look different from mine.
My printer is a Canon TS9500 series inkjet printer.
Select the correct feed tray for your material. I use the rear feed tray of my printer for materials that are thicker than copy paper.
Change the material type based on the material specifications provided by the manufacturer. I use Photo/Glossy.
Change the print quality to “High” if it is available.
Click “OK” to close the Printer Preferences. Then click “Print”.
Once you have printed the stickers, allow the ink to dry if necessary. Then, cut the stickers.
How to Cut The Stickers
Align and place the printed stickers on a blue LightGrip cutting mat.
Roll the brayer over the paper to get a good, flat “stick” to the mat.
In Cricut Design Space, click on “Browse All Materials”.
Select the base material you are using to make stickers and click “Done”.
This is a list of possible base materials you will find in the materials list. If you aren’t sure which to use, select the material closest to yours.
- Printable Sticker Paper – White (Green Liner Printing)
- Printable Sticker Paper – White (Gray Liner Printing)
- Printable Sticker Paper – Clear (No Liner Printing)
- Printable Waterproof Sticker Set – White
- Printable Waterproof Sticker Set – White Holographic
- Printable Waterproof Sticker Set – Transparent
- Printable Waterproof Sticker Set – Transparent Holographic
- Printable Vinyl – Specialty
- Printable Vinyl – Transparent
You may have to experiment with different materials and pressure to get a good cut, so be sure to note what works for you next time.
Set the pressure for the kiss-cut and/or die-cut options. Default pressure works well for my Cricut Joy Xtra.
Load the Fine Point Blade or Joy Xtra Blade into the Cricut clamp.
Follow the rest of the directions provided in Cricut Design Space.
Once completed, check the cut to ensure it is cut correctly before removing the mat from the Cricut.
If necessary, run the cut a second time.
Once the cut is complete and correct, remove the mat from the Cricut cutting machine and peel the mat away from the printable vinyl or sticker paper.
Clean the Cricut cutting mat to keep it in top shape.
More Ways to Create Stickers
Create Stickers from Sentiments and Phrases
You can also make stickers from sentiments and phrases with or without SVG designs and other image types.
You will need a Cricut Access subscription to use “Sentiments” or “Phrases” in Cricut Design Space.
Select “Phrases” on the left-hand side of the screen.
Use the filters to find existing sentiments and phrases for stickers.
Follow the “Create Sticker” directions above.
Create Stickers from Editable Images
You can even combine an original image and sentiments in one sticker.
You can also use “Editable Images” if you have a Cricut Access Subscription.
Select “Editable Images” on the left-hand side of the screen.
Select the images you want to make into stickers and click on “Editable Images” to return to the canvas.
Customize the designs.
Follow the “Create Sticker” directions above.
Create Sentiment Stickers Using Cricut Fonts
You can create your own sentiment stickers with Cricut Fonts or fonts uploaded to Cricut Design Space.
Create these custom phrases using Cricut Fonts and Design Space features like “Warp” and “Curve.”
Create the phrase with a text box and keep it selected.
Click the “Font” drop-down at the top left of the screen. Use the filters to find and select a font you want to use.
Select a color for the selected text. Modify the text using “Warp,” “Curve,” and other design features in Cricut Design Space.
Follow the “Create Sticker” directions above.
Note about Cricut Design Space Beta
A new Beta version of Cricut Design Space dropped the day I created this last screenshot. Beta versions of software can be glitchy as they are going through rigorous testing.
In this case, the Warp, Curve, and Create Sticker features were having issues working together.
This is why the sticker screenshot above does not match the other images.
Create Stickers Using Cricut Design Space Shapes
You can also design your own stickers using the shaped objects in Cricut Design Space. Combine these objects with text, sentiments, editable images, and more.
Select “Shapes” on the left-hand side of the screen.
Add one or more shapes to the Canvas.
Select the object(s) and change its color, size, and more.
With all of the objects selected, flatten the design by selecting “Flatten” under the Layers Panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
You can also back out of “Flatten”. Once the image has been flattened, just select “Unflatten” under the Layers Panel.
Follow the “Create Sticker” directions above.
Create Stickers Using Uploaded Images
You can also create stickers with your own custom images by uploading them to Cricut Design Space.
You can create SVG images, PNG images, and other image file types in third-party software such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Silhouette Studio, Corel Draw, and more, then upload the images into Cricut Design Space.
Read my post, How to Upload SVG Files to Cricut Design Space, to learn how to upload images and cut files.
Once you have uploaded the images, select and add them to the canvas.
Follow the “Create Sticker” directions above.
These uploaded stickers are available on Creative Fabrica. Access them using this direct link, or consider joining for only $4.99 a month (annual subscription).
Creative Fabrica has a ton of resources, and you can learn all about them in my post, Creative Fabrica Fonts, Designs, and More: Great for Crafters.
Image file types can be confusing and complex. To learn more about SVG files, PNG files, JPG files, bitmap images, other image types, and image quality, read about the difference between raster and vector images on Adobe.com.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Create Outlines, Border, and Offset in Cricut Design Space Explained
Borders, offsets, and outlines in Cricut Design Space are used interchangeably. The white border (sometimes seen in other colors) around the sticker is called an “offset”.
Sometimes layman’s terms are used to describe the offset as a border or an outline around the image.
Can I Use a Laser Printer Instead of an Inkjet Printer?
The printable vinyl or sticker paper brand will specify whether it’s for Laserjet or Inkjet.
Most printable vinyl and sticker paper are designed for inkjet printers because of the adhesive backing. The vinyl or sheet packaging should indicate which type of printer to use.
Learn which printable vinyl works best in my post The Best Printable Vinyl for Stickers.
What is a “Sticker Group?”
There are two ways to size and print stickers: individually and collectively.
I use the term “sticker group” when I want all of my stickers to fit on a single sheet of printable vinyl or sticker paper.
I use the term “sticker” when my stickers will be different sizes across multiple sheets of material.
To print stickers collectively on a single sheet of material, resize all at the same time by grouping or attaching the designs.
Use the “Group” feature above the Layers Panel on the right-hand side of the screen if the placement of stickers on the material is not important.
If you want to control the placement of the stickers on the material, use the “Attach” feature under the Layers Panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
If you want to size the designs individually across one or more sheets of material, resize the images individually and do not group or attach them.
Learn more about “Group” and “Attach” on Cricut’s website.
What is “Add Bleed” in Printing?
“Add Bleed” is a term used in printing to describe the process of extending an image or design beyond the actual size of the final printed product.
Bleed is added to ensure that there is no white space or unprinted areas at the edges of the final printed product.
If the sticker has an offset or white border around it, then “Add Bleed” isn’t necessary for printing.
Is “Create Sticker” Available in Cricut Design Space for iOS and Android?
The “Create Sticker” feature is only available in the Beta Desktop version of Cricut Design Space as of January 16, 2024.
Cricut plans to release “Create Sticker” to the Cricut Design Space app for iOS and Android soon.
Cricut is Having Trouble Reading Registration Marks
Cricut will print “Registration Marks” on the materials used for “Create Sticker” and “Print Then Cut.” These registration marks show Cricut where to start cutting in relation to the stickers.
Sometimes, Cricut can’t “see” the registration marks for “Print Then Cut” and won’t cut the stickers. When Cricut uses a sensor to find the registration marks printed on the material. It might have trouble reading them if the material is dark or too glossy.
If your Cricut is having trouble with the registration marks, try the following:
- Use white or light-colored material for “Print Then Cut” and “Create Sticker” with the
Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Maker. For Explore series machines, only use white material.
- Turn off all lights in the room and cut the stickers in the dark. Sometimes, Cricut can’t see the registration marks if the room light shines directly on the glossy finish of the material. Turning off the lights when cutting can sometimes solve the issue.
- If the Cricut still can’t read the registration marks with the lights off, reduce the glossiness of the material where the registration marks are printed. Place matte, transparent Scotch tape over the registration marks and try again.
Learn more about using white and color materials with “Print Then Cut” and “Create Sticker” on Cricut’s website.
Cricut Didn’t Cut Correctly Around The Stickers
Sometimes, the Cricut cut lines don’t line up with the stickers correctly. The cut edges may be completely off or even run into another sticker.
This happens when the Cricut has never been calibrated or needs to be recalibrated for “Print Then Cut.”
To resolve this issue, run “Print Then Cut” calibration for the Cricut cutting machine.
Learn how to calibrate your Cricut by following the instructions on Cricut’s website.
The Cuts Around the Sticker Aren’t Clean
If the sticker paper or printable vinyl is torn or ripped during the cutting process, the blade might have debris on it.
Clean your blade beforehand so that you get a clean cut. Watch this video to learn how.
If cleaning the Cricut blade doesn’t help, try replacing the Fine Point or Cricut Joy Blade with a new one.
Conclusion
The “Create Sticker” feature introduced by Cricut Design Space has made creating stickers from designs, sentiments, and text much more streamlined and efficient.
With your Cricut, you can easily create high-quality stickers by controlling the type of cut, offset size, and color.
If you have any questions about the “Create Sticker” feature, please leave a comment below. You can also email your questions to me. I always enjoy hearing from you!
Now it’s time to create some awesome stickers!
Happy, happy crafting!
If you enjoyed this post, please pin it so others can enjoy it, too!
You May Also Like These Posts from Makers Corner Crafts:
- The Best Printable Vinyl for Stickers
- How to Make Temporary Tattoos with Cricut
- How to Make Print Then Cut Stickers for Beginners
Resources
- https://cricut.com/blog/introducing-create-sticker-in-design-space/
- https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/19366738622359
- https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009387274
- https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061650414
- https://customany.com/new-cricut-print-and-cut-size/
- https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/19366738622359-Using-Create-Sticker-in-Design-Space
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