What is the Cricut Explore and what does it do? If all of your friends have this amazing electronic cutting machine, but you’re clueless about what it is and what you can do with it, this post is for you!
If you follow my blog or social media, you know that I am a HUGE fan of my Cricut Explore. In this post, I’m going to talk about how this crafting machine changed my life (literally) and answer questions I often get about this machine. This post applies to all Explore series machines.
I got my first Cricut Explore back in 2014. Cricut had sent out machines to a handful of bloggers to try out. When I first got it, I thought it was just a machine for scrapbookers—and being that I wasn’t a scrapbooker, I wasn’t all that excited about it. Then I had surgery and was bored out of my mind, so I finally got it out of the box.
Everything changed when I realized just how amazing this machine is—and how scrapbooking is just scratching the surface of what the Cricut Explore can actually do! I now offer my Cricut Basics eBook, which is a great place to get started!
When I say that it changed my life—it really did. I LOVE teaching people how to use their Cricut machines. So much so, that I’ve been able to turn that love into my work. What a dream!
What is the Cricut Explore?
The simplest explanation is that the Cricut Explore is an electronic cutting machine that looks sort of like a printer. But instead of printing your designs on paper, it uses a very precise blade and a series of rollers to cut out pretty much anything you can imagine, including vinyl labels, decals for shirts, paper crafts, and more.
The Cricut Explore is different than the older Cricut machines (like the Expression, the Gypsy, etc.). Instead of cartridges, you can get access to Cricut Access and their enormous library of cut files. You can upload and cut your own files. You can use the software on your computer or tablet, online or off. It cuts more than 100 different materials. You can also draw, score, and write with it.
This machine is masterfully engineered as well—I never cease to be amazed at the precision with which it cuts materials.
At its most basic, you design something you want to cut in the Cricut Design Space software, place your material on the cutting mat, confirm your settings, and GO!
The uses for the Cricut Explore machine are far beyond the scrapbooking sphere. If you love any type of DIY, party ideas, or crafts, you’ll love the Cricut Explore.
What Can I Do With the Cricut Explore?
If you need something cut out (or drawn or etched or scored), odds are, the Cricut can cut it. Here are just a few project ideas:
- Paper pennants for a party
- Leather earrings
- Iron-on vinyl for t-shirts
- Paper gift boxes and tags
- Stencils for wood signs
- Vinyl quotes for coffee mugs
- Felt coasters
- Greeting cards
- Customized tote bags
- Monogrammed water bottles
- Paper flowers for bouquets
- Vinyl labels for your pantry
- Coloring pages
- Decals for model airplanes
Best Places to Buy the Cricut Explore
Check out these retailers for deals on the Cricut Explore:
- Cricut.com
- Cricut Explore on Amazon
- JOANN
- Michaels
- HSN (currently only carry the Cricut Explore 3)
- Target
Hope this post helped you start to discover why you might want a Cricut Explore!
Cricut Comparisons
I also have posts where I go into detail comparing machines. Check out these posts:
Comments & Reviews
Kim says
I’ve never used a Cricut before but am interested in purchasing one….is it possible to make multi-colored designs? I wasn’t sure how that works.
Cori George says
Hi Kim — you can layer different materials, depending on what you’re working on. So you can use it to make a card with many colors, or a vinyl t-shirt with a few colors of vinyl. You can even use Print Then Cut to print whatever it is on your home printer (like a set of banners) and then the Cricut will cut around the outer edges. Hope that helps!
Kim McIntosh says
Can you make stickers for your car with it or write something and put it on glass?
Cori George says
You could use the outdoor vinyl to make stickers for your car. The size is limited to 12 x 24, so it would have to be smaller than that or you could piece it together. Hope that helps!
Ashley says
Hi, thought you might want to know that the Share-a-sale link to the cricut explore machine seems to be broken!
Cori George says
The Cricut site has been having issues — hopefully it’s resolved soon!
Simon karanja says
Can it engrave rubber stamps
Cori George says
Not in a traditional sense. It doesn’t have an engraving tool (though some are available on Amazon, but I think they’re mostly for metal). Some people have found workarounds, but they are all a little clumsy. Sorry to not be of more help!
Sarah says
I’m looking at getting the Cricut air 2 to cut my gift boxes out, can I just upload the outline of the gift box? I’ve heard it scores too?
Thank you
Sarah
Cori George says
Hi Sarah — yes, you can score! Here’s a post on how the scoring stylus works: https://heyletsmakestuff.com/cricut-scoring-stylus/
Bex says
Hi
I am wondering if it is possible to emboss with the Cricut?
Cori George says
Hi Bex — the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker do not emboss. You can emboss using the Cricut Cuttlebug, though. Hope that helps!
Ellen says
I noticed a comment about someone making a metal part for his car. Can this really cut metal? I design jewelry and work with a lot of copper and silver.
Cori George says
Hi Ellen — the Cricut Explore will cut thin metal using a deep-cut blade, but you’d have to play around with it to see if it will cut the materials you want. The Cricut JUST announced their new machine, the Cricut Maker, which will cut much thicker and stronger materials — it might do an even better job with metal!
Ladyvee says
Can you cut out designs on heat transfer paper
Cori George says
Yes! Just make sure to click “mirror” so your image cuts backwards — that way it will be correct when you iron on your heat transfer.
toyin says
I’m a beginner in crafts business, which of the cricuts would you advice I buy please?
Cori George says
Hi Toyin — I am writing a post this week about the different types of Cricuts and the features of each one. Stay tuned!
Cori George says
Hi Toyin — you can find that post here: https://heyletsmakestuff.com/cricut-explore-machine-differences/
Kim says
I had that same question. It would all depend on all you intend to use the machine for. I am looking to get into handmade crafts from paper to wood so based on my research the Maker which is the latest model (and the most costly) is best suited for my needs because it can cut a variety of materials. You also have to consider your budget.
Cori George says
Hi Kim — if you haven’t seen it already, I have a rundown of all the different machines here: https://heyletsmakestuff.com/cricut-explore-machine-differences/
Chelsey says
Where did you get the cart your cricut is sitting on?
Cori George says
I got it at an antique store for $30! It’s an old cafeteria cart. I love it!
Susy Whisenant says
With the Cricut Explore Air 2 Do you need to have a computer?
What is the difference between this Cricut Explore Air 2 and the other Cricuts?
Might you have pamphlets that you can mail me?
Thank You
CHRISTINE says
Hi SUZY,
I just purchased Cricut 2…I believe the difference or 2 has bluetooth…I have registered n been on line… n I can send designs to my machine from my tablet…I have not yet connect the Cricut2 to my computer with cord… so it’s like mobile Cricut…at least this or my research so ..
Lisa says
I have the Cricut Explore Air and can design and send right from my iPhone or iPad. I am still learning how to use it, but have made many things so far. I love it!