A list of terms used in Cricut design space and what they mean

If you’re new to Cricut Design Space, you’ve probably come across a lot of unfamiliar terms and buttons. Understanding what each one means can make crafting much easier and help you get the most out of your machine. Here’s a handy list of common Cricut Design Space terms and what they actually do.

Canvas

This is your digital workspace – the main area where you create, arrange, and edit your designs before cutting. Think of it as your crafting table inside the software.

Layers Panel

Located on the right side of Design Space, the Layers Panel shows every part of your project. It lets you select, hide, group, or change how different design elements behave (such as cut, draw, or print).

Attach

The Attach function keeps your selected items in the same position when cutting. Without attaching, Cricut may rearrange your shapes to save material space. Use Attach when you want to keep text or elements aligned exactly as they appear on your Canvas.

Weld

Weld merges two or more shapes into a single cut layer. It’s perfect for connecting cursive letters or creating custom shapes without overlapping cut lines.

Slice

Slice cuts one shape out of another, a bit like using a cookie cutter. It’s great for creating cutouts, stencils, or layered designs.

Flatten

Flatten turns multiple layers into a single printable image. It’s mainly used for “Print then Cut” projects, where your design is printed first and then cut around the edge.

Group / Ungroup

Grouping keeps selected layers together so you can move or resize them as one. Ungroup separates them again for individual editing.

Duplicate

Duplicate quickly copies your selected design. Handy when you need multiple copies of the same shape or word.

Contour

Contour lets you hide or show specific cut lines within a design. It’s perfect for simplifying an image or removing small unwanted details.

Offset

Offset creates a border or shadow around your design. It’s useful for adding dimension to text or making layered stickers and decals.

Align

Align helps you line up objects precisely – centre, left, right, top, bottom, or evenly spaced. Ideal for neat layouts and professional-looking designs.

Arrange

Arrange changes the order of layers (send to front, send to back, etc.). It’s helpful when working with overlapping shapes or stacked layers.

Material Settings

These determine how your Cricut cuts – including pressure, blade type, and number of passes. Choosing the correct material setting ensures clean and accurate cuts.

Print Then Cut

A feature that prints your design on your home printer, then cuts it out using your Cricut. Great for stickers, labels, or printable crafts.

Attach vs Weld vs Group – Quick Tip

• Attach keeps elements together without merging them.
• Weld merges shapes permanently into one.
• Group keeps elements linked temporarily for easy movement or resizing.

Final Thoughts

Once you get familiar with these Cricut Design Space terms, you’ll feel much more confident creating your own projects. Whether you’re designing T-shirts, cards, or vinyl decals, understanding the tools at your disposal makes a huge difference.

Start experimenting today and see how each feature helps bring your creative ideas to life.