Do you have questions, or need a bit more support? Please start here.
I’ve just purchased a digital file. What do I do now?
- Download your files. If you need additional information on how to do this, please refer to this guide from Etsy.
- Once downloaded, please unzip the files. If you need additional information on unzipping files on your device type, please refer to this support article.
- If you are using a Cricut, import the SVG file into Design Space. Select “Upload” in the left menu and browse to find your file.
- Doublecheck that the file is the correct size
- Resize if needed
- Ungroup
- Follow any directions within the artwork file (changing lines to score or pen)
- Delete all the black layers (labels, directions, bounding rectangle, etc.). You don’t need to make these layers.
- Make your project
I can’t find the SVG files to import into Design Space
Occasionally, some users have a file association issue on their computers. If you do not see an SVG file after unzipping the files, simply drag and drop the file with a web page (or HTML) icon into Design Space. That should resolve your issue.
Watch a video showing how to import these files using drag and drop.
What size should the imported file be in Design Space?
Occasionally, bugs are introduced into Design Space that affect the way files are imported. A file that has imported correctly for years may now be importing too big or too small (depending upon the software release). It’s always a great idea to double check the dimensions of the file you imported. Select all, and look at the dimensions shown at the top of the screen.
Compare those dimensions to either the dimensions stated at the bottom of the artwork file (for newer designs), or you can find a full matrix of targeted dimensions for all projects here.
Watch a video showing you how to double check the artwork dimensions.
I need to resize my file in Design Space
- Make sure the bounding rectangle layer is viewable
- Select all
- Ensure the padlock icon at the top of the screen appears “locked”
- Key in your targeted dimensions into the Size fields at the top of the screen
- Here is a video showing you how to resize your files.
I’m having trouble cutting the small pieces
- Ensure that your mat is clean and sticky, and use a brayer to press down the material your are cutting.
- Make sure your blade is clean. Alcohol will help remove any sticky residue on your blade.
- Consider whether you can cut the piece out of vinyl instead. I use vinyl wherever possible when making paper crafts because it cuts well and is easier to apply. You can use either iron-on (HTV) or permanent vinyl, depending upon where the vinyl is being applied.
For either type of vinyl, you may wish to add a small offset around your type or piece to make weeding easier. Add an offset (.05″ for example) and attach the offset to your type. You can then easily weed the larger background pieces before weeding around the text or piece.
Do you have other recommendations for getting great results?
- A clean work surface will give you the best results. I work on sheets of scrap paper and throw them away as they get any traces of glue on them.
- When gluing two surfaces together, apply glue to one surface and then touch that surface to a clean sheet of paper to absorb any excess glue. Working on top of a second clean sheet of paper, take that piece with glue on it and place it carefully on the piece you are attaching. This should help you avoid globs of glue coming out between your glued layers.
- For regular vinyl (non-HTV), you will need to keep the transfer tape from tearing your cardstock, I recommend the following process:
- Cut and weed your vinyl.
- Cut a piece of transfer tape the size of your vinyl (do not apply the transfer tape yet).
- Peel the backing off the transfer tape
- Touch the entire piece of transfer tape to a piece of fabric several times. This will pick up some lint and reduce the tack of the transfer tape.
- Apply the transfer tape on top of the vinyl.
- Peel the vinyl off its original backing.
- Carefully apply the vinyl to your card using the transfer tape. Try not to press down on the transfer tape where it touches the cardstock. Instead, press down on the vinyl.
- Carefully peel off the transfer tape.
- Always test the transfer tape on a scrap piece of your cardstock. Some brands/types of cardstock will adhere to the transfer tape. (I’ve only had this happen once – but better to test.)
- When using HTV (Iron-on vinyl) on Cardstock, the transfer sheet for Glitter HTV is more likely to stick and tear the paper. Test on a scrap first, and use the method above to remove some of the tackiness if needed.
- Tweezers are helpful for handling and attaching any small pieces.
- To ensure all pieces have cut completely, I often run the cut cycle twice (or more) before unloading the cutting mat.
- When gluing translucent pieces such as patterned plastic or vellum, I use aerosol spray mount instead of glue.
- Explore this list of recommended supplies