So you took the plunge to invest in a Cricut Explore Air 2, a Cricut Maker, or the new Cricut Joy, and now you are ready to get started! Except now you are freaking out in search of the best Cricut Design Space Tutorial because you realize all of the TECHNOLOGY in modern crafting might have been one step too far into the deep end. Am I on the right track?
I completely get it. That’s why I went back to the beginning of my learning curve to help lay out a simplified Cricut Design Space tutorial for you to follow along and take step by step without feeling like there is too much, too quickly.
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How to Upload SVG Files in Cricut Design Space
This post shows you how to upload your own SVG files to Cricut Design Space, so you can build out your design library far beyond what Cricut Design Space provides.
Hundreds of free images and projects in Design Space are already available for beginner use. The enhanced Cricut Access subscription will add thousands of additional files to keep you busy. (That is of course if you cave and pay for it. I did, and it has been worth every penny!)
So yes, there are plenty of options for projects, fonts and images for a new Cricut crafter. Technically, you could stay busy by never uploading your own new files in Design Space.
However, at some point, you are going to have something very specific in mind that you want to design. That is when you will need to know how to get it from another file on your computer and into your Design Space canvas.
What is an SVG File?
Without getting in too deep, the important piece to know and understand about an SVG file is that it works perfectly with all cutting machines (all of the Cricut cutting machines, Silhouette cutting machines, etc.)
The acronym SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic. Simply put, the file can be made larger or smaller without losing quality, and therefore as a cut file will maintain its integrity. It also allows the machine to read and understand how to separate layers or colors in the design as you work with it.
This about it this way.
When you save documents in Word, the file name ends in .doc or .docx.
Saved pictures typically save as .jpeg or .png files.
With many Cricut cutting files, the ending is .svg. It does not have to be much more technical than that. Don’t be scared off by the tech-talk!
Related: What is an SVG File? Basics of SVG Files for Cricut
How to Upload a New File to Cricut Design Space
Open a new Canvas so you are in the design area.
I took screen shots from a new blank canvas just to keep the images clean and simple, but you can also start from any project you are in the middle of if you prefer. You don’t have to load the new images directly onto this canvas if you are not ready to.
Click the Upload icon, which is the bottom option on the left menu bar.
Click Upload Image.
Now you have two options.
Option One: Click browse to find your image in your computer files.
Option Two: If you already have a separate window open with your computer files you can drag and drop the file you want to upload.
Note: If you have any problems at this stage or you see an additional screen not mentioned here, double check the file type you are trying to upload. An SVG File type should take you directly through these steps.
Your uploaded image will now show up in the box on the left. The checkered pattern in the background means that the background is transparent – which is exactly what you want!
An image name will automatically fill in the bar on the right, so from here you can click Save.
Optional Step: You can change the Image Name if you want to, but it does not make a big difference. Sometimes I will change an Image Name just to have a clean title if it downloaded as “SVG-4.”
You can also add Tags. It never hurts to have a tag or two so you can easily find this file again. (Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you will be hooked and eventually have hundreds of your own uploaded files!) Here I added “Nurse” and “Essential Worker” separated by commas. If I want to make a project for Nurse Appreciation Week next year, I will be able to search specifically in Cricut Design Space for all of my Nurse files that I personally uploaded and have commercial rights to use and sell on my projects.
At this point, you are DONE! You officially have aced the Cricut Design Space tutorial about uploading your first SVG.
Use Your New SVG File Upload in Design Space
If you are ready to use the file right now on you canvas, select the file. This will be the screen you see immediately after you hit Save, so you’ll stay right on track.
Select the file, then click “Insert Images.” (You can check to make sure it has a green outline around it. It will also show as a small icon near the Insert Images button on the bottom right.) You can insert more than one image at a time onto a canvas if you are using several of your new uploads in one project.
Your new SVG Upload will now pop up on your Canvas and is ready to use just like any other Design Space image that Cricut Access has already given you!
Last Step: Enjoy!
Your uploaded file will now always be in Cricut Design Space. You will be able to use it in as many different projects as you want.
However, your new independent project on the canvas still needs to be saved so you don't lose your progress!
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