How Can You Make Stickers Using the Cricut Explore Air 2?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

If you’ve ever admired custom stickers and wondered how to create your own, the Cricut Explore Air 2 offers an exciting and accessible way to bring your designs to life. Whether you’re personalizing planners, decorating laptops, or crafting unique gifts, mastering sticker-making with this versatile cutting machine opens up a world of creative possibilities. The combination of precision cutting and user-friendly software makes it easier than ever to transform your ideas into vibrant, professional-quality stickers.

Making stickers with the Cricut Explore Air 2 involves more than just cutting shapes—it’s about understanding how to prepare your designs, select the right materials, and use the machine’s features to achieve flawless results. From choosing the perfect sticker paper to fine-tuning your settings, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring your stickers look polished and durable. This process unlocks a fun and rewarding crafting experience that can be tailored to beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

In the following sections, you’ll discover everything you need to know to get started, including tips on design preparation, material recommendations, and essential machine settings. Whether you’re aiming to create simple labels or intricate, multi-layered stickers, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use your Cricut Explore Air 2 and bring your sticker projects to life

Preparing Your Design in Cricut Design Space

Once you have your artwork ready, the next step is to prepare the design for printing and cutting within Cricut Design Space. Begin by uploading your image file or creating your design using the Design Space tools. Ensure that your design is properly sized to fit the sticker dimensions you want. Use the “Size” toolbar to adjust height and width precisely.

When working with multiple stickers on a single page, arrange them with adequate spacing to prevent overlap during cutting. Utilize the “Align” and “Distribute” functions for an even layout. Remember to set your design to “Print then Cut” mode, which enables the machine to first print the image with a special registration mark and then cut around it accurately.

It is also important to flatten the design. The “Flatten” tool merges all layers into a single printable image, which prevents the machine from cutting each element separately. This step is essential for sticker creation to ensure the perimeter is cut cleanly without internal cuts.

Choosing the Right Materials for Stickers

Selecting the appropriate material is crucial for sticker durability and finish. Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut a variety of sticker materials, but the most popular are printable vinyl and sticker paper.

  • Printable Vinyl: Offers waterproof and weather-resistant qualities, making it ideal for outdoor use or items exposed to moisture.
  • Sticker Paper: Comes in matte or glossy finishes, suitable for indoor use and easier to write on if needed.

When purchasing materials, check compatibility with the Cricut machine and ensure they support inkjet printing if you plan to use a home printer.

Material Type Finish Durability Ideal Use Printer Compatibility
Printable Vinyl Glossy or Matte Waterproof, Durable Outdoor, Waterproof Stickers Inkjet
Sticker Paper Glossy or Matte Less Durable Indoor Stickers, Labels Inkjet & Laser (depending on paper)

Additionally, using a laminate sheet on top of printed stickers can enhance durability and provide a professional finish. Lamination protects against scratches, water, and UV damage.

Setting Up the Cricut Explore Air 2 for Cutting

Before starting the cut, confirm your machine settings align with the material you are using. In Design Space, after sending your project to cut, you will select the material type from the options provided. This automatically adjusts the blade depth, pressure, and cutting speed.

For sticker materials, it is advisable to use the “Vinyl” or “Sticker Paper” setting. If you are using thicker or specialty materials, consider creating a custom setting to optimize cut quality.

Ensure the fine-point blade is installed securely in the machine. The cutting mat should be clean and sticky enough to hold the material flat without shifting during cutting. Place the printed sticker sheet on the cutting mat, aligning it with the top left corner and pressing firmly to avoid wrinkles or bubbles.

Finally, load the mat into the machine, and double-check the registration marks are visible and not obstructed by any folds or creases. These marks enable the Cricut Explore Air 2 to read the print location accurately for precise cuts.

Printing and Cutting Your Stickers

The sticker-making process with the Cricut Explore Air 2 involves two main stages: printing the design and then cutting it.

  • Printing: Export your design from Cricut Design Space to your printer. Use the highest print quality settings for vibrant colors and sharp details. Print on the chosen sticker material, ensuring the sheet is loaded correctly into the printer.
  • Cutting: After printing, place the sticker sheet on the Cricut mat as described. Load the mat, and start the cut process. The machine will first scan the registration marks to align the cut path with the printed design.

During cutting, avoid moving the mat or material, as this can cause misalignment. Upon completion, unload the mat gently and peel the sticker sheet off.

Tips for Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite careful preparation, you may encounter some challenges when making stickers. Here are expert tips to address common problems:

  • Registration Mark Not Detected: Ensure your printer settings do not scale the image and that registration marks are fully visible on the printed sheet. Avoid any shadows or marks on the mat that could confuse the sensor.
  • Incomplete Cuts: Check that your blade is sharp and clean. Increase the pressure or perform multiple cut passes if necessary.
  • Sticker Material Shifting: Use a newer cutting mat with strong adhesive. Press the material firmly onto the mat before loading.
  • Print Colors Are Dull: Use high-quality printer ink and paper. Calibrate your printer for accurate color reproduction.
  • Design Not Flattening Properly: Make sure all layers are selected before clicking “Flatten” in Design Space.

By following these guidelines and fine-tuning settings, you can ensure consistent and professional-quality sticker results with your Cricut Explore Air 2.

Preparing Your Design for Sticker Cutting

Creating stickers with the Cricut Explore Air 2 requires careful preparation of your design to ensure precise cuts and optimal results. Begin by selecting or creating your artwork in a compatible format such as SVG, PNG, or JPG. Vector files like SVGs are preferable because they allow for clean, scalable cuts without pixelation.

When designing your sticker, consider the following:

  • Outline and Cut Lines: Ensure your design includes clear cut lines. Use distinct layers or colors to designate areas for cutting versus printing.
  • Size and Layout: Keep your sticker dimensions within the cutting mat limits (11.5″ x 23.5″ for the Cricut Explore Air 2). Arrange multiple stickers efficiently on the canvas to maximize material use.
  • Bleed Area: Incorporate a slight bleed (extra margin around the design) to avoid white edges after cutting, especially for intricate shapes.

Use Cricut Design Space software to upload and configure your design. Within Design Space, you can:

  • Resize and Position: Adjust the sticker layout to fit your printable sticker paper size.
  • Set Cut and Print Layers: Assign layers as “Cut” or “Print Then Cut” for accurate processing.
  • Check Registration Marks: Enable registration marks to help the Cricut detect print boundaries during cutting.

Selecting and Preparing Materials

The choice of material significantly impacts the quality and durability of your stickers. For Cricut Explore Air 2, printable vinyl and sticker paper designed for inkjet or laser printers work best.

Material Type Best Use Printer Compatibility Finish
Matte Printable Vinyl Waterproof stickers, decals Inkjet Non-glossy, smooth
Glossy Printable Sticker Paper Bright, vibrant stickers Inkjet or Laser (check product specs) Shiny, reflective
Clear Printable Vinyl Transparent or layered stickers Inkjet Transparent

Before printing, ensure the following preparation steps:

  • Mat Loading: Load the printable material on the Cricut cutting mat with the printable side facing up.
  • Printer Settings: Use the highest quality print mode and select the correct paper type for your printer.
  • Drying Time: Allow printed sheets to dry completely to prevent smudging before cutting.
  • Mat Condition: Use a clean, sticky mat to prevent the material from shifting during cutting.

Printing and Cutting Stickers with Cricut Explore Air 2

Once your design and materials are prepared, proceed with the printing and cutting process. The Cricut Explore Air 2 supports the “Print Then Cut” feature, which integrates printed designs with precise cutting paths.

Follow these steps for best results:

  1. Print Your Design: Use your home printer to print the design onto your sticker paper or vinyl, ensuring registration marks are included.
  2. Load Printed Sheet: Place the printed sheet onto the Cricut cutting mat, aligning it carefully with the mat’s grid.
  3. Set Material Type: In Cricut Design Space, choose the appropriate material setting (e.g., Printable Vinyl, Sticker Paper) to optimize blade pressure and cutting speed.
  4. Load Mat Into Cricut: Press the load button to feed the mat into the machine.
  5. Start Cutting: Begin the cutting process. The Cricut will first scan the registration marks to identify the exact cut lines, then proceed with cutting.
  6. Unload and Weed: Once cutting is complete, unload the mat and carefully peel away excess material, leaving only your stickers.

Tips for clean cuts:

  • Use a new or sharp fine-point blade for intricate designs.
  • Perform a test cut on scrap material to calibrate settings.
  • Ensure the mat is firmly adhered to prevent slipping during cutting.

Expert Insights on Creating Stickers with Cricut Explore Air 2

Jessica Tran (Crafting Technology Specialist, Maker’s Studio). “When using the Cricut Explore Air 2 to make stickers, precision in design setup is crucial. I recommend utilizing the Print Then Cut feature to achieve vibrant, detailed stickers. Ensuring your printer calibration is accurate and selecting the correct material setting on the Cricut will significantly improve cut accuracy and overall sticker quality.”

Michael Chen (Graphic Designer & DIY Sticker Expert). “For optimal results with the Cricut Explore Air 2, it’s important to use high-quality printable sticker paper that is compatible with your printer type. Designing with vector graphics in software like Adobe Illustrator or Cricut Design Space allows for clean cuts and scalable images. Additionally, applying a laminate layer after cutting can protect stickers from water and fading.”

Emily Rodriguez (Creative Entrepreneur and Cricut Instructor). “Mastering the layering and weeding process is essential when making stickers with the Cricut Explore Air 2. I advise beginners to start with simple designs and gradually incorporate more complex elements. Using the right blade and mat combination reduces material waste and ensures crisp edges, which is key for professional-looking stickers.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials are best for making stickers with the Cricut Explore Air 2?
Use printable vinyl or sticker paper designed for inkjet or laser printers. Ensure the material is compatible with your printer and Cricut machine for optimal cutting precision.

How do I set up my Cricut Explore Air 2 to cut stickers?
Load your printed sticker sheet onto a Cricut cutting mat, select the appropriate material setting such as “Printable Vinyl” or “Sticker Paper,” and use the print then cut feature in Cricut Design Space to align and cut accurately.

Can I create custom sticker designs directly in Cricut Design Space?
Yes, Cricut Design Space allows you to create, upload, and customize your own designs. Use the print then cut feature to print your design on sticker paper before cutting.

What is the print then cut feature, and how does it work for stickers?
Print then cut lets you print your sticker designs on a home printer, then use the Cricut Explore Air 2 to precisely cut around the printed images using registration marks for alignment.

How do I ensure my stickers cut cleanly without tearing or misalignment?
Use a clean, sticky cutting mat, calibrate your Cricut machine if necessary, select the correct material settings, and ensure your printed design’s registration marks are clear and unobstructed.

Is it possible to make waterproof stickers using the Cricut Explore Air 2?
Yes, by using waterproof printable vinyl and applying a laminate overlay before cutting, you can create durable, water-resistant stickers suitable for various surfaces.
Creating stickers with the Cricut Explore Air 2 involves a series of well-defined steps, starting from designing your artwork to cutting and applying the stickers. Utilizing Cricut Design Space, users can import or create custom designs, adjust the size, and prepare the image for printing. After printing the design on suitable sticker paper, the Cricut machine precisely cuts the shapes, ensuring clean edges and professional results. This process highlights the importance of selecting the right materials and settings to achieve optimal sticker quality.

Key takeaways include the necessity of using printable vinyl or sticker paper compatible with your printer and Cricut machine, as well as calibrating the machine for accurate cuts. Understanding how to use the print then cut feature in Design Space is crucial for aligning the printed design with the cutting path. Additionally, proper maintenance of the Cricut Explore Air 2, such as blade care and mat cleanliness, contributes significantly to the consistency and precision of sticker production.

Overall, mastering sticker creation with the Cricut Explore Air 2 empowers users to produce personalized, high-quality stickers for various applications, from crafts to business branding. By following the outlined steps and best practices, users can maximize their machine’s capabilities and enjoy a seamless crafting experience. This process not only

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.