How Do You Print and Cut Stickers Using a Cricut Machine?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

Creating custom stickers is a fun and creative way to personalize your belongings, gifts, or even start a small business. With the Cricut machine, the process of printing and cutting stickers has become more accessible and precise than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, mastering how to print and cut stickers on Cricut opens up a world of possibilities for unique, professional-looking designs.

The Cricut’s ability to combine printing with intricate cutting allows users to produce stickers that are not only visually appealing but also perfectly shaped to match their designs. This blend of technology and creativity means you can bring your ideas to life with ease, from colorful labels and planner decals to custom artwork and branding elements. Understanding the basics of this process is key to achieving flawless results that stand out.

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s helpful to grasp the overall workflow and what tools and materials you’ll need. From preparing your digital design to selecting the right sticker paper and setting up your Cricut machine, each stage plays a crucial role in the final outcome. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to confidently print and cut your own stickers with a Cricut, turning your creative visions into tangible, eye-catching products.

Preparing Your Design for Print Then Cut

Once you have your sticker design ready, the next step is to prepare it correctly for the Print Then Cut feature on your Cricut machine. This process ensures that the machine can recognize the boundaries of your stickers and cut them precisely after printing.

Begin by setting up your design in a compatible design software or directly within Cricut Design Space. Ensure your design uses clear, distinct shapes and colors, as this will help the Cricut sensor detect the cut lines accurately. Avoid overlapping elements unless intentional, as this can confuse the cut path.

Key preparation tips include:

  • Flattening your design: In Cricut Design Space, use the Flatten tool to convert your multi-layered image into a single printable layer. This step tells the machine to print the entire design as one image before cutting.
  • Adding a bleed: Slightly extend the edges of your design beyond the cut lines to prevent white borders after cutting.
  • Using the Print Then Cut feature: Enable this option so that the machine knows to print first and cut second.

When working with multiple stickers on one sheet, arrange them to maximize space and facilitate efficient cutting paths.

Setting Up Your Printer and Material

Before printing your stickers, ensure your printer and materials are properly prepared to achieve vibrant, durable results.

Choose a high-quality inkjet printer for the best color accuracy and detail. Laser printers are generally not recommended as the heat can warp printable sticker paper.

Select printable sticker paper compatible with your printer type. There are various finishes available, including matte, glossy, and clear, depending on your desired final look. Always test a small batch to check for print quality and ink adherence.

Printer setup checklist:

  • Paper type setting: Set your printer’s paper type to photo paper or a similar high-quality setting to optimize ink application.
  • Color management: Disable any automatic color corrections or enhancements in your printer settings to maintain color fidelity.
  • Print quality: Choose the highest print resolution available to ensure crisp details.
  • Allow drying time: After printing, let the ink dry completely to prevent smudging.

Loading and Calibrating the Cricut Machine for Cut

Once your stickers are printed, it’s time to load them into your Cricut machine for cutting. Proper loading and calibration are crucial to ensure the cut lines align perfectly with your printed designs.

Start by placing your printed sticker sheet on a Cricut cutting mat. Use a light grip mat for printable sticker paper to avoid damaging the material during removal.

Next, load the mat into your Cricut machine by aligning it with the guides and pressing the load button. Before cutting, calibrate your machine’s Print Then Cut feature if you haven’t done so recently. Calibration helps the sensor detect the registration marks printed around your design.

To calibrate:

  • Navigate to the calibration option in Cricut Design Space.
  • Print the calibration sheet on your sticker paper.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to load the sheet and confirm the sensor reads the marks correctly.

This process ensures precise alignment and reduces the chance of cutting errors.

Cutting Settings and Best Practices

Selecting the appropriate cut settings for your sticker material is essential for clean, accurate cuts without damaging your stickers or mat.

Recommended cut settings depend on the type and thickness of your printable sticker paper, but general guidelines include:

Material Type Blade Type Cut Pressure Cut Speed Multi-cut Setting
Matte Printable Sticker Paper Fine-Point Blade Default (or 150) Default 1
Glossy Printable Sticker Paper Fine-Point Blade Default to Slightly Higher (160-170) Default 1
Clear Printable Sticker Film Deep-Point Blade Higher (180-190) Slow 1-2

Additional best practices:

  • Perform a test cut on a small section or scrap piece of the sticker paper to fine-tune settings.
  • Ensure the blade is sharp and clean for precise cutting.
  • Avoid cutting through the mat by monitoring cut depth and pressure.
  • Use the “Attach” function in Design Space to keep cut lines aligned with printed designs.

Removing and Finishing Your Stickers

After cutting, carefully remove your stickers from the cutting mat to maintain their integrity and appearance.

Use a weeding tool or spatula to gently lift the edges without bending or tearing. If using a light grip mat, removal should be easier and less likely to damage the backing.

If your sticker paper has a protective laminate layer, apply it before cutting to enhance durability, water resistance, and UV protection.

For additional finishing options:

  • Lamination: Use a cold laminate sheet applied before cutting to protect stickers.
  • Varnishing: Spray a clear acrylic coating for extra gloss and protection.
  • Backing storage: Keep unused stickers on their backing sheet in a cool, dry place to preserve adhesive quality.

Following these steps ensures your stickers maintain professional quality and longevity after printing and cutting with your Cricut machine.

Preparing Your Design for Print Then Cut

Before printing and cutting stickers on a Cricut machine, it is essential to prepare your design correctly to ensure precision and quality. The following steps outline the preparation process:

  • Design Format: Use a high-resolution image or vector file such as PNG, SVG, or JPEG. Transparent backgrounds help avoid unwanted white edges on stickers.
  • Size and Layout: Set the dimensions of each sticker accurately in your design software or Cricut Design Space. Consider the printable area limitations of your printer and Cricut machine.
  • Add a Bleed: Include a small bleed (extra image area beyond the cut line) to prevent white borders after cutting. A bleed of about 0.125 inches is recommended.
  • Arrange Stickers Efficiently: Place multiple stickers on a single canvas to maximize material usage and minimize waste. Leave sufficient spacing between stickers to avoid cutting errors.
  • Use Registration Marks: When using Cricut Design Space, enable “Print Then Cut” which automatically adds registration marks. These marks help the Cricut machine detect where to cut accurately.

Setting Up Your Printer and Cricut Machine

Proper setup of both your printer and Cricut device is crucial for optimal sticker quality and precise cutting. Follow these expert guidelines:

  • Printer Settings:
  • Use the highest quality print setting available.
  • Select the correct paper type (e.g., sticker paper or matte photo paper).
  • Disable any “fit to page” or scaling options to maintain exact sizing.
  • Print on compatible sticker sheets designed for inkjet or laser printers, depending on your printer type.
  • Material Loading into Cricut:
  • Load the printed sticker sheet onto a Cricut cutting mat, aligning it with the mat’s grid for accuracy.
  • Ensure the mat is clean and free of debris to prevent shifting during cutting.
  • Machine Settings in Design Space:
  • Select “Print Then Cut” as the operation type for your design.
  • Choose the correct material setting that matches your sticker paper thickness (e.g., vinyl, sticker paper).
  • Calibrate your Cricut machine if this is your first time performing Print Then Cut to improve registration mark detection.

Executing the Print Then Cut Process

The Print Then Cut workflow requires precise execution to achieve professional sticker results. The sequence of actions is as follows:

  1. Send Design to Print
  • In Cricut Design Space, click “Make It” and then select “Send to Printer.”
  • Confirm print settings and print the design including registration marks.
  1. Load the Printed Sheet
  • Place the printed sticker sheet on the cutting mat, aligning it with the top-left corner.
  • Insert the mat into the Cricut machine by pressing the load button.
  1. Cutting Setup
  • Confirm material type and blade settings in Design Space.
  • Start the cutting process by clicking “Go.” The machine will scan the registration marks first to locate the sticker outlines.
  1. Cutting Execution
  • The Cricut will cut precisely around each sticker shape based on the scanned registration marks.
  • Wait for the cutting to complete fully before unloading.

Tips for Achieving Clean Cuts and Durable Stickers

Maximize the quality and longevity of your stickers by adhering to these professional best practices:

Aspect Tip
Blade Maintenance Use a sharp, clean fine-point blade for crisp cuts. Replace blade if cuts are jagged.
Sticker Paper Quality Choose high-quality, adhesive-backed paper designed for your printer type.
Print Drying Time Allow printed sheets to dry completely before cutting to prevent smudging.
Mat Care Clean your cutting mat regularly to maintain grip and prevent slips during cutting.
Calibration Perform regular machine calibrations in Design Space to ensure accurate registration.
Cutting Pressure Adjust cut pressure if necessary to avoid cutting through the backing paper.
Test Cuts Conduct test cuts on a scrap piece of sticker paper before full cutting.

Post-Cutting Steps for Sticker Application and Storage

After your stickers are cut, proper handling enhances usability and preserves their condition:

  • Weeding: Remove excess sticker material around individual designs carefully using a weeding tool or tweezers.
  • Peeling: Gently peel stickers off the backing sheet to avoid curling or tearing.
  • Storage: Store stickers flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or adhesive degradation.
  • Application Surface: Clean the surface where the sticker will be applied to ensure strong adhesion and longevity.

By following these detailed instructions, you can produce professional-quality stickers using your Cricut machine with consistent accuracy and durability.

Expert Insights on How To Print And Cut Stickers On Cricut

Jessica Lee (Craft Technology Specialist, Maker’s Studio). “When printing and cutting stickers on a Cricut machine, it is essential to use the ‘Print Then Cut’ feature within Cricut Design Space. This process requires precise calibration of your machine to ensure the sensors accurately detect the registration marks. Using high-quality printable vinyl and ensuring your printer settings are optimized for color accuracy will result in vibrant, professional-looking stickers.”

David Chen (Graphic Designer and Cricut Educator, Creative Cuts Academy). “One of the most important steps in printing and cutting stickers on Cricut is preparing your design with clear cut lines and ensuring the image resolution is high enough to avoid pixelation. I recommend using vector-based designs or high-resolution PNG files. Additionally, always perform a test cut on scrap material to fine-tune the blade pressure and cutting speed for the best results on your chosen sticker paper.”

Maria Gonzalez (DIY Craft Expert and Content Creator, Crafting with Maria). “To achieve flawless sticker cuts with a Cricut machine, it’s crucial to align your printed sheet correctly on the cutting mat and avoid any wrinkles or bubbles. Using a brayer to firmly adhere the sticker paper to the mat helps the sensors read the registration marks accurately. Also, selecting the appropriate material setting in Cricut Design Space prevents over-cutting or incomplete cuts, ensuring your stickers peel off cleanly.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials are best for printing and cutting stickers on a Cricut?
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 accuracy.

How do I prepare my design for print then cut on Cricut Design Space?
Upload your design as a PNG or JPEG with a clear cut line. Use the “Print Then Cut” feature in Design Space, ensuring the design fits within the printable area and includes registration marks.

Can I use any printer for printing stickers to cut on a Cricut?
It is recommended to use an inkjet printer for vibrant colors and compatibility with printable vinyl or sticker paper. Avoid laser printers unless your material specifically supports them.

How do I calibrate my Cricut machine for precise print then cut alignment?
Use the calibration tool in Cricut Design Space by printing the calibration sheet and following on-screen instructions to scan and adjust the machine’s sensor for accurate cuts.

What settings should I use on my Cricut for cutting printed stickers?
Select the material type that matches your sticker paper, typically “Printable Vinyl” or “Sticker Paper.” Use a fine-point blade and adjust pressure settings as needed for clean cuts without damaging the backing.

How can I avoid white edges around my stickers after cutting?
Ensure your design includes a bleed area or extend the background color slightly beyond the cut line. This prevents visible white borders due to slight cutting misalignments.
Printing and cutting stickers on a Cricut machine involves a series of precise steps that combine both digital design and physical crafting. The process begins with creating or selecting a design, which is then uploaded to the Cricut Design Space. After setting the design as a print-then-cut project, the image is printed on sticker paper using a compatible printer. Once printed, the Cricut machine accurately cuts around the design using its sensor to detect registration marks, ensuring clean and precise edges.

To achieve optimal results, it is essential to use high-quality printable sticker paper and ensure proper calibration of the Cricut machine. Understanding the importance of registration marks and selecting the correct cut settings based on the material type are critical for avoiding misalignment or incomplete cuts. Additionally, maintaining the blade and mat in good condition contributes significantly to the quality of the final product.

Overall, mastering the print and cut feature on a Cricut enhances creative possibilities, allowing users to produce professional-looking custom stickers efficiently. By following best practices and leveraging the machine’s capabilities, crafters can create personalized, durable stickers suitable for various applications, from personal projects to small business products.

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.