How To Avoid the RED MAT in Cricut

Step by step instructions on setting score lines

If you’ve ever uploaded an SVG file and hit "Make It" in Cricut Design Space only to see that dreaded red mat with all the scattered lines, you aren’t alone! It’s one of the most common hiccups when working with SVG files in Cricut Design Space.

Usually, this happens because the software thinks your score lines are meant to be cut lines, or it doesn't realize those lines are supposed to stay stuck to your project. Don't sweat it—here is a quick, friendly guide to getting those files fixed and your project back on track.

Step 1: Prep and Upload

First thing’s first: make sure you save your SVG file somewhere easy to find, like your Desktop or a specific "Cricut Projects" folder.

Open a New Canvas in Cricut Design Space.
Click the Upload button on the bottom left.
Select Upload Image.
You can either drag and drop your file into the box or click Browse to find it on your computer.
Once it’s uploaded, select it and click Add to Canvas.

Step 2: The "Ungroup" Magic

When your design lands on the canvas, it usually comes in as one big giant group. To fix the individual lines, you need to break it apart.

Select the whole design and click Ungroup at the top of the Layers panel.

Step 3: Change "Cut" to "Score"

This is the most important part! By default, Cricut thinks every line in an SVG is a "Basic Cut." If you leave it that way, your machine will slice your project into pieces instead of folding it.

Find the specific lines that are meant to be score lines in your Layers panel.
Select a line, then go to the Operation menu in the top toolbar.
Change the setting from "Basic Cut" to Score.

Pro Tip: You’ll know it worked because the solid line will turn into a dashed line on your canvas.

Step 4: Don't Forget to Attach!

Even if the line says "Score," Cricut won't know where to score unless you "glue" it to the shape.

Select the score line and the object it belongs to at the same time.
Click the Attach button at the bottom of the Layers panel.
Repeat this for every grouped set of objects in your design.

Step 5: Ready to Make It

Now you’re ready to hit Make It! Design Space will show you exactly how many mats you need and which tools to load (like your scoring stylus or wheel).

A Note on Mats: While there are plenty of YouTube videos out there showing you how to "hack" your mats to save space, I recommend sticking with the layout Design Space suggests. It keeps things simple, organized, and much less stressful—especially when you're just starting out!

Happy crafting! You've got this.

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