A Complete Guide On How To Fix Print Then Cut Error On Cricut

The Cricut machine searches for the cut sensor marks that allow it to cut the picture precisely. When the Design Space software tells you that the Cricut machine can’t read the cut sensor marks, the picture you are trying to cut is set to Print then Cut. If you don’t intend to Print then Cut, and will only cut, you can easily change the line type of your picture from Print Line Type to Cut Line Type.


Note: Cut pictures have no internal designs or colors, so if you need to maintain an internal cut path, you need to make sure that you remove the proper parts of the picture during the cleanup phase so that you will not be able to cut paths.

If you are doing the “Print Then Cut” project and facing this Print then Cut error on Cricut, please follow these instructions to troubleshoot your issues below.


Troubleshooting Print Then Cut Error On Cricut

Several variables can interface with your Cricut Explore machine to correctly read cut sensor marks for “print then cut” projects. If you have issues with your Print then Cut error on Cricut projects, keep reading because we will show you many different methods to fix your Print then Cut error on Cricut below.

Let’s start by looking at the factors that can interfere with your Cricut machine, even cutting your Print then Cut error on Cricut projects in the first place.


Lighting Conditions Can Affect Your Cricut Machine

Your Cricut machine has a sensor to read the registration marks you print. If the lighting is less than perfect or shadowy, these sensors may have difficulty reading those marks correctly.

Some ideas to view: If you are working in direct sunlight, the strong fluorescent light above your Cricut can cause shadows on your machine. If so, you can try turning off those lights and see if that will solve the issue. Also, you can try moving your Cricut machine to a different location.

If those other considerations aren’t an option, we’ve even had success wrapping a sheet on the Cricut machine.


Check the Position of Your Smart Material

No matter what smart material you are printing on, it is important to place it in your cutting mat’s top left side corner. This is where your Cricut machine “expects” to be, and keeping it there helps ensure that it is cutting your material correctly. Also, you want to make sure your smart material is smooth and wrinkle-free so the sensor can accurately read those registration marks.


Clean Your Sensor

Your sensor on your Cricut could be dirty, and of course, it could interfere with correctly reading the registration marks and giving you the best cut. It is mainly important when using a shiny material – a shiny vinyl or material you’ve sprayed with a polyurethane spray to seal it. Reflection of light may prevent the sensor from reading the registration marks correctly. This is particularly true if the sensor is dirty. Then, use a clean, dry brush to remove any residue from the sensor. So, you have tried these solutions, and now your Cricut machine is cutting your projects. But the printing quality is not good. Or maybe the cut is a little off. Now what?

Calibrate Your Cricut Machine

Whether you have a Cricut Maker machine or a Cricut Explore machine, you can calibrate any Cricut machine to Print then Cut projects. (As you can see above, with the Cricut Maker machine, you can calibrate your knife blade and your rotary blade as well).


If there’s a border around your design that shouldn’t be there, that’s an indication your Cricut machine needs . to be calibrated.


Cricut Machine Mat

● Verify that your Cricut machine mat is placed under the mat guide, and make sure the mat is placed correctly against your Cricut machine’s rollers before pressing the load button on your Cricut machine.


● Is the mat bent? A bend in the mat can cause a failure to read the cut sensor mark. If possible, press down on the bend as your Cricut machine will scan the cut sensor mark, remove the sheet, rotate the mat 180-degrees, reinsert the sheet on the opposite end of the mat, and re-cut the sheet.

● A mat with spots near the cut sensor mark can cause your Cricut machine to mistake the spot for a cut sensor mark. Use a Cricut machine mat with few or no marks or spots for best results.

Printable Material

● Non-letter-shaped material, colored material, or patterned material may interfere with the

Cricut machine’s ability to read the cut sensor marks.

  • Use 8.5 inches x 11 inches (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm) of white material for all Print then Cut
    projects with Cricut Explore machines (Explore Air 2 and older).

  • The Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore 3, and Cricut Maker 3 machines can Print then Cut of
    light-colored or simple patterned paper. Bold, dark colors and busy designs can interfere
    with the Cricut machine’s ability to read the cut sensor marks.
    ● Shiny paper can interfere with the Cricut machine’s ability to read sensor cut marks. Instead, use a matte finish paper.
    ● Spots around cut sensor marks on your printable material can cause your Cricut machine to mistake spots for cut sensor marks. Ensure your printed sheet is free of extraneous ink or spots near the cut sensor marks. Picture Size Make sure your picture or design works inside the 6.75-inch x 9.25-inch (17.145 cm x 23.495cm) cutting area for Print then Cut error on Cricut. If larger than those dimensions, resize to fit those dimensions and try your Print then Cut error on Cricut the project again.
    Cut Sensor Light
    ● Verify that the Print then Cut sensor light is clean.

  • To clean the cut sensor light on your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine, gently
    sweep with a small, clean, dry watercolor paintbrush.
    ● Verify that the Print then Cut sensor light comes on when scanning for     Print then Cut
    sensor markings. It is mentioned on the underside of the carriage.
    System Requirements
    ● Make sure your system will complete the minimum system requirements for the Design Space software.
    ● If it doesn’t complete those requirements, try your Print then Cut project with a system that completes them.

Printer Settings

Print your picture again, making sure the paper size is set to Sheet and that you deselect any page scaling options like Fit to Page or Shrink to Fit. The page will need to be printed at the actual size.


If your system completes the minimum requirements of Print then cut errors on Cricut, and none of the other troubleshooting steps have helped, please contact Member Care for assistance.

Visit: cricut.com/setup

Source: https://cricutsetupblog.wordpress.com/2022/07/01/a-complete-guide-on-how-to-fixprint-then-cut-error-on-cricut/