Opening a brand-new Cricut machine is exciting, but the setup can feel a little confusing at first, especially if this is your first time using one. At that point, you may be wondering where to start, which app you need, or how to make sure everything is connected the right way. That’s exactly where cricut.com/setup comes in, as this page is designed to guide you through the entire setup process step by step.
In this guide, you are going to learn how to download Design Space, connect your machine to your PC, and make your very first test cut. Whether you’re setting up a Cricut Explore, Maker, or Joy, the steps are simple and beginner-friendly. Once your machine is ready, you can move on to creating custom shirts, tote bags, keychains, home decor, and so much more.
To start your cricut.com setup, you need to download Design Space, which is the official software used to run your Cricut machine.
Open a browser on your Windows or Mac computer and go to design.cricut.com/setup. This page will automatically guide you to the Design Space download.
Once you’re on the page, select your machine model from the list.
Agree to the Cricut terms and click the Download button.
After the file finishes downloading, open it from your Downloads folder and follow the steps to install the app.
When installation is complete, open Design Space.
You can either sign in with your Cricut ID or choose Machine Setup if you are new.
Once the software is installed, connect your machine to your PC. You can do this in 2 different ways: using Bluetooth or a USB cable.
Turn on your machine and open Bluetooth settings on your computer.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled, then look for your machine name in the list of available devices.
Select it to pair. If a PIN code is requested, type in 0000.
When the connection is done, the power button on your machine will turn blue.
Plug the square end of the USB cable into the matching port on your machine. Connect the other end to your PC.
Now, press the power button to turn on the machine. The machine may open automatically - don’t worry, that’s normal.
Remove any packing material inside if you see it.
Design Space should detect your machine and move you to the next Cricut Design Space setup step.
Once your machine is connected, it’s time for the fun part: your first test cut. Design Space will walk you through a simple sample project, using the practice material that comes in the box.
Choose the suggested project on the screen.
Next, select the correct material setting so the machine knows how deep to cut.
Load the material into the machine and click Go to send the project.
When the cut finishes, remove the design and check the result.
Congratulations! Your Cricut machine is set up and ready to use. From here, you can explore the image library, try new materials, and start creating DIY projects that bring your ideas to life.
Turn on your machine and keep it near your computer.
Enable Bluetooth on your system and pair it with the machine in Bluetooth settings.
Open Design Space and start your craft project.
When using Print Then Cut, choose your Wi-Fi printer from the list.
Make sure the printer is connected to the same wireless network and ready to print.
Plug the machine into a power source and turn it on.
On your device, open a browser and visit cricut.com/setup to download Design Space.
Once installed, open the app and sign in or create a new Cricut ID.
Choose your machine and follow the instructions to connect it with USB or Bluetooth.
The software will update the machine and ask you to complete a test cut to finish activation.
Plug the machine in and turn it on.
Next, open a web browser and go to design.cricut.com to install Design Space.
After that, open the software and sign in to your Cricut account.
Select your machine model and connect it to the PC via a USB or Bluetooth.
Follow the on-screen steps to register the machine, and complete a test cut to confirm everything is working.
Source: https://cricricutdesigncut.wordpress.com/2026/02/05/cricut-com-setup-set-up-your-cricut-machine/