Cricut Joy is one of the best machines that can be set up quickly and easily. This machine is tinier than the other Cricut machines and can fit even a smaller place. However, you may not use this machine for larger projects. Cricut has an easy setup for every machine, which we will discuss in this blog. One more thing, Cricut Design Space Software helps you create intricate designs with the help of ready-made fonts and designs in the Design Space. Let’s see how to set up the Cricut Joy machine.
Unbox Your Cricut Joy
If you got a brand new Cricut Joy machine, unboxing should be your first step in setting up. Ensure the machine’s box has all the necessary components for the setup. You will get power cords and many more things. Plus, you will get an envelope at the side of your box. It includes a setup guide, sample vinyl pieces, and a standard grip mat. The sample materials will be used in making your first project.
Here is what you will get inside the Cricut Joy’s box:
Your brand new Cricut Joy machine
A power adapter
A fine-point black pen
Cricut Joy Blades & housing
A StandardGrip mat
Sample materials for cut
Install the Design Space Software
You will need to download and install Design Space on your system. Please remember that you cannot use the web version anymore and need to download the desktop app. You can update it anytime if you already have Design Space downloaded on your computer. If you are a first-time user, visit this website to get the Design Space.
After downloading or updating the software:
Tap the left corner to expand a drop-down menu.
Then, click on New Machine Setup and choose Cricut Joy.
After that, the screen will ask you to plug in your Cricut Joy, and your system will connect it.
In order to proceed, your computer should have Bluetooth enabled. If not, purchase a Bluetooth adapter and connect it to the computer. Although a USB cord could be an option, Cricut Joy doesn’t allow a USB connection. Once you connect the machine to the computer via Bluetooth, you must complete the firmware update, which will happen automatically. A firmware update helps your Cricut Joy run efficiently.
Start a Test Project
Once you have completed the firmware update, you must select a test project. This step is a must, and please don’t skip this. With the help of a test project, you can judge the performance of your brand-new machine. In other words, it will ensure that the calibration went well. To start a test project, you will use the sample vinyl pieces you received inside the machine’s box.
Then, select an image to cut from the given options. It’s up to your which image you like. After that, place the Smart Vinyl and insert it into the machine. The Cricut Joy doesn’t include any buttons; Design Space includes all buttons. Hence, you must insert the vinyl after hitting the Go button.
After that, Cricut Joy will measure your vinyl material and make sure that the material is sufficient to finish the setup. Then, it will start cutting the material.
Remove the Vinyl
Once Cricut Joy is done cutting the design, you must remove the vinyl sample. To do this, tap the button to unload your material from the Cricut machine. Then, remove all the excess material from the cut material. Cricut provides a weeding tool to remove the excess material. Now, you can transfer the vinyl decal to anything you like.
Conclusion
The Cricut Joy machine setup is as simple as the other Cricut machines. You only need to download and install Design Space, software that helps create designs to start projects. The blog will help you enough to learn how to set up a Cricut Joy machine. To start setting up the machine, unbox your machine and install Design Space. Then, use the sample vinyl materials to start your first project. A test project is a must to check whether the machine has calibrated well.
FAQs
Can Beginners Use Cricut Joy?
Yes, beginners can easily use Cricut Joy and do everything with your sample materials. Also, it is more affordable than other Cricut machines, which are larger. As well as, the necessary materials required for Cricut Joy are usually small and affordable.
What are the Disadvantages of Buying a Cricut Joy?
Although the Cricut machine is good, it needs some specific accessories to use it. Hence, you cannot use the common accessories on Cricut Joy. Plus, you cannot create larger projects on this machine.
For How Long Can You Use Cricut Joy Mats?
You can use Cricut Joy at least 40-50 times before you need to replace it. Hence, you don’t need to purchase mats frequently.
How to Use the Cricut Joy App?
There is a free app for Cricut Joy, which you need to download on your computer. It includes various free fonts and designs to create a unique design. However, if you want some more options and features, you can go for a Cricut Access subscription.