How to Engrave With Cricut Maker (Full Guide)

Cricut Maker is a crafting machine mainly used for cutting various materials and making craft projects. But did you know we can engrave with it? This blog will help you discover how to engrave with Cricut Maker. The engraving tip allows you to add personalized text, draw decorative flourishes and embellishments, or inscribe your favorite quotes for ornamental pieces on different materials. You can engrave and personalize jewelry, leather metals, etc.

Creating engraving projects is easy and fun. They leave a lasting impression, whether you gift or keep your engraved creation. The engraving tip is compatible with Cricut Maker and Maker 3.

How to Engrave With Cricut Machine: 3 Easy Steps

Here is the complete procedure for starting engraving with your crafting machine, such as essential tips on selecting the right materials, adjusting settings, and ensuring safety for a successful project.

Step 1: Creating a Design in the Cricut Application

Before using the machine, you need to create a design in the Cricut Design Space application. After creating a design, you can command your machine to engrave. So, let us see how to make a design with the help of software.

1. The first step is to create a template. Open the Cricut Design Space to create a template. You can also use the Shapes section available in the app.
2. Afterward, select Create or import an SVG file for your design, then click the green Upload button.
3. Once your design and elements are ready, select Layers and then click Attach.
4. Next, you must select the Make It button in the Design Space app.
5. Your design is visible on the preview screen. You can move it around and ensure it aligns with the material.
6. At last, with the design selected from the Line Type menu, select Engrave.

Step 2: Setting up Your Cricut Maker Machine

After preparing your design, the next step involves preparing the crafting machine for engraving. Here are some steps to follow:

1. The first step involves switching on the cutting machine.
2. Then, connect the machine to your computer using Bluetooth or USB.
3. Now, you need to load the Engraving Tip into Clamp B of your machine.
4. Move the four-star roll wheels to the right side of the machine. Most of this is preferred so they do not have to review the material.

Step 3: Start Engraving on the Material

In the last engraving step, you need to load the material into your cutting machine so it can engrave it. It is better to use a StrongGrip mat for engraving. The steps are as follows:

1. Materials come with a protective film, which you will need to remove.
2. The protective film is not visible easily. So, most people need to remember to remove it.
3. When you are done with this, place your material on the machine mat. One tip is to use different blank shapes, which you can properly arrange with the help of grid lines.
4. After placing your material on the mat, apply masking tape to the edge area beside the part of an area that needs to be engraved.

5. Further, the material is loaded into the machine for engraving.
6. Next, just press the Go button on the machine, and it will automatically start working.
7. After engraving, you need to remove the material from the machine.

8. Remove the tape and an engraved piece from your mat.

What Materials Can Be Engraved With Cricut Maker?

You can easily learn how to engrave with Cricut Maker by following the simple instructions above. The Cricut Maker can engrave up to 2.4mm thick materials. You can engrave various materials using engraving tips, including acrylic, leather, foil, glitter, cardstock, aluminum, and other metals. The crafting machine is compatible with the Design Space app. If you do not see the material settings for some items to engrave, you can only use different settings if you find the correct options for your materials.

To engrave, you need only a few tools, like the Engraving tip with QuickSwap Housing tool, which makes it easy to switch between them: StrongGrip mat and one last piece of painter’s tape or masking tape.

Important Note: There are so many materials that are compatible with machines and engraving tools. Certainly, glass is not a compatible material.

Final Words

In this guide, we learned how to engrave with Cricut Maker, prepare your design, and set up your cutting machine for engraving. Engraving on various materials adds a unique and creative touch to your craft projects. Now that you know the full process and the tools required to make your engraving project, you can personalize your art with an engraving tool from today onwards.

FAQs

How to set Cricut Maker to engrave?

Here are the steps you need to follow to set your crafting machine to engrave:

1. First, open the Cricut Design Space app on your device.
2. Create your design on the blank canvas or upload an SVG file and add it to your app’s workspace.
3. After selecting the design, resize or change the image size to fit according to your material.
4. Now, click on the Operation Menu and then select “Engrave.”
5. After that, select the machine which you will engrave and click on “Make It.”

How do I get my design engraved where I want it?

When you are done creating your design in ‘Cricut Design Space‘, click on Make It. In the next step, your design will be visible on the preview screen. Select and drag your design to where you want it engraved on the machine mat. Then, load your mat with the material to engrave.

What are grayed-out materials?

Greyed-out materials mean that they are not compatible. The materials compatible with your chosen Line Type will be selectable under the compatible tab on the materials screen. To select a material, click and Browse All Materials from the compatible tab. The Material Load Type only gives you options that are compatible with your design. If you do not see the option you want in the Material menu, try refreshing the page or adjusting the design size.