How to Use Cricut Explore Air 2: A Beginner’s Guide

Cricut Explore Air 2 is an excellent cutting machine and is among the most popular crafting tools for DIY projects. It is a powerful machine that is available in multiple colors. It is a user favorite because of its reasonable price and ability to meet all demands. To work on this Cricut machine, you should know how to use Cricut Explore Air 2. If you have purchased it and want to learn to use it, read the blog till the end.

To start using the Cricut cutting machine, set it up and connect it to your computer or smartphone with Bluetooth. You will need the Cricut Design Space app on your device to pick the design. After that, you can start making your crafts. So, let’s delve deeper into the procedure.

Cricut Explore Air 2: Major Features

Before learning how to use Cricut Explore Air 2, you should know the features of this machine. Cricut Explore Air 2 is a second-generation tool in the Explore series, as you can see from its name. It can use 6 tools for cutting, writing, scoring, and performing other tasks. Here are all those supplies:

• Fine-Point Blade
• Deep Point Blade
• Foil Transfer Tool
• Fine-Point Pencil
• Scoring Stylus
• Bonded-Fabric Blade

The other features of the machine are as follows:

• Compatibility with over 100 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, bonded fabric, and glitter paper.
• A fast mode feature that allows you to cut or write up to 2x faster.
• An inbuilt tool holder with extra storage capacity, keeping tools close at hand.

How to Set up a Cricut Explore Air 2?

Now that you understand the machine and its features, it is time to prepare it for cutting. Once the machine is ready, you can move on to learning how to use Cricut Explore Air 2. Here are the steps to get the machine started:

1. Download Cricut Design Space: Install Cricut Design Space app on your device. The software works with computers and mobiles, such as Android, iOS, MacBook, and Windows. Next, sign in with your Cricut username and password.
2. Power on the Cricut cutting machine: Connect your machine to a power socket and turn it on.
3. Connect your Cricut to your device: Use a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth to connect the machine to your mobile device or desktop.
4. Gather all the materials and tools: Collect all the tools you need near your machine. These include the materials you are going to cut, transfer tape, cutting mat, scissors, spatula, scraper, and weeding tool.

How to Use Cricut Explore Air 2: Easy-To-Follow Steps

Once you have completed all the preparations, you can start working on the Cricut machine. Using your machine for a project works in steps. I am writing about them one by one. By following this clear and easy guide, you will learn to use it.

Step 1: Creating a Design

The first thing you have to do to work on your project is create an image or design on the Cricut Design Space app. It is a very straightforward task. Then, you can go to the Cricut software and pick any design available there for free. Moreover, you can even upload an image from your device to the app and choose that design for your project.

Step 2: Cutting the Design

Next, you’ll need to place the material on your mat and then load it into the machine. Now, the machine is now ready for cutting. When the machine is ready to cut, you will see a ‘C’ button start blinking. You should press the Load button on the machine, and then it will start cutting.

Step 3: Remove the Design

Once cutting is complete, you can close the computer or Design Space. Next, you won’t need them. Now, you have to remove the material from your Cricut machine. To do this, you need to press the Unload button and gently pull out the material. After that, remove the design from the material. To take off the material, you can use your hands or a weeding tool.

Step 4: Finish the Project

Afterward, the project is in its final stage. You need to transfer the design to your desired surface. To do this, use transfer tape. Also, place the transfer tape with the design on the preferred surface, apply pressure to ensure the design sticks well, and then peel off the transfer tape. Finally, your design project is now complete.

Conclusion

In short, you saw how easy it is to learn how to use Cricut Explore Air 2. In this blog, I covered everything you need to know to work on your Cricut machine. As a beginner, you should first understand the machine, its features, and its functionalities. Next, you need to prepare the machine for work. After your Cricut cutting machine is ready, you can begin creating your DIY projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Create With My Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine?

With the Cricut cutting machine, you can start a variety of projects. Here are some quick and easy crafts you can easily create on your machine:

1. Handwritten notes
2. Greeting cards
3. Cake toppers
4. Decals
5. Stickers
6. Labels
7. Earrings
8. Tote bags
9. Paper flowers

Can I Use Cricut Explore Air 2 Without a Laptop or Computer?

Yes, you can! You can use the Cricut machine on your smartphone, including Android and iOS. If you don’t have a laptop or computer, don’t worry. Simply download the Cricut Design Space app on your Android or iPad/iPhone smartphone, and then log in with your Cricut ID, and your phone becomes your creative hub with your Cricut machine.

Does Cricut Explore Air 2 Work Without an Internet Connection?

Yes, it is possible to use the Cricut machine without an internet connection for certain tasks. However, full functionality requires internet access. You need the internet to download Cricut Design Space app and perform tasks like uploading or downloading images to the software. While you can work on designs offline, syncing them with the app necessitates an internet connection.

Source: How to Use Cricut Explore Air 2