Updated on July 13, 2024
What is a Cricut Explore Air 2? Information about what is a Cricut Explore machine and what you can do with it. Plus, examples of a lot of Cricut projects.
Friends and readers frequently ask me questions about my Cricut Explore machine. I decided to start a series that answers the most frequently asked questions and helps you learn how to use your machine.
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Early Cricut Machines
I have been a Cricut user for a long time, even before I started blogging. I first purchased the Cricut Expression 2. You could only use cartridges with the machine.
You could create a lot, but from a design standpoint, it was not very flexible. You could cut out images and fonts from your purchased cartridges in various sizes, and that is what I used it for.
Then, Cricut came out with Cricut Craft Room. It was a design software you installed on your computer.
You could load all the cartridges you purchase into the software or buy cartridges and images directly from the software.
This software allowed you to do much more with your cartridges by combining images and creating more involved creations using multiple cartridges on one design.
Cricut Design Space
I was happily using my Cricut Expression 2 on all kinds of projects. At this point, I got involved with Cricut Design Space Star and started working with Cricut.
I was sent the original Cricut Explore One™ to use to create a series of projects. With the introduction of the Explore came Cricut Design Space™ – a cloud-based software that allows you to easily edit, customize, and preview projects.
It is much more comprehensive than Cricut Craft Room.
One of my favorite features is the ability to use any font you own with the software. There are so many amazing free and commercial fonts you can use in projects, and now you are no longer limited to only using Cricut fonts with the machines.
Another feature I love is you can purchase individual images. There is no longer a need to buy an entire cartridge for only one design.
Plus, with a subscription to Cricut Access™, you can have an entire library of fonts and images for one low monthly subscription price. Last year, I upgraded to the Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine.
What is a Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine?
- It is an electronic cutting machine for DIY projects and crafts.
- It now cuts and writes up to 2x faster than previous models and can cut more than 100 different types of materials.
- It has a built-in integrated Bluetooth, so my machine never has to be hooked to my laptop or iPad.
- The SmartSet Dial makes choosing the correct setting for any material easy.
- It has many storage compartments to keep all your most used tools at your fingertips.
You can see a good comparison post between the Explore machines available here.
What can you do with it?
- Cut 100+ different types of materials, from vellum to leather.
- Use the Cricut Design Space™ software to create over 3,000 ready-to-make projects or quick-cut images.
- Upload your images for free (.svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .dxf).
- Use your fonts to create projects.
- Use Cricut cartridges. This is an excellent feature for long-time Cricut users like me.
- Cut printable images using print, then cut them with your home printer.
Want to see some examples? Click any of the images to learn more about the project. Below are some of the Cricut projects I have posted about on my blog:
Over the next several months, I will share tutorials on using your Cricut Explore machine and Cricut Design Space™. Please let me know if there are any specific tutorials you would like to see.
CRICUT ACCESS SUBSCRIPTION
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