How to Add Shapes in Cricut Design Space

Updated on July 23, 2024

How to Add Shapes in Cricut Design Space. Learn how to add basic shapes to your project in Cricut Design Space for your Cricut Explore, Maker, or Joy.

Welcome back to another week of Cricut Design Space Basics. Today, I will show you how to add shapes to Cricut Design Space.

Shapes can be used to create fun projects or as templates to help guide your placement of other images on your final design.

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How to Add Shapes in Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space, select New Project, and click on the Shapes tool in the design panel.

Types of Shapes

Below is a list of all the different types of shapes available Cricut Design Space.

Free Simple Shapes:

These shapes include new shapes not shown below that are included in the latest update.

* The line shape can be used to cut lines, draw lines, or score lines.

Shapes Included with Access Subscription:

The following shapes are included if you purchase a Cricut Access Subscription.

Change the Size

Select one of the shapes which will be added to the canvas. To keep everything in proportion when resizing, be sure the blue and white lock icon is closed on the bottom left corner of the image. You can then drag the bottom right arrow in or out to resize your shape.

You can also type your exact dimensions into the edit bar at the top.

To unlock the shape proportions and create even more shape designs – like a rectangle or an oval – select the lock icon in the bottom left corner to open the lock. Then, you can drag your shape to your desired proportions without the aspect ratio staying the same.

Helpful tip: I often use this feature to create a 9.25″ x 6.75″ rectangle when I do a Print Then Cut design. This is the maximum size available for Print Then Cut. Using the rectangle as a template, I know my images will fit the design I am printing.

Change Color or Pattern

To change the color or pattern of your shape, select the shape in the layers panel and click on the color icon. Click on the color you want your shape under the Basic Colors or type in your Hex Color Code.

If you plan to use the shape as part of a Print Then Cut design, click the Print Icon and choose Patterns. You can fill your shape with any of the provided patterns.

Rotate

You can also rotate your shape by either clicking and holding the circular arrow icon in the upper right corner of your shape, or you can type the rotation directly into the edit bar.

Add Score Line

You can also add a score line to your project to tell your Cricut machine to use the scoring tool. Click the Shapes tool in the design panel. Then select Score Line.

In the newest version, choose Line, then Operation. Under the Draw section, you will find the option for Score.

Now, you can resize and place your score line on your project. Select the base layer and your score line to center and align the score line with your shape. Then, use the Alignment tool in the edit bar.

Note: Attach your score line to the layer you want to have scored. This is a great feature for creating perfectly sized cards.

Delete

To delete a shape, click on the red x icon in the upper left corner of the shape. Select the shape in the layers panel and click the delete button.

If you use the shape as a template and don’t want it to be cut or printed with the final design, select the shape in the layers panel and click the eye icon to make it invisible.

Operation

Depending on the machine you are using, you can select different operations for each shape. There will be fewer options for the Explore and Joy machines as they have fewer capabilities than the Maker machines.

Cut

• Basic
• Wavy
• Perforate

Draw

• Pen
• Foil
• Score
• Deboss
• Engrave

Print Then Cut

You can make a lot of fun projects using only the basic shapes provided by Design Space. Using shapes as a template for your final project is the perfect way to be sure everything will fit properly into your final design.

How to Add Shapes in Cricut Design Space Video Tutorial

See the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/8Xp6jbd7RqA

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Projects Made with Basic Shapes:

• Felt Rainbow Heart Garland
• DIY Patriotic Paper Garland
• Shamrock Wall Art
• Heart Bookmarks