How to Upload a PNG to Cricut Design Space: Easy Beginner Guide

So you downloaded an adorable printable file, opened Cricut Design Space and immediately thought:

Okay...now what do I do with this PNG?

You're definitely not alone.

Learning how to upload a PNG to Cricut is one of the first skills you'll want to master if you plan to make printable stickers, journal pieces, bookmarks, gift tags, paper crafts or other Cricut Print Then Cut projects.

The good news?

Once you've done it a couple of times, uploading a PNG to Cricut Design Space is actually pretty simple.

Let's walk through it.

First, What Is a PNG File?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics.

But you don't really need to remember that.

What you do need to know is that PNG files are commonly used for colorful digital graphics and printable designs.

One of the biggest advantages of a PNG is that it can have a transparent background.

That means instead of your design being stuck inside a big white rectangle, the background around the artwork can be transparent.

This can be especially helpful when you're creating Cricut Print Then Cut projects.

For example, imagine you have a cute PNG of a pink bow.

If the background is transparent, Cricut Design Space can work with the bow itself rather than treating the entire rectangular image area as part of your design.

PNG vs. SVG: What's the Difference?

This can get confusing when you're new to Cricut.

Here's the simple version.

A PNG is an image file. It's often perfect for colorful, finished artwork you want to print.

An SVG is a vector file. SVG files are commonly used for designs that need individual elements, layers or shapes cut separately.

If you're creating a colorful Print Then Cut project, a PNG may be exactly what you need.

If you're making something like a layered vinyl design, an SVG may be more appropriate.

We'll cover PNG vs. SVG in more detail in another Maker Beautiful Cricut guide.

For now, let's get that PNG uploaded!

How to Upload a PNG to Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space and start a new project.

You'll see your blank Canvas.

Look for the Upload option and select it.

Choose the option to upload an image and browse your device for the PNG file you want to use.

Select your file and continue through the upload process.

Design Space may show you options for preparing your image depending on the current version of the software and the type of file you're uploading.

Follow the prompts until you reach the point where you can add your uploaded image to your Canvas.

And there it is!

You've officially uploaded your PNG into Cricut Design Space.

Check Your PNG Before You Continue

Don't immediately hit Make.

First, take a look at your design.

There are a few things worth checking.

Check the Background

If your PNG was designed with a transparent background, make sure it appears correctly after uploading.

You don't want an unwanted white rectangle surrounding your artwork unless that rectangle is intentionally part of the design.

Check the Size

Your uploaded image may not automatically appear at the size you need.

Look at the dimensions in Design Space and resize the design for your particular project.

Be careful when resizing detailed printable designs. Making something extremely small can make intricate cuts more difficult.

Check What Cricut Is Going to Do With It

This one is important.

Ask yourself:

Do I want Cricut to cut the design itself, or do I want my printer to print the design and Cricut to cut around it?

Those are two different types of projects.

For many Maker Beautiful PNG designs, you're likely using the artwork for Print Then Cut.

Using a PNG for Cricut Print Then Cut

This is where PNG files really shine.

With Print Then Cut, your home printer creates the colorful artwork.

Then your Cricut cuts around the printed design.

For example, let's say you're making printable journal stickers.

Your printer might print:

A cute daisy.

A colorful rainbow.

A pink bow.

A little stack of books.

A heart.

Your Cricut isn't creating those colors.

Your printer is.

Cricut's job is to cut around the printed artwork.

That's the basic idea behind Print Then Cut.

What If My PNG Has Multiple Pieces?

Sometimes you'll upload one PNG containing several different designs.

Maybe it's a collection of journal pieces, stickers or printable embellishments.

How you prepare the file will depend on how the original PNG was created and what you're trying to make.

You may need to work with the image in Design Space so Cricut understands which portions should print and where you want cuts to occur.

Always preview your project before cutting.

That preview can save you a lot of paper, ink and frustration.

When Do I Use Flatten?

You'll probably hear the word Flatten pretty quickly when learning Cricut Print Then Cut.

Flatten is a Cricut Design Space tool commonly used when you want multiple design elements treated as one printable image for Print Then Cut.

Here's an easy way to think about it:

You create or arrange your design.

Your printer prints the appearance.

Your Cricut cuts the appropriate outer shape.

Flatten can help tell Design Space that certain elements belong together as a printable result rather than being treated as individual basic cut layers.

You won't necessarily need to use Flatten in exactly the same way for every PNG you upload, so always consider how your particular file was designed.

What Is the White Border Around Cricut Stickers?

You've probably seen printable stickers with a little white border around them.

That border is often intentional.

Instead of Cricut cutting directly against every edge of the artwork, you can create a small border around the design.

This can give printable stickers that classic sticker look.

Depending on your project and the current tools available in Design Space, you may be able to create this type of border while preparing your design.

You can also purchase printable files that have already been designed with their intended borders.

Ready to Print Your PNG?

Once your PNG is uploaded, sized and prepared correctly, you're ready to move into the Print Then Cut process.

Select Make and follow the prompts in Cricut Design Space.

Your printer will print the design along with the markings Cricut needs for Print Then Cut.

You'll then place the printed page onto your Cricut mat.

Load your mat.

Your Cricut will scan the printed page and then cut your designs.

And suddenly that little PNG sitting on your computer has turned into something you can actually use.

That's my favorite part.

What Can You Make With PNG Files and Cricut?

Once you know how to upload PNG files to Cricut, an entirely new category of crafting opens up.

You can create things like:

• Printable stickers

• Journal stickers

• Planner accessories

• Bookmarks

• Gift tags

• Affirmation cards

• Labels

• Mini cards

• Holiday crafts

• Party decorations

• Scrapbook embellishments

• Vision board pieces

• Printable paper crafts

• Print and cut projects

And that's only the beginning.

Beginner Tip: Test Before Using Your Good Paper

If you're trying a new PNG or Print Then Cut project for the first time, consider doing a test print on inexpensive printer paper.

Check:

Does the size look right?

Is everything printing where you expected?

Does Cricut recognize the project correctly?

Is it cutting where you intended?

Once everything looks good, switch to your sticker paper, cardstock or other specialty material.

A quick test can save your good supplies.

And your sanity.

My PNG Uploaded With a White Background. What Happened?

If your design was supposed to have a transparent background but appears with a solid white rectangle, the file itself may not actually contain transparency.

Not every PNG automatically has a transparent background.

PNG is simply a file format that can support transparency.

That's an important distinction.

If you're purchasing a PNG specifically for Cricut crafting, check the product description to see what files are included and how they're intended to be used.

My Cricut Is Cutting in the Wrong Place

If the PNG looks correct but your Cricut isn't cutting accurately around the printed design, the problem may not be the PNG.

Your machine may need Print Then Cut calibration.

Calibration helps Cricut improve the alignment between the printed artwork and the cut.

We'll cover Print Then Cut troubleshooting and calibration separately because it deserves its own guide.

The Biggest Thing to Remember

Don't let all the Cricut terminology overwhelm you.

When you're working with a colorful PNG for Print Then Cut, remember this:

Your printer creates the colorful design.

Your Cricut does the cutting.

Once that concept clicks, the whole Print Then Cut process starts making much more sense.

Start With Something Easy

If this is your first time uploading a PNG to Cricut Design Space, don't start with an enormous project.

Try something simple.

A few stickers.

A bookmark.

A gift tag.

A journal embellishment.

Upload your PNG, prepare your project, print it and let Cricut cut it.

That's it.

Once you've successfully completed your first project, you'll be ready to start experimenting with all kinds of Print and Cut printables.

And that's where things get really fun.

At Maker Beautiful, we're all about turning printables into things you can actually make, use and enjoy.

Print • Cut • Create • Be Happy.

Maker Beautiful is an independent brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Cricut®. Cricut® and Cricut Design Space® are trademarks of their respective owner.