Cricut Provo Craft Expressions - Cutting Machine Manual

Welcome to Cricut Expression™!

The Cricut Expression™ is the latest addition to the revolutionary Cricut™ cutting system. This cartridge-based system does not require a personal computer and allows you to cut thousands of intricate and detailed characters as small as 0.25" (0.62 cm) and as large as 23.5" (59.69 cm) with just the touch of a button. Cricut Expression works with paper sizes up to 12" x 12" (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) and 12" x 24" (30.48 cm x 60.96 cm), significantly expanding your creative capabilities. This impressive machine is also compatible with all of the existing Cricut cartridges. Creative Features built into every Cricut™ cartridge allow you to add special effects to characters. There are literally thousands of custom combinations you can use to make each project uniquely your own.
Before activating your 30 days of free customer service, we recommend that you spend at least an hour getting acquainted with your Cricut Expression™ cutting system. The Cricut Expression™ User Manual has been prepared to help you become familiar with the Cricut Expression™ machine and answer most questions you may have. For the most up-to-date information, FAQs, and tips, visit www.cricut.com.

Unpack Your Box

Your box should contain the following:

The Cricut Expression™ 24" Personal Electronic Cutter™

The illustration below will help you become familiar with your Cricut Expression™ machine. All the buttons, keys, and components shown will be described in more detail later on.


Disconnect electrical power before servicing or cleaning. DO NOT place your fingers or other objects in the Cricut Expression™ machine while connected to electrical power, powered on, or during cutting operations. Rapid movements of the cutting carriage during operation may cause bodily injury and/or damage to the Cricut Expression machine.

Installing the Cutting Blade Assembly
Please note that the Cricut Expression™ machine's cutting blade assembly is located in the bottom of your box, separate from the machine. Before you turn the machine on, you will need to insert the blade assembly. To do this, follow these simple instructions:

1. Open the doors on the Cricut Expression machine and remove the cardboard inserts from either side of the carriage.
   
2. Remove the green cutting blade assembly from its bag. Make sure the black arrow on the blade assembly points to the number 4 on the adjustment knob, and ensure that the cutting blade has been inserted into the assembly with the sharp end pointing down.
   
3. The blade assembly fits into the black cradle to the left of the carriage. Locate the silver screw and turn it counter-clockwise until it loosens enough that you can swing the screw to the right. Be careful not to loosen the screw too much, or it will fall out.
4. Open the left arm of the black cradle and position the cutting blade assembly inside, as shown with the black arrow facing you. Close the cradle, swing the screw back to the left, and tighten it by turning it clockwise. Plug the machine in and press the On button to place the blade assembly in cutting position.
   

Positioning Your Cricut Expression™ Machine
Place your Cricut Expression™ machine at least 12" (30.48 cm) from the edge of your table to prevent it from tipping and causing possible injury.
Depending on the cutting mat used, allow 12" (30.48 cm) or 24" (60.96 cm) in the back of the Cricut Expression machine for mat movement.

When positioning your Cricut Expression machine, choose a location that is

• inaccessible to children. The Cricut Expression machine is not a toy and contains components, including a sharp blade, that could be hazardous to children.
• stable, flat, and hard-surfaced, within 6 feet (1.83 meters) of a grounded electrical outlet, and that has a minimum clearance of 2 feet (60.96 cm) behind the Cricut Expression machine for paper movement.
• indoors or in a dry location where the Cricut™ cartridges are not directly exposed to the effects of the weather.
• away from direct exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures such as in parked cars, storage sheds, sunrooms, etc.

Your Cricut Expression™ machine should never be left or stored outside, in unheated or un-air conditioned locations, or in environments where the machine or cartridges can come in contact with water.

What Your Cricut Expression™ Machine Can Cut
The Cricut Expression™ cutting system can cut a wide range of materials, from vellum and cardstock to poster board and vinyl. The Cricut Expression machine can even cut thin chipboard with the use of the Multi Cut function. Learn more about the exciting possibilities with this function.
TIP: The repeated cutting of heavy materials may reduce the life of your Cricut Expression™ machine's cutting blade and mat.

Basic Operations

Setup
Plug your Cricut Expression™ machine into a grounded electrical outlet.

Lift the display panel.

Place the keypad overlay on top of the machine's keypad.

Insert a Cricut™ cartridge into the cartridge slot located in the front of your Cricut Expression machine.

Turn it on by pressing the On button near the CUT button.

TIP: Make sure the title on the keypad is the same as the title on the cartridge.

Loading Paper
TIP: The Cricut Expression machine can cut materials as large as 12" x 24" (30.48 cm x 60.96 cm). The machine cannot cut materials smaller than 3" x 3" (7.62 cm x 7.62 cm). Cardstock is recommended for best results. We suggest that you practice on less expensive materials while becoming familiar with the features described in this User Manual.

Place Paper on Cutting Mat
A 12" x 12" (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) paper size is recommended for the first try.

1. Remove clear protective cover from cutting mat.
2. Align a corner of the paper with the "Align paper corner here" icon in the lower left corner of the cutting mat.
   
3. Press and smooth from the center of the paper to the edges of the cutting mat to adhere it well. Your paperis ready to be cut. To use other paper sizes, see "Basic Keys and Buttons You Should Know".

TIP: The surface of the cutting mat has been treated to make it slightly tacky to hold the paper in place during cutting. Remove paper slowly when using lightweight materials such as vellum.

Load Cutting Mat into Machine

1. Once the paper has been placed on the mat, insert the mat into the machine with the arrow pointing toward the machine.
   
2. Hold the cutting mat firmly between the roller bar and the deck and gently push the leading edge of the mat into the rollers. Then press the Load Paper key on the keypad overlay. The Cricut Expression machine will then load the mat and paper. If the mat does not load, press the Unload Paper key and try again.
   

TIP: Depending on the cutting mat used, allow 12" (30.48 cm) or 24" (60.96 cm) in the back of the Cricut Expression machine for mat movement.

Choosing Your Characters
Select the character(s) you want to cut from the keypad overlay. Your selection will be displayed in the display screen.
TIP: Letters will be cut as single characters.

Basic Keys and Buttons You Should Know

	If you want to stop the Cricut Expression™ machine from cutting before it is finished, simply press the STOP button located adjacent to the CUT button. This will suspend any operation in progress.
	Press the CUT button to begin cutting the character selections on the display screen. The Blade Navigation Buttons offer eight-way directional blade movement, moving the cutting blade to any location on the paper.
	The Shift key allows you to select the character in the upper right corner of a key. The Shift key will be backlit in green when active. TIP: To select a character from the upper right corner of a key, press the Shift key once (you do not need to hold it down) and make your selection.
	The Shift Lock key allows repeated selections of characters in the upper right corners of keys. The Shift Lock key will be backlit in green when active.
	The Space key functions just like the space bar on a computer or typewriter. It inserts one space after the last character entered every time the Space key is pressed.

TIP: You probably won't need the Space key if you are cutting one word at a time. Use it when you specifically want negative space in your cuts.

	The Back Space key functions just like the backspace key on a computer or typewriter. It deletes character(s), starting from the last one entered, every time it is pressed.
	The Clear Display key clears the contents of the Cricut Expression machine's display when pressed.
	The Reset All key clears the contents of the Cricut Expression machine's display and returns all settings to their defaults. No key should be backlit in green after you press Reset All.
	The Repeat Last key inserts the last selections that were cut onto the display. Once the character(s) appears on the screen, you can press CUT again or you can change any settings (features, dial size, speed, pressure, etc.) and then press CUT.
	The Sound On/Off key turns the chirp on or off. This key will not turn off any system warning beeps.

TIP: If you turn the sound key off, that will become your default setting. The next time you turn the Cricut Expression machine on, the sound will still be off.

	The Load Paper key pulls the cutting mat and paper into the machine.
	The Unload Paper key ejects the cutting mat and paper from the machine. Only press when the Cricut Expression machine is finished cutting.
	The Set Paper Size key is used when you are using a paper size smaller than 12" x 12" (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) or 12" x 24" (30.48 cm x 60.96 cm), depending on the mat size selected. Place the paper on the cutting mat, aligning it in the lower left corner of the mat as indicated (even if cutting in the Portrait mode). Once the paper has been placed on the mat, insert the mat arrow first into the machine, holding it firmly between the roller bar and the deck. Then press Load Paper. Move the cutting blade to the upper right corner of the paper using the Blade Navigation Buttons, and then push the Set Paper Size key. The size of your paper will appear on the display. You can now begin entering your project information.
	Use the Load Last key instead of the Load Paper key when you've temporarily unloaded the mat and you want the blade to start cutting at the point on the paper where the previous cut ended.
	The Paper Saver key automatically rearranges your selections to take up the least amount of space possible on your paper. If you turn the Paper Saver function on, that will become your default setting. The Paper Saver key will be backlit in green when active.

Cutting Characters
Size Dial
Using the Size Dial, choose one of the size settings ranging from 0.25" (0.64 cm) to 23.5" (59.69 cm). This will determine the height of your finished cut. The selected size will be displayed on the display screen next to the keypad overlay. Although the full size range is available no matter the size of the cutting mat, be sure to select a size that will fit on the material you are using (a warning message will display on the display if your size is too large). The Cricut Expression machine includes four units of measurement: Inches—1/4ths, Inches—1/10ths, cm, and mm. Select the desired unit of measurement from the Settings menu.
TIP: All letters in a font set are cut in proportion to the Key Height Character. This is usually the tallest character in a set. Refer to the handbook of each font cartridge to determine the Key Height Character. For other character sizing, see "Advanced Operations".

Cutting Your Selections

Press the CUT button.
The STOP button, located adjacent to the CUT button, will stop any operation in progress.
When the Cricut Expression machine is finished cutting, press the Unload Paper key on the keypad to eject the cutting mat and paper from the machine.

Removing Your Characters from the Cutting Mat
Gently remove images from the cutting mat. If it is difficult to remove the characters, use a craft knife or the Cricut Tools™ (sold separately) to carefully lift the images. Once all characters are removed, clean off any small scraps of paper remaining on the cutting mat. This will improve cutting mat performance in the future.
TIP: To extend the life of your cutting mat, always cover it with the protective cover and never leave paper on it for an extended period of time.

Advanced Operations

Your Cricut Expression machine has a variety of advanced operations designed to enhance your creativity. We recommend you become familiar with basic operations before moving onto the advanced operations described in this section.

Creative Feature Keys

Creative Features are found within the six gray keys in the upper left corner of the keypad. Creative Features vary from cartridge to cartridge and provide a multitude of creative options. Refer to a Cricut cartridge's handbook for a full review of the Creative Features that are available on that particular cartridge.
When a feature key is selected, it will be backlit in green. A feature can be selected before or after a character(s) has been selected, but before the CUT button is pressed (unless using the Mix 'n Match mode). Once pressed, a feature key will remain lit until it is turned off in one of the following ways: the feature key is pressed a second time or the Reset All key is pressed. The Mix 'n Match mode offers multiple Creative Features to be applied to different characters in the same cut.
TIP: Due to the sizes and shapes of characters, a feature may not work with all characters. Please refer to the handbook included with each cartridge for Creative Feature details.

Shadow Feature
The Shadow feature is the most common Creative Feature offered on Cricut™ font and shape cartridges. When selected, this feature creates a proportionately larger shadow image of every character that is selected. When the Shadow feature is active, the Shadow key will be backlit in green.
TIP: Using just the Shadow feature by itself creates a chunky version of the original font. TIP: When sizing a shadow to fit a character, use the same dial size that was selected on the base image or original character. Example: If you've cut a 2" (5.08 cm) letter A and you now want a shadow of it, keep the Size Dial set at 2".

Advanced Keys and Buttons

	The Blade Navigation Buttons are the eight directional buttons marked with arrows and arranged around the CUT button. They allow you to move the cutting blade so you can easily position it exactly where you want to start a cut. When repositioning, the display tells you the cutting blade's location on the cutting mat.
	The Left and Right Arrow Buttons (the plus and minus arrows) below the display allow you to move between different selections on the display.
	The OK button next to the Left and Right Arrow Buttons confirms selections made on the display. It also will display any calculations pertaining to the Auto Fill, Quantity, Fit to Page, or Fit to Length modes.

Modes on the Cricut Expression™ machine

	The Portrait mode changes the cutting direction from Landscape mode, the default setting, to Portrait mode. Landscape cuts characters from top to bottom on the cutting mat (the right side of the cut comes out of the machine first). Portrait cuts characters from left to right on the cutting mat (the bottom side of the cut comes out of the machine first).
	The Portrait mode will start with the cutting blade in the top left corner instead of the top right corner in the Landscape mode. To cut in Portrait mode, you will need to press the Portrait button so that the display reads "Portrait mode" and the button is backlit in green. Press Load Paper to load the paper and cutting mat, wait for the blade to move to the top left corner, and make your cutting selection. Press the Portrait button again to return to Landscape mode. You will need to load the paper and cutting mat again.
	The Mix 'n Match mode allows multiple Creative Features or the Flip function to be applied to only certain characters selected on the display. For example, you can cut a base letter A and a Roly Poly letter B in the same cut. To use the Mix 'n Match mode, press the Mix 'n Match button so that the display reads "Mix 'n Match on" and the button is backlit in green. Make your cutting selection, selecting different Creative Features from the keypad overlay for each character if desired. Be sure to select the character first and then select the desired Creative Feature. Use the Left and Right Arrow Buttons below the display to select the different characters and alter features as needed.

TIP: If you are using both the Mix 'n Match mode and the Quantity mode, the Left and Right Arrow Buttons will control the quantity of cuts. You will not be able to use the arrow buttons to select the different characters and alter the features.

The Quantity mode allows you to choose the number of cuts you want of those selected on the display. To use the Quantity mode, press the Quantity button until the button is backlit in green and the display reads "Quantity on" and offers instructions. Then use the plus and minus arrows (the Left and Right Arrow Buttons) to indicate the quantity of cuts desired. Then make your cutting selection and press CUT. The display will show a running total of how many cuts from the selected quantity have been cut. If the quantity selected exceeds the amount of available paper, you can unload the mat and load more paper. The machine will keep track of the number of cuts made.

Pressing the OK button once the quantity count has started will reset the cut tally back to zero, whether or not you've adjusted the quantity using the Left and Right Arrow Buttons.

The Fit to Page mode maximizes the size of the character on the page, overriding the size set with the Size Dial. To use the Fit to Page mode, press the Fit to Page button any time before pressing the CUT button. The mode will be on when the button is backlit in green. After pressing CUT, the display will preview the cut height and length before the machine begins to cut.

TIP: To cut two proportionate characters (such as a base character and its shadow) using the Fit to Page mode, select the Fit to Page mode with the larger character (shadow) selected first. Press the OK button to see the calculated size of the character and press CUT. Note this size. Unload and remove that cut and load in your next cutting mat and paper. Then turn off the Fit to Page mode and select the noted calculated size for the smaller (base) character. These two cuts (the shadow and the base) will now be in perfect proportion to each other.
TIP: After making your cutting selection, press the OK button to see the calculated size of the cut.

The Fit to Length mode allows you to set the size of the length of a designated cut. This mode is only available in the Landscape mode. This mode takes out the guesswork of setting the height of each cut with the Size Dial and hoping to make a cut a certain length. To use the Fit to Length mode, press the Fit to Length button so that the button is backlit in green. Then make your cut selection and determine the length using the Size Dial on the right side of the front of the machine. Press CUT and the display will preview the height before the machine begins to cut. The Fit to Length mode will apply to all cuts on the display screen.

TIP: The length in this mode is dependent upon the currently selected unit of measurement (Inches—1/4ths, Inches—1/10ths, cm, or mm). The Fit to Length measurement will adjust to the nearest increment, so it will not create proportions between characters that are perfect to the dial size. If you want to be more exact, use mm as your unit of measurement.
TIP: After making your cutting selection, press the OK button to see the calculated number of cuts that will fit on the page.

The Auto Fill mode fills the page with as many of the characters selected on the display as will fit on the page at the size selected. To use the Auto Fill mode, press the Auto Fill button so that the button is backlit in green. Then make your character(s) selection, set the Size Dial, and press CUT.

TIP: After making your cutting selection, press the OK button to see the calculated height of the cut.
TIP: The Auto Fill mode will only allow up to 300 duplicates of the selected character(s). If you would like to cut more than 300, you can select two (or more) of the same character(s) and then press the Auto Fill button. This would increase the duplicates to 600 (or more).
TIP: Certain modes can be combined, such as Portrait, Mix 'n Match, and Quantity.
However, the size modes (Fit to Page, Fit to Length, and Auto Fill) cannot be combined. For example, if you select Fit to Page and then select Auto Fill, the Cricut Expression will automatically deselect Fit to Page and select Auto Fill.

Functions on the Cricut Expression™ machine

The Multi Cut function allows you to cut the cut lines of a selected character(s) two, three, or four times on top of the original cut lines. This allows the machine to cut thicker materials, such as thin chipboard. To use the Multi Cut function, you must first determine the number of multi cuts in the Settings screen. Press the Settings button and advance through the settings options until you reach the Multi Cut menu. Use the plus and minus arrows to select 2, 3, or 4 and then press OK to select. Exit the Settings screen and then press the Multi Cut button until it is backlit in green. Then make your character selection(s), press CUT, and the machine will use your Multi Cut setting to cut the character(s).

The Center Point function cuts a character(s) centered on a designated point. It is only available in the Landscape mode. This function is useful for cutting shapes around images on photographs or patterned paper. To use the Center Point function, move the cutting blade using the Blade Navigation Buttons until the blade is over the center of the cut. Press the Center Point button until it is backlit in green. Then make your character selection(s), press CUT, and the machine will cut the character with the blade position you set as the center of the cut.

TIP: Even with the Center Point function activated, a character will still cut proportionate to the Key Height Character unless Real Dial Size is selected. For example, a lowercase letter may not cut exactly centered over the center point because it is being cut proportionate to the Key Height Character. Press Real Dial Size for a centered cut.

	The Line Return function allows you to create line breaks between cuts as if you were using the return or enter key on a computer keyboard. Select the first line of characters, press CUT, select more characters, press the Line Return button, and then press CUT again.
	The Flip function creates a flipped (or mirrored) image cut of characters. To use the Flip function, press the Flip button until it is backlit in green. Then make your character selection, press CUT, and the machine will cut a flipped version of the selection on the display. The Flip function can also be used with the Mix 'n Match mode.

TIP: To turn off modes and functions, simply press the specific mode or function button again until the button is no longer backlit in green.

Settings

The Settings screen allows you to change the language, units of measurement, Multi Cut settings, mat size, and character image display. The Settings screen determines the machine's settings that will be the default each time the machine is used. To access the Settings screen, press the Settings button until it is backlit in green and the display shows the first Settings menu. There are five Settings menus:

1. The language menu allows you to choose one of four languages (English, French, Spanish, or German) to be used for the instructions and information on the display screen.
2. The units menu allows you to choose one of four units of measurement (Inches— 1/4ths, Inches—1/10ths, cm, or mm).
3. The Multi Cut menu allows you to choose the numbers of cuts (2, 3, or 4) to be used for the Multi Cut mode.
4. The default mat size menu allows you to choose the mat size (12" x 12" or 12" x 24" ) you will be cutting with.
5. The character images menu allows you to choose to show previewed cuts on the display (Display) or to not show previewed cuts on the display (Don't Display).
   The Left and Right Arrow Buttons can be used to move through the different selections, and the OK button is used to make selections. Press the OK button to advance to the next menu and press the SETTINGS button to exit.

Mat Size
The Mat Size button is a quick way to set the mat size that you will be using with the Cricut Expression machine. Load the mat and then press the button to change to 12" by 12" or 12" by 24". The default mat size can also be changed on the Settings screen.

Xtra Buttons
The Xtra1 and Xtra2 buttons are placeholders for future functions for the Cricut Expression™ machine. See all the Cricut Expression updates at www.cricut.com.

Sizing
Characters in the Cricut cutting system are measured from the lowest possible point to the highest possible point. In font sets, and some shape sets, the character shown in red is the Key Height Character. This is usually the tallest character in any one set. All other characters will be sized in proportion to the Key Height Character, unless Real Dial Size is selected. In shape sets, some images are also cut in proportion to other shapes. See the cartridge handbook to get the details on specific cuts.

Real Dial Size
If Real Dial Size is selected, all characters will be sized according to the selected dial size, rather than cutting proportionate to the Key Height Character or the base shape.
TIP: Only one dial size can be selected for each cut, and that dial size will be applied to all characters on the display (even in the Mix 'n Match mode). For example, you cannot select an A at 1" (2.54 cm) and then immediately select a B at 2" (5.08 cm) in the same cut. We recommend you check the size appearing in the display prior to pressing the CUT button.

Cutting on Lightweight or Heavyweight Materials
Your Cricut Expression machine can cut a variety of materials. For an optimal cut on lightweight materials such as vellum or heavyweight materials such as thick cardstock, you may need to adjust the blade depth, the speed of the cut, and/or the cut pressure discussed in the following sections.

Adjusting Blade Depth
Remove the cutting blade assembly from the Cricut Expression machine to change the setting on the adjustment knob. However, if the arrow is facing forward you can leave the cutting blade assembly attached and simply spin the top of the adjustment knob to change the setting.

Always unplug your Cricut Expression machine before removing the cutting blade assembly!
To remove the cutting blade assembly (Figure 1), locate the screw and turn it counterclockwise until it loosens enough that you can swing the screw to the right (Figure 2). Be careful not to loosen the screw too much, or it will fall out. Remove the cutting blade assembly from the machine. Next, locate the adjustment knob (Figure 3) on the top of the cutting blade assembly, and turn it to your desired setting.

The smaller the number on the adjustment knob, the shorter the blade depth. Shorter blade depths are recommended for light- weight materials, longer blade lengths for heavier materials. Reinstall the cutting blade assembly into the Cricut Expression machine by reversing the procedure to remove the cutting blade assembly. Test the setting on a scrap piece of paper and make adjustments as necessary.

TIP: Cutting on cardstock and other heavy materials will reduce the life of your blade, but it will produce the best cuts.
TIP: If the Cricut Expression produces poor cutting results, always insert a new blade first before trying other options.

Speed Dial
The Speed Dial allows you to control the cutting speed for an optimal cut on a variety of papers. If you regularly cut on heavyweight materials, you may want to turn the dial up to increase the cutting speed. For lightweight materials or for smaller, more detailed cuts, you may want to turn the dial down to decrease the cutting speed. After each adjustment, we recommend that you test the setting with a scrap piece of paper, readjusting as necessary until you achieve the desired results.
The display will indicate the speed level, ranging from one bar ("Min") to five bars ("Max"). As a general rule, decrease the cutting speed if your cuts are being torn. If this doesn't work, change the blade or adjust the blade depth.

Pressure Dial
The Pressure Dial allows you to control how hard the cutting mechanism presses against the paper. For heavyweight materials, you may want to move the dial up to increase the cut pressure. For lightweight materials, you may want to turn the dial down to decrease the pressure. After each adjustment, we recommend that you test the setting with a scrap piece of paper, readjusting as necessary until you achieve the desired results.
The display will indicate the pressure level, ranging from one bar ("Min") to five bars ("Max"). As a general rule, increase the pressure if your selections are not being cut completely through the paper. If this doesn't work, the blade depth may need to be adjusted.

Basic Care

Blade Life
You can expect anywhere from 500 to 1500 single cuts from your cutting blade before it requires replacement. Your actual cutting blade life will vary, depending on the settings you use and the materials you cut. When the quality of your cuts decreases, it is probably time to replace your cutting blade. For best results, use only genuine Cricut™ Replacement Cutting Blades, available at participating Cricut retailers (part #29-0002).

Replacing the Cutting Blade

Always unplug your Cricut Expression machine before replacing the cutting blade.
To change the cutting blade, you must first remove the cutting blade assembly.
After removing the cutting blade assembly, locate the blade release at the top of the cutting blade assembly and push it in (Figure 1). The blade will emerge from the cutting blade assembly. You will need to gently pull the blade away from the magnet holding it in place (Figure 2).
To install the new blade, let go of the blade release and carefully insert the shaft of the blade into the hole in the bottom of the cutting blade assembly. The blade should be "sucked" up inside the shaft if properly installed (Figure 3). The replacement cutting blade is now installed. Reinstall the cutting blade assembly into the Cricut Expression machine by reversing the procedure to remove the cutting blade assembly.


Cutting blades are extremely sharp and should be handled with the utmost care. They are also potential choking hazards; they should be kept away from children.

Caring for the Cutting Mat
You can expect anywhere from 25–40 full mat cuts (expect even more when a cut is smaller than the full mat) from your Cricut™ cutting mat before it requires replacement. Your actual cutting mat life will vary, depending on the settings you use and the papers you cut. When your paper no longer sticks to the cutting mat, it's time to replace the mat. Use only genuine Cricut™ replacement cutting mats, available at retailers everywhere (part #29-0003).
TIP: To extend the overall life of each mat, use several mats, rotating them often, and keep the original protective cover on your mat when not in use.

Cleaning Your Cricut Expression™ Machine

Always unplug your Cricut Expression™ machine before cleaning!
To clean the Cricut Expression machine, gently wipe exterior panels with a damp cloth. Immediately dry any excess moisture with a chamois or other soft cloth. Do not use chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners (including, but not limited to, acetone, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride) on the machine. Abrasive cleansers and cleaning tools should also be avoided. Do not immerse the machine or any component of it in water.
Additional Basic Care Tips:

• Keep away from food and liquids
• Keep in dry, dust-free location
• Avoid excessive heat or cold
• Do not leave in car, where excessive heat may melt or damage plastic components
• Do not expose to direct sunlight for any extended period of time

Frequently Asked Questions

TIP: For our complete list of frequently asked questions, plus the latest updates to the User Manual, visit www.cricut.com.

Q: Do I have to hold down the Shift key to use it?
A: No. Just press it once and it will be backlit in green, indicating it is in use.

Q: Are the Creative Feature keys the same for each cartridge?
A: Only the Shadow feature is found on most sets. The other five Creative Features are handpicked by the artist and will vary.

How long will the blade last?

A: Anywhere from 500 to 1500 single cuts, depending on what kind of materials you are cutting. Replacement blades are inexpensive and easy to change. Refer to the "Replacing the Cutting Blade" section in this manual.

How long will a cutting mat last?

A: Each mat will last anywhere from 25–40 full mat cuts, depending on the size of cuts and what kind of materials you are cutting. We recommend that you use several mats, rotating them often. This will extend the overall life of each mat.

Q: Can I use a smaller paper size than the size of the cutting mat?
A: Absolutely! Just align a corner of the smaller paper with the bottom left corner of the mat, even in the Portrait mode. Once the mat is loaded, use the Blade Navigation Buttons to move the cutting blade down to the upper right corner of the new paper. Then press the Set Paper Size key on the keypad overlay to let the machine know where to start cutting on the new size of paper.

Q: Do I have to finish cutting a full page before unloading the cutting mat?
A: No. You can unload the paper and remove just the pieces you need. You can then reload the paper at a later time and navigate the cutting blade to any open area to resume cutting. If you immediately use the same paper for a new cut, press the Load Last key instead of the Load Paper key. The Load Last key will automatically return the cutting blade to the place where it stopped cutting.

How does the Paper Saver mode work?

A: The Paper Saver mode will "pack in" any selected cuts to optimize the space needed.

What does Real Dial Size do?

A: By default, your Cricut Expression™ machine will cut characters in proportion to each other. However, if you want to "break" this proportion and get any character to cut at the literal dial size, press the Real Dial Size key. For instance, with the Size Dial set at 2", a lowercase a will actually cut out approximately 1" (2.54 cm) to fit proportionately with any other cut letter. With Real Dial Size selected, that same a would cut at a full 2" (5.08 cm).

How is the cut of a character measured?

A: Each character cut is measured from the lowest possible point to the highest possible point.

Troubleshooting

TIP: For our complete list of frequently asked questions, plus the latest updates to the User Manual, visit www.cricut.com.

Problem: The cutting mat won't load when I push the Load Paper key.
Solution: Try pushing the cutting mat slightly into the roller bar as you press the Load Paper key.

Problem: The cutting mat didn't load when I pushed the Load Paper key. And now, when I try to push it again, it doesn't do anything.
Solution: You need to press Unload Paper first. Your Cricut Expression™ machine "thought" that it loaded the mat, even if it didn't pull it in. The machine needs to be given the command to unload before another paper load attempt is made. Pressing the Unload Paper key will reset the roller bar, allowing for another paper load attempt.

Problem: The blade is not cutting all the way through the paper.
Possible Solution 1: Use the Multi Cut function to allow for multiple cuts along the same cutting lines.
Possible Solution 2: Increase the cut pressure. Do this with the Pressure Dial found on the left side of the front of the Cricut Expression machine.
Possible Solution 3: The blade depth may need to be adjusted, particularly if you are trying to cut through thicker materials.
Possible Solution 4: The cutting blade may dulled by use and need replacement. Refer to the "Replacing the Cutting Blade" section.

Problem: The paper lifts off the mat as the Cricut Expression machine is cutting.
Possible Solution 1: Make sure you press the paper firmly onto the cutting mat when setting up the cut.
Possible Solution 2: Try using a new mat. Each mat will last anywhere from 25–40 full page cuts, depending on the size of cuts and the kind of material you are cutting.

Problem: I can't get characters to cut out with the Creative Feature selected.
Solution: Some characters don't work with all of the Creative Features available on a font or shape cartridge. Refer to the Icon Gallery in the cartridge handbook to see which features work with which characters.

Problem: I've placed a smaller sized paper on the mat and navigated to the upper right corner of the cutting mat, but when I cut characters, the blade returns and starts cutting back at the top of the cutting mat.
Solution: After you've navigated to the upper right corner using the Blade Navigation Buttons, and prior to pressing CUT, you need to press the Set Paper Size key. This will tell the Cricut Expression™ machine that you have selected a smaller paper size. Otherwise, the machine "thinks" that a full sheet of paper (either 12" x 12" [30.48 cm x 30.48 cm] or 12" x 24" [30.48 cm x 60.96 cm], depending on the cutting mat) is loaded.

Problem: The cutting mat is too sticky. It's ripping my paper when I try to remove it.
Solution: Use a craft knife or the Cricut Tools™ (sold separately) to successfully life the material from the cutting mat. The Cricut Tools are custom designed for lifting, pulling, or cleaning up cut characters.