Cricut Cartridges – Advanced Functions
We all know how useful Cricut Cartridges can be when used on your next project. Sometimes though it is helpful to learn more about the tools you use to create. The wonderfully versatile Cricut is simple to use your first time. What is exciting though, is that there are loads of advanced functions that can allow you to get more out of your Cricut than you ever expected. All Cricut cartridges have these functions, and many are built right into the Cricut itself.
This article will document some of the more advanced functions in an attempt to enlighten the average user. In the end this will save more time and more money – both things that everyone could use more of!
The first function I wish to cover that is included with all Cricut Cartridges is the Real Dial Size function. Every Cricut Cartridge has a character which is the largest, measured from top to bottom. This is called the Key Height Character. You can find out which character is the key height character by looking in the manual included with every Cricut Cartridges. When the Real Dial Size is turned off each shape will be cut in proportion to the largest shape. This allows lowercase letters to appear correct when lined up into a word. If the Real Dial Size is turned on then each shape will be cut according to the dial size and not the largest character in the cartridge.
The shift button allows you access to the alternate shape on a key. For the Font line of Cricut Cartridges this usually is the uppercase letter. For shapes it could be any number of items. Please refer to you included cartridge handbook for shapes accessible with the shift key.
Shift lock accesses the same shapes as shift but allows you to do so on multiple key presses. This is useful for typing words in all uppercase letters.
Space and Backspace work just like they do on a computer’s keyboard.
Clear Display completely wipes out whatever is on the LCD screen. This is useful to start a new cut or to delete multiple key presses that were entered incorrectly.
The Reset All button will do the same thing as the Clear Display with the addition of setting all the settings back to their factory defaults.
Repeat Last places the last cut’s information onto the LCD screen. You can then change any setting then cut again.
Sound On/Off turns the chirp on or off. This setting is retained through a power down cycle of the Cricut machine.
Load and Unload Paper are used to insert and remove paper and the mat from the Cricut machine. Never try to do this manually. Doing so could damage the machine.
There is also a set of blade navigation keys which can be used to precisely maneuver the cutting blade where you wish to start your cut. Useful for reusing scraps of paper!
The Set Paper Size button is to be used when using pieces of paper smaller than 6″ x 12.” To use it simply load the paper and mat into the Cricut machine then navigate the blade to the upper right hand corner of the paper and press the Set Paper Size button. The Cricut will automatically measure the size of your paper and it’s size will be displayed on the LCD.
Finally, a very useful button that will save you money is the paper saver button. This allows the Cricut machine to set up the cut so as to minimize the amount of paper used. This mode is retained even when you turn the Cricut off and back on again. It really is nice that this button is included with all Cricut Cartridges
Filed Under Creative Uses, Cricut Beginner's Corner | Leave a Comment
Tagged With
Comments
Leave a Reply