How To Use Cricut Explore Air 2? [A Comprehensive Guide]
If you bought your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine and are wondering how to use it, this blog is all for you. You may want to know about Cricut’s features and how it differs from its previous models. We have wrapped up a few easy projects for the newcomers. We will walk you through them. The use starts with unboxing the machine and ends with the troubleshooting steps. So, let’s find out how to use Cricut Explore Air 2. You don’t need to worry even if you have an older model.
What Is a Cricut Explore Air 2?
Cricut is a popular brand of cutting machines and PC-controlled cutting machines. However, Cricut doesn’t only make cutting machines; it further makes heat presses such as Cricut EasyPress 2 and heat presses for mugs like Cricut MugPress.
How Is Cricut Explore Air Differ From Explore Air 2?
Cricut Explore Air and Explore Air 2 have similar features and appearance. The difference is in their color and speed. The Cricut Explore Air 2 has a 2X fast mode that works with vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. Also, it comes in three beautiful colors: mint green, pastel pink, and sky blue.
How To Use Cricut Explore Air 2?
In order to use Cricut Explore Air 2, kindly follow the basic instructions in the section below:
Step 1: Unbox Your Cricut Explore Air 2
In the unboxing process, ensure that no item is missing. If any item isn’t included in the box, you can contact Cricut support for a replacement. When you unbox the package, it will consist of the following items:
Cricut instruction manual
Cricut cutting mat
Cutting blade
Cricut Explore Air 2
Power and USB cords
Silver pen and accessory adapter
Cardstock and vinyl samples
The machine is pink in color, and you will love its color and appearance. Otherwise, you can choose from options such as Mint, Raspberry, Boysenberry, Merlot, Peacock, Sunflower, Lilac, Rose, Blue, Black, or Sky.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cricut Explore Air 2
After purchasing the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine, you may need to learn to prepare it. Hence, we will start with how you can place this machine. Cricut has made not only the high-value cutting machine but also created the most silent machines of all time. The Cricut Explore Air 2 has a Fast Mode feature, and when you activate it, the machine can perform all necessary cutting at double speed.
When the Fast mode increases the cutting speed, it makes the Explore Air 2 noisier. Thankfully, the Explore Air is smaller and lighter in size than other Cricut machines. So you don’t have to worry about the space it will take.
Step 3: Connect Your Machine To The Internet And Update The Firmware
Cricut works well when creating and designing new machines, but it also improves the current machines. Also, they frequently release firmware updates. Hence, the first thing you should do after unboxing and plugging in your Explore Air 2 is to update the firmware.
You can update firmware via a wired (USB) or a wireless (Bluetooth) connection. Bluetooth has recently been added to the machine’s features.
Step 4: Use The Right Tools
Six tools are compatible with the Cricut Explore Air 2. First, you have to create a new project in the Cricut Design Space and then input the materials you want to work with. At this point, Cricut Space will automatically assign you the right tools for the project. Not using the appropriate tools might result in bad or improper cuts and a short lifespan of the tools.
For instance, a delicate blade on a hard material will make it dull very fast or can even break it while cutting. Plus, the pens are specialized and are made to work on a few surfaces. Choosing the right type of cutting mat is also essential for the desired cutting process. Cutting mats are consumables, so it’s important to know which to use in different situations.
Step 5: Setup Your First Cut
In this step, when you are finally setting up your project, ensure that your Cricut Explore Air 2 is plugged in and you have installed all the necessary tools. Then, you need to prepare your first cut with Cricut Explore. To get started, place your cutting mat into the machine and place material over it, so it adheres to the mat surface. After that, you can insert the mat and material into the machine and input your design through the Design Space.
Now, the machine will check whether you have attached the right tool for your specified project and move only to the cutting.
Step 6: Smart Materials
Smart materials are consumables that work without a cutting mat. These materials are pre-attached to their backers, which can feed through Explore Air2. Plus, it lets the users load them directly into the machine and continue cutting.
Step 7: Remove The Excess Material
After making your first cut, you have a rectangular piece of material made of cut-out design and residue. Hence, the next step is to weed out the excess material. You can do it manually.
Step 8: Finish Your Craft Project
Finally, you have made your design cut and weeded out the leftovers; you can use them in your project. Also, Cricut has many machines to assist you throughout the project. One more example is if you plan on printing a new design on a T-shirt, you will need something more than a heat press. You will have to use the Explore Air 2 to cut the vinyl into a design you like. Afterward, you must use a heat press to transfer the design onto the shirt fabric.
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