Hello, I never had this problem before, but have been seeing this issue for the past couple of months. As I search the system fonts on design space, I can no longer preview the text.
Hello Daydreamers!
In today’s tutorial, you are going to learn everything there’s to know about color in Cricut Design Space.
How to add and change colors, fill images, and “Color Sync” are some of the things you will be learning today!
Pretty much, all of the things I will be teaching you today can be done on the Cricut App as well and although most screenshots are from a desktop computer; I will also be including the screenshots that will show you where to find the tools to replicate all of the examples I have on this post
Ideally, you will read this tutorial from the beginning, because as we go, we will be implementing the concepts mentioned in the previews steps.
If there are some tools or concepts you don’t understand, make sure to check out my Cricut Design Space tutorial for Desktop and my Cricut App tutorial.
Are you ready?
Let’s Daydream Into Reality!
How to Add Color in Cricut Design Space
How to Color images in Cricut Design Space (Fill in Images)
How to Add Color in Cricut Design Space
To understand how to add color in Cricut Design Space, you also need to know how colors are used with your machine.
There are three different ways you can change colors in Design Space:
All of these settings work from two options “Linetype & Fill.”
Linetype & Fill are located on the “Top Menu” of the canvas area, and, during the cutting process, they will tell your machine what action to perform.
Right now, there are seven actions Cut, Draw, Score, Engrave, Deboss, Wave, Perf. Keep in mind that depending on the machine you have selected on the top of the window (Maker or Explore), you will have different options.
However, as I just mentioned before, there are only three areas or settings we can use colors in Cricut Design Space.
Check out the following chart, and let’s have a better understanding of each way you can color in Design Space.
Change/Add colors with “Cut” as linetype
When a layer has “Cut” as linetype, every color represents a different material. These materials can be vinyl, paper, fabric; you name it.
Tip: If you are working on a design that has a single color, you don’t have to change colors because everything is one single mat during the cutting process.
To change colors, add something to the canvas (image, text, shape), select it, and click on the little square next to linetype to pick your color.
There’s also an advanced setting that will allow you to see more colors. You can even find them by hex code.
Change/Add colors with “Draw” as linetype
When a layer has “Draw” as linetype, you are telling your Cricut you want to use Cricut Pens.
You must understand that the pens are only going to outline your shape, text, image. Pens won’t color your design.
Does it make sense?
Note: There’s an exception to this rule when you use writing fonts or designs in Cricut’s library made for drawing purposes. To learn all about the Cricut Pens, make sure to read my step by step guide.
To change the colors if using Cricut Pens. First, select the design you want to use, then turn the linetype to “Draw” and, last but not least, change the color of the pen you want to use on the little square next to linetype.
If you are using just one color on your project, you can leave the default color alone. However, if you are using more than two colors on your project, you need to make the respective changes to your design.
Important: In most cases, when you are using Cricut Pens, you need to use the “Attach” tool to tell your machine where to write. I explain this concept better in my “How to weld, attach, & group in Cricut Design Space tutorial.”
Change/Add colors with “Cut” as linetype and “Print” as a fill
The third and last way to add color in Cricut Design Space is when you have with “Cut” as linetype and “Print” as a fill, these two settings combined are also known as Print then Cut.
Print then Cut is one of my favorite features the Cricut machine has. Some of the things you can make with this feature are stickers (read the tutorial) and gift tags (read the tutorial).
Unlike “Cut” and “Draw,” when you are using “Cut” as linetype and “Print” as a fill, you can FILL in images with the colors you want to use.
When you use this feature, you are putting your printer to work, and your Cricut will cut the edges of your design.
In the previews ways to add color (Cut and Draw), I mentioned that changing colors wasn’t always relevant, because the final color is given by the material you use or the pen you install in your machine.
Well…
That’s not the case for Print then Cut designs. Before you send your project to your printer, you need to make sure to add the colors the way you want.
To add/change the color of a layer you want to Print then Cut, add your design to the canvas, select it set linetype as “Cut” and Fill to Print.
Something great about Print the Cut is that you can fill in (color) your images with patterns. Cricut has hundreds of them! (Patters are only available in Desktop computers, the app doesn’t have them).
How do colors look like in Cricut Design Space?
At this point, you know the three different ways to add color in Cricut Design Space.
Here’s a screenshot of how each option looks like in the canvas area.
Cut images have a thin grey outline (where the blade will cut through) around the shape or design, remember this color represents the materials you are cutting.
Draw layers are outlined; that outline is where the pen will go through. Remember, the Cricut doesn’t color.
Print images have no outline; it’s just the regular shape. The blade will cut through the edges of your design. Underneath the “Print then Cut” purple circle, there’s another one, but it’s filled with a pattern.
Here’s how colors look in different types of layers (shape, text, single image).
How to Change Colors of a Multi-Layer Design
When you download an SVG file from the internet, or when you add an image from Cricut’s library, you’ll find that some designs have different colors.
Designs that have multiple colors are called multi-layer designs. Depending on the way you decide to add color (cut, draw, Print) this will represent materials, pens, or a print.
Usually, these types of images are organized and grouped when you add them to the canvas area; therefore, if you change the color right away, all the layers will have the same color.
To fix this issue, select the multi-layer design and click on the ungroup option located on the top panel of the canvas area.
If images are on top of each other like the screenshot right above, you’ll have a hard time changing the colors of the layers that are at the bottom.
The best way to change the colors of each element is from the layers panel. Select the layer you want to change and click on the color square next to linetype (or fill for a print then cut).
How to Color images in Cricut Design Space (Fill in Images)
There’s going to be a moment in time where you find an image that you love a lot, but it’s on a single layer.
Note: If you want to follow along, the following image can be found in Cricut’s library by the code MB30A0C5.
Look at the screenshot down below.
When you change the color of the pizza, all of the elements will change with it.
Also, if you look close enough, you’ll see that there are some blank spaces inside the image where there’s no color; this is how the image was designed, and if you want to have different colors, the usual way I just thought you wouldn’t be enough.
No worries, though!
I am always trying to find ways to go around some of Cricut’s software limitations, and if you want to color inside an image, there’s a way to do so!
Don’t forget that these colors will represent either a material, pen color, or a print. For instance, if you were making a T-Shirt with vinyl after coloring what I am about to teach, you would need five different iron-on colors.
To color inside an image in Cricut Design Space, you need to use a tool called “Contour.” This tool will allow you to hide/show unwanted pieces from your projects, and it’s located at the bottom of the Layers panel.
With the “Contour” tool, you can manipulate an image to reveal something that wasn’t there before, like the blank spaces in the pizza.
These are the steps you need to take to color inside the “Wanna Pizza Me” image.
Step 1 – Insert Image
Add the image you want to color to Cricut Design Space. Ideal images for this technique have blank spaces.
Step 2 – Make copies for each color
Duplicate or copy/paste image until you have the number of colors you want to use, plus another copy of the original image.
For this project, I used four different colors. Therefore I needed four identical copies.
Step 3 – Center images and use ContourWhy Isn't My Cricut Design Space Working With Svg File
Select all copies and go to the top panel and click on Align and select the option, center.
With the contour tool, reveal the blank spaces and change the colors afterwards.
The best way to do this is by selecting each one of the images on the layers panel, taking into consideration the size and order of the pieces you want to color.
Most times, the original image always needs to be the first, or bottom layer on the layers panel. The original image (pizza in black color) will be the outline or border of your design.
This coloring is somewhat easy because all layers (pizza condiments) respect their space. Nonetheless, there are times where one layer can be covering the other one.
Check out the following example to see this in action.
This image is a cute little landscape and can be found in Cricut’s library with the code MD77B2E8.
I followed the steps I mentioned before up until step 4.
When I used the contour tool, I decided to do some of the inside colors unbroken; this means that I didn’t take into consideration the snow dots in the mountains or the stars in the sky.
I usually recommend you take your time, but if your image is very intricate and you are using it for “Print then Cut,” you can focus on the order of the layers instead.
For instance, the mountains need to be underneath the snow (small black dots) in the layers panel; otherwise, the snow would disappear.
The order of the layers doesn’t matter if you are cutting vinyl or other types of materials, but if you are using Print then Cut and flattening the image, you need to make sure all the layers are in the correct order.
Here’s our third and last example!
I followed the same steps, but this time I decided to change colors before I used the contour tool.
As you can see, there are many ways you can do something in Design Space. As you practice, you’ll get faster and figure out better ways to accomplish the same task.
Don’t ever think for a moment that everything comes easy to me!
Sometimes I get into fights with my Cricut too, that’s why I like taking my time putting excellent content, so no one else faces the same problems I do.
What is Color Sync in Cricut Design Space
Another way to change colors in Cricut Design Space is by using “Color Sync.”
This little feature doesn’t get as much love as other tools like “Weld, Slice, Attach,” etc. But let me tell you that once you know why it’s for you won’t stop using it.
The Color Sync is located in the tab next to the layers panel.
When you click on it, all the layers (images, text, shapes) that have the same color will be grouped.
In this case, you only see circles, but if you have text, you will see a little initial of the word, and if you have an image, you will see a tiny icon that will represent it as well.
From the Color Sync panel, you can drag each layer to other colors, but what I like the most is that if you select the rectangle that represents each color and you drag it another color (green in this case), all the colors will change instantly!
Isn’t that amazing?
The con with this technique is that if you have identical layers, you can’t identify them one by one. But, if you want to change color in bulk, this tool will be your best friend.
What if the color you want to add or change it’s not on the canvas?
Very simple.
Add an element and change its color for the one you want to use and go back to Color Sync.
Now, select the colors you want to change and drag it to the new color.
It’s like magic!
Don’t you think?
Changing Colors in Cricut Desing Space App
What do you want movie. Most of the color tools and techniques I just explained throughout this tutorial can be applied from your iPad/Phone.
There are only two things that the app doesn’t support:
If you have a phone, here are some graphics that will help you to find all of the things I just taught you!
In Cricut’s App, Linetype and Fill are in the Edit menu (bottom panel).
“Color Sync” is right by the “Edit” menu, and the contour tool for coloring an image in Design Space is located in the “Actions” menu.
I really hope these screenshots help! I want to start considering phone users more often.
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Do you know that it takes me around 25 hours of work to complete a single Cricut article? I know, it’s crazy! But I like to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING!
I would appreciate your support on Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / as I am trying to grow my audience so I can keep producing great content!
Oh!
And just so you know, I also have a FREE growing library with tons of printables and SVG files ready to be cut.
I would love for you to be able to get access to all of them. It’s 100% Free for my daydreamers (aka subscribers) check out a live preview here, or get access here.
If you have a Cricut Maker, a Cricut Easy Press or a Cricut Explore, then you’ll be familiar with Cricut Design Space. This is the software which lets you design and cut your images.
If you’re new to creating and cutting your own designs, then it has lots of good features to help you get started.
One potential drawback is that you need to keep connected to the internet and this can sometimes cause problems, so what can you do if your Cricut Design Space isn’t working?
There is no simple answer and some things are tried and tested ways of fixing other problems too, but here are some ways to fix some of the most common errors (fix the remove exclusive content error here).
Contents
Program Lagging or Freezing
One thing you may experience is the program freezing or taking a long time to do anything. If you do, then first check your internet speed as a slow speed can cause this. You may be paying for a high speed, but in reality you may not be getting this.
1. Run a speed test
There are many sites where you can run a free speed test. To run Cricut Design space you will need both good upload and download speeds.
If either your upload or download speeds are not enough, the best thing to do is get in touch with your internet service provider. They can often tell you the best way to increase these or upgrade your contract so you can get the desired speed.
It’s possible you may need a new modem or router and they will be able to tell you.
2. Check what else is connected
Most households these days have several people sharing one internet connection. This can put a strain on it and even slow it down. Streaming movies and TV programs can affect the speed of everyone else in the house.
If you find your Cricut Design space is lagging or freezing, check to see what else is being used and if necessary turn it off. This could give you the extra speed you need.
You also need to look at your own computer to see what’s running in the background. It’s sometimes easy to forget that you have other programs open and these can be slowing your system down. If you can hear the processor working hard, then something is using it.
Some of the things to look out for are:
3. Restart the router
Every now and then it can help to turn off your router and restart it. Many people don’t like to do this, but it can help to keep your connection running smoothly.
4. Check your computer
If your computer doesn’t meet the required specifications for using Cricut Design space, then you may experience freezing.
The recommendations for a Windows machine are:
If you use Windows, then always use the most up to date version of your chosen browser. Cricut Design space will work in Chrome, Firefox and Edge, but if you notice lag, check to see if there’s an update to your browser.
The recommendations for Apple machines are:
If you do not have the required specification, you may need to look at upgrading your computer.
5. Clear your cache
Over time your cache can get very cluttered, and if you don’t turn your PC off every night, you might find things slowing down. Clearing your cache can improve your speed.
6. Shockwave issues
Like a lot of software, Cricut Design Space uses Flash. This can cause problems of its own. If you start working on a project and leave it open while you have a break, then you may come back to a message telling you that Flash is not working.
This is because it has an automatic time limit and if you do not complete what you are doing within that time, it closes down.
There is no easy way around this one but make sure you save your work regularly so you still have it if you encounter a Shockwave error.
7. Reinstall
Sometimes when you encounter problems, all you have to do is close the program and re-open it. If all else fails, then you may need to uninstall the software and reinstall it.
This can be done using the same method that you use for uninstalling other programs, but you may need to restart your pc before you reinstall it.
Here’s an excellent video for beginners if you’re having difficulties.
Learn all about the costs of cricut design space here. Design Space Problems
When you’re working with images and design software there are many problems you can encounter. Some may require technical help but the three most common are these:
1. The program won’t open
As Cricut Design Space uses Flash you will need to install Adobe Flash before you use it. This is free software which you can download from the Adobe website.
Why Isn't My Cricut Design Space Working
Some browsers such as Chrome will ask you every time you open Design Space if you want to allow Flash to run. You must click to allow this or you won’t be able to use the software.
2. Cannot locate the image files
3. Imported images do not look right
If you find that your image has gaps or is all one color after you’ve uploaded it then this is most likely to be a problem with the layers. Click ‘Ctrl+A’ to select all of the elements of your design, and then change the fill color so that it is transparent.
You may find that you have a hidden layer which was causing the problems. Now that you can see it, you can continue your editing.
Cricut Design Studio
As with all programs, you may experience problem when you first start to use Design Space. As you get more experienced and try more features you will soon be able to trouble shoot when you have any problems.
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