Cricut Expression Quick Start Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Cricut Expression™! This Quick Start Guide will help you get started. Please allow at least 30-60 minutes to get familiar with your machine. Expect to make some mistakes as you learn. For additional help, refer to your User Manual or visit www.cricut.com for the latest tips and techniques.

Safety and Placement

⚠️ Place your Cricut Expression™ machine at least 12" (30.48 cm) from the edge of your table to prevent tipping and potential injury. Allow 12" (30.48 cm) or 24" (60.96 cm) behind the machine for mat movement, depending on the mat size used.

Getting Started

1. Step 1: Open Lid and Remove Inserts

   Open the lid of the Cricut Expression machine and remove all cardboard inserts. This prepares the machine for operation.

2. Step 2: Install Blade Assembly

   Loosen the screw. Insert the green blade assembly into the cradle with the black arrow facing towards you. Tighten the screw. This ensures the blade is correctly seated.

3. Step 3: Plug In

   Connect the power cord to the Cricut Expression machine and plug it into a power outlet. ?

Machine Setup

1. Step 4: Lift Display

   Lift the machine's display screen to an upright position for better visibility.

2. Step 5: Position Keypad Overlay

   Place the keypad overlay onto the machine's control panel. This provides labels for the buttons.

3. Step 6: Insert Cartridge

   Insert the desired design cartridge into its designated slot on the machine.

4. Step 7: Turn On

   Turn on the Cricut Expression machine by pressing the power button.

Preparing for Cutting

1. Step 8: Prepare Cutting Mat and Paper

   Remove the plastic protective film from the cutting mat. Press your paper firmly onto the mat's surface to ensure it adheres properly.

2. Step 9: Align Mat

   Gently press the prepared cutting mat against the machine's roller bar to ensure it is correctly aligned for loading.

Cutting Process

1. Step 10: Load Paper

   Press the 'Load Paper' key ? to feed the mat into the machine.

2. Step 11: Select Characters and Size

   Use the control panel and dial to choose your desired characters or designs and select the cut size.

3. Step 12: Select Pressure

   Adjust the pressure dial according to the material you are cutting. Higher settings are recommended for thicker materials.

4. Step 13: Press CUT

   Press the 'CUT' button ✂️ to begin the cutting operation.

5. Step 14: Unload Paper

   Once the cutting is complete, press the 'Unload Paper' key ? to release the mat.

6. Step 15: Lift Images

   Carefully lift the cut images from the cutting mat.

Machine Components and Controls

The Cricut Expression machine features several key components and controls:

Additional components include:

• Blade Assembly: The cutting mechanism.
• Screw: Secures the blade assembly.
• Cradle: Housing for the blade assembly.

The Cricut Expression machine is depicted from an angled perspective. Key operational components are identified by letters A through G. A close-up view details the Blade Assembly, Screw, and Cradle. The Blade Assembly is described as the cutting mechanism, the Screw secures it, and the Cradle houses it. A black arrow on the blade assembly indicates the correct orientation for insertion. A diagram of the Keypad Overlay shows the layout of buttons for controlling the machine.