How to Use Markers with Cricut: a Beginners Guide
Learning how to use markers with Cricut opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re adding personalized text, intricate designs, or colorful details to your projects, Cricut markers and pens make it easy to achieve professional results. In this guide, we’ll cover everything beginners need to know to get started, including the different Cricut machines, markers, fonts, images, hacks, and troubleshooting tips.
What You Need to Get Started
Now, I am all for a hack when it comes to working with my Cricut. Something to keep in mind when using non-branded pens or markers with your Cricut machine is that it technically will void your warranty. If this is something that makes you nervous, maybe hold off until after one year after purchasing. But, if you are looking to save some money like I always am using Crayola or other off-brand markers is a great way to do so!
What you will need to utilize the Pen function in Cricut Design Space:
*this blog post contains affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.
- Cricut machine: Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Maker, or Cricut Joy/Joy X-Tra. All Cricut machines are compatible when it comes to using the Cricut pens and markers which is so nice! The Joy series does have special Cricut Joy pens that you can buy.
- Cricut markers or compatible pens. I have a few sets of the different Cricut pens along with a large set of Crayola super tips. Don’t forget about Cricut infusible ink pens either! I haven’t personally bit the bullet to try these but they are a fun way to “write” on a shirt.
- Pen holder or Cricut pen adapter. If you are using different pens that are not from Cricut then you may also need a special adapter.
- Cardstock. You can write on some vinyls and sticker papers.
- Cricut Design Space software.
Understanding Cricut Machines and Markers
What’s great is Cricut offers several machines, each compatible with different types of pens and markers:
Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Maker & Maker 3
- Works with Cricut-branded pens and non-Cricut pens using a pen adapter.
- Features an A clamp to hold your pen securely.
- Compatible with a wide variety of colors and pen types, including calligraphy pens and infusible ink markers.
- Offers advanced features for intricate designs and drawn images.
Cricut Joy
- Uses Cricut Joy pens, designed specifically for its compact size. This does not have an A/B side but the pens simply go into the same slot to draw an image and then also cut the image.
- Great for quick projects like gift tags and labels due to its smaller size.
Setting Up Your Cricut for Drawing
Choose Your Design:
Open Cricut Design Space and select an SVG file or create your own. You can also use pens for writing which we will dive into deeper in a second.
Change Operation Type:
In the operations dropdown panel, change the operation type to “Draw” and then “Pen”. Keep in mind this only draws the outline of an image and does not color inside. Same with some fonts. You can find my easy hack to fill in fonts and images here.
Attach the Image or Writing:
You have to make sure to attach the writing to your design. If you are making a card use the paper clip in the bottom right had corner to make sure that they are linked together when you send it over to cut on your machine. If you do not plan on cutting any of the layers, you don’t really need to attach to anything however when it is on the mat in Cricut Design Space make sure its in the right place.
Select the Right Pen:
Use Cricut’s recommended pens or try regular pens with a pen adapter. You can change the color up by the operations type as well if you plan on using multiple colors of pens.
Load the Pen:
Open clamp A, insert the pen until it clicks, and close the clamp. My clamp A on my Cricut Maker is actually broken and this happened pretty quickly after I bought my machine. To make it work, I have to use an adapter from Amazon or I have to wrap the pen in painters tape to make sure that it stays locked in.
Prepare the Mat:
Place your material on the mat, load it into the machine, and press go. Make sure to keep an eye while your machine is writing or drawing the image/font. If its not clamped in properly, you may have it ghostwriting!
How to Use Markers for Writing Fonts
Using markers with Cricut for writing fonts can create beautiful, handwritten effects. Choose single-line fonts or writing fonts for the best results. The single-lined writing fonts are Cricut font types, it is extremely hard to find fonts outside of Cricut that are true single lined fonts. However, I have some good news, I have a list of 15 writing fonts that are free. These are “double” lined fonts but when made smaller or used with a medium point pen/marker it makes it look like a single line font.
The writing fonts in Cricut are usually part of Cricut Access and not free to use. Cricut Access is an additional cost that I still have chosen not to pay. Although I do not have access to all the features Cricut Design Space has to offer, I always find ways to make it work!
What is nice about using the Cricut pens and markers to write is it has the ability to give you a handwritten look. I have to say, Silhouette Studio has an amazing feature in their business edition to take a picture of your actual handwriting and make it into a font – which is amazing for using with pens.
Drawing Images with Cricut Markers
Just like with writing with your pens, you can also draw images and then cut them. The set up is the same, simply change the operation to “Draw” and “Pen”. When doing a draw image you can use different colors for each layer just like you would with a cut image. Say you have a layered SVG file of a cherry. You can change the stem to do the pen in green then the berry in red. When you send the drawn image to your Cricut machine, you will get on-screen prompts to change out the pens each time its done writing with one.
Types of Pens You Can Use
Cricut is compatible with a wide variety of pens, just remember you may need a special adapter for these. I think it’s a good idea to start with a small amount of Cricut pens at first and then over time grow your supplies. The Cricut branded pens are expensive!
- Cricut Markers: Designed for precision. Cricut has a lot of different types of pens but they get costly. I do often use their fine tip pens for a lot of my writing. Pro-tip: keep your pens upside down with the cap on to keep them juicy and writing well!
- Cricut offers a diverse range of pens and markers designed to meet different crafting needs. Cricut Fine Point Pens are perfect for precise, detailed writing and intricate designs. Cricut Medium Point Pens provide bolder lines, making them great for headings or prominent features in your projects. If you want to add a touch of elegance, Cricut Calligraphy Pens allow for beautiful lettering with varying line thickness, ideal for invitations and decorative text. Cricut Glitter Gel Pens add sparkle to your designs, while Cricut Metallic Markers bring a shiny, reflective finish perfect for cards and gift tags. Lastly, Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers allow you to create heat-transfer designs for fabrics, mugs, and coasters, offering vibrant, long-lasting results. With such a wide variety, you can achieve almost any artistic effect with your Cricut machine.
- Crayola Markers: Great for bold lines. I use the Crayola super tips (I bought the 100 marker pack for $10 at target) and this adapter. However, I have heard that the Crayola Fine Line markers work without an adapter! I have not tried this yet myself.
- Glitter Gel Pens: Perfect for sparkly projects. For these I suggest this adjustable adapter which can be made tighter or looser depending on the pen or marker.
- Permanent Markers: For long-lasting designs. I love these for thicker lines and projects.
- Calligraphy Markers: Ideal for decorative writing.
Tips for the Best Results
- Double check pen placement to avoid skipping lines.
- Use medium tip or extra fine point pens for detailed designs.
- Adjust system fonts and Cricut fonts for different effects. Don’t forget to check out my font hack to fill in all those lines.
- Test on scrap material to ensure you have the right pen and pressure settings.
- Ink Bleeding: Use smooth, high-quality paper.
- Uneven Lines: Make sure the pen is securely in the holder.
- Skipping Lines: Replace dried-out pens or check for clogs. Keep pens upside down and caps on!
Mastering how to use markers with Cricut is more than just learning the mechanics—it’s about unlocking your creativity. With the ability to add personal touches, vibrant colors, and intricate details, your projects will stand out with a professional flair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different markers, materials, and designs to find what works best for you. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every project is an opportunity to learn something new.
Ready to take your crafting to the next level? Start exploring new possibilities today, and don’t forget to check out my 15 Free Writing Fonts to inspire your next masterpiece!
