Q: What is the Difference Between Explore Air 2 and Explore 3?
A: The key differences are technological innovations in speed, cut length, and cutting without a mat with Smart Materials. See the comparison chart below for more information.
Q: What are the differences between the different Cricut Explore machines?
A:
|
Explore 3 |
Explore Air 2 |
Explore Air |
Explore One |
Explore |
|
|
Two tool clamps |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
— (Pen adapter sold separately) |
✔ |
|
Built-in Bluetooth |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
— (Bluetooth wireless adapter sold separately) |
—t (Bluetooth wireless adapter sold separately) |
|
Print Then Cut capability |
On white and colored materials |
On white materials |
On white materials |
On white materials |
On white materials |
|
Smart Set Dial |
(Software-integrated material settings – no more dial) |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Cartridge Port |
— |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Works with Smart Materials for long, continuous cuts without a machine mat |
✔ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Expanded Storage Cup |
✔ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Lid tray to hold mobile devices |
✔ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Compatible with Roll Holder |
✔ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
Q: Where did Fast Mode go?
A: There is no Fast Mode for Cricut Smart Materials because we have optimized your machine to ensure top speed while keeping the precision you currently enjoy. Fast Mode is still available for materials on a mat.
Q: Do Cricut Explore machines have a Fast Mode?
A: Cricut Explore Air 2 does have a Fast Mode option for cutting and writing when using some Vinyl, Iron-on, and Cardstock settings.
Cricut Explore 3 has been further optimized to more intelligently control speeds for cutting and drawing. Not only is Explore 3 2x faster than Explore Air 2, but we’ve combined that speed with a specially designed algorithm to give you the precision you need on smaller cuts, and the speed you want on longer cuts. This enabled us to remove Fast Mode for Explore 3, taking the guesswork out of your project preparation experience.
Q: How fast does Cricut Explore 3 cut?
A: On Smart Materials, Cricut Explore 3 can cut two times faster than Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2's faster mode. Cricut Explore 3 can cut up to 8 inches (20.32cm) per second on the x axis, 8 inches (20.32cm) per second on the y axis, and has 100 inches (254cm) per second squared acceleration.
Q: Why is there a delay between pressing the pause button and my machine pausing?
A: Cricut ensures a non-stop cutting experience by passing your project data from Design Space to your machine.
Q: What is the maximum size I can cut?
|
Cricut Explore 3 Cricut Maker 3 |
Explore Air 2, Maker |
|
|
Smart Iron-On |
11.7 in x 4 feet (29.7 cm x 1.2 m) |
– |
|
Smart Vinyl |
11.7 in x 12 feet (29.7 cm x 3.6 m) |
– |
|
Smart Paper |
11.7 in x 11.2 in (29.7 cm x 28.4 cm) |
– |
|
On a 12 x 12 mat |
11.5 in x 11.5 in (29.2 cm x 29.2 cm) |
11.5 in x 11.5 in (29.2 cm x 29.2 cm) |
|
On a 12 x 24 mat |
11.5 in x 23.5 in (29.2 cm x 59.6 cm) |
11.5 in x 23.5 in (29.2 cm x 59.6 cm) |
Q: What comes in the box with Cricut Explore 3?
- Cricut Explore 3 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety document
- Warranty document
- USB Cable
- Power adapter and power cord
- Material for test cut
- Bonus materials
Q: Can I cut Smart Materials on previous models of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker?
A: Smart Materials were designed specifically for the brand-new Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3, and these machines have been optimized and rigorously tested for use with Smart Materials. If you would like to use Smart Materials with previous models, we recommend putting them on a machine mat.
Q: Does Cricut Explore have to be connected to the internet?
A: Not necessarily. With the Design Space software installed on your computer or iOS mobile device, you can still design and send projects to your machine without being connected to the internet. However, for certain features and functionality, such as content sync and uploading images, you’ll need to be connected to the internet and signed in.
Note: Offline feature not currently available for Design Space on Android mobile devices.
Tip: Click here to learn more about designing and cutting offline on Desktop. Click here to learn how to use the Offline feature in the iOS app.
Q: Is the setup process the same for the previous generations, as listed on the Cricut website?
A: No, the experience will be new and improved! Go to Cricut.com/setup to get started!
Q: Why did you drop "Air" from the Explore? Can it no longer connect via Bluetooth?
A: Bluetooth connectivity has become standard for all new Cricut cutting machines. It was no longer necessary to call it out in the product's name.
Q: Does it matter how I route the power cord for my Explore 3 machine?
A: Yes. Your Explore 3 machine comes with a 90-degree connector to help ensure that Smart materials do not come in contact with your power cord as the material exits the back of the machine. Please route your power cord to ensure your material movement is unobstructed.
Q: Can my previous machine's cord be used with Explore 3?
A: No. The Explore 3 power cord connector and the receptacle on the machine are not the same size as those for earlier models, so they are not interchangeable.
Q: How do I align my Smart Material when loading it into the machine?
A: Align Smart Material with the left material guides, then push material gently against rollers as you press the Load button.
Q: Can I use other brands of vinyl or iron-on without a mat?
A: You can use other brands of materials, but you will need to place them on a mat.
Q: I’m new to Smart Materials. What are they?
A: These clever crafting materials work without a cutting mat, so you can just load the material directly into your Cricut Explore 3 or Cricut Maker 3 machine and go. Smart Materials come in a variety of material types, including Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock.
Q: Do I need to measure and cut my Smart Material before I load it?
A: We recommend leaving your material on the roll until after you cut has finished. Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3 include sensors that measure your material length for you, ensuring that you have enough material for the project you're working on. When your cut finishes, the material will load back into the machine, allowing you to trim material away from the roll. If you have a roll holder, the built-in trimmer makes this process even easier.
Q: How will I know if I have enough Smart Material for my project?
A: Cricut Explore 3 (and Maker 3) include sensors that measure your material length for you. If you don't have enough, you will be alerted and will not be able to continue the cut until you insert a long enough piece of Smart Material. You need at least 6 in (15.24 cm) of 13 in (33 cm) Smart Material in order to cut it without a mat.
Q: Do I need to buy the Cricut Roll Holder if I plan on using longer rolls of material?
A: Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3 are designed to work with Smart Material rolls up to 75 ft (22.86m) right out of the box. While not required, Cricut Roll Holder is extremely helpful in managing bulky, long rolls, keeping them in place and perfectly aligned for long cuts.
Q: What kind of motors does Explore 3 have?
A: Cricut Explore 3 has a combination of servo and stepper motors.
Q: How wide is a roll of Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On?
A: The roll of material is 13 in (33 cm) wide. The maximum cuttable width is 11.7 in (29.7 cm).
BACK OF POCKET MESSAGING FOR ANNOUNCE
Use if needed, not to be proactively shared.
Q: Why don't you work on Design Space before launching a new machine?
A: Here at Cricut we have a lot of things in the works! We have been very excited to launch these new machines, but that doesn't mean we won't continue to make updates in other areas. Stay tuned!
Q: When will the Cricut Mug Press launch in the UK?
A: We don’t have a date for you yet, but as soon as we do, we will communicate it across our channels.
Q: Didn’t you say you wouldn’t make another machine after the Maker?
A: Nope! We will continue to try to keep up with the needs and creativity of our members. As you create more, we will keep creating more!
Q: What if I bought my machine yesterday, can I return it for the new machine?
A: If you purchased your machine from cricut.com/shop, you can check out our return policy here: https://cricut.com/en_gb/legal#online-policies For other retailers, please see their return policies!
Q: Will my Explore Air 2 or Maker stop being supported?
A: That’s not the plan! With the launch of Maker 3 and Explore 3, we are just adding to the families with additional capabilities. We want all Cricut members to find a machine that works best for them!
Q: Will you give me a deal to upgrade? Can I trade in my old machine?
A: We don’t currently have an upgrade programme going, but if that changes we will let you know!