Have you ever wanted to cut the actual cutting time in half during a project? Learn how to run two Cricut machines at once.
Tip: This works best if you know clearly which part of the project you are cutting on each machine, or if you are using two different materials (one on each machine.) It can get confusing if you are bouncing back and forth between projects and machines too much.
You can also use this method to work on a second project in Design Space while the first project is cutting. You don’t need to have two machines to use this method.
Why and when would you want to have two Cricuts cutting at the same time?
– During projects with long cut times, such as intricate designs or using the knife blade
– If you want to work on one project in Cricut Design Space while another project is cutting
– When you have a large amount of cutting to do
– If you are using two different types of material, it’s convenient to just keep loading mats without switch materials often
How to use two Cricuts at the same time
First, Save your project. (If you are going to be cutting two parts of the same project, you want each of the windows to display the exact same thing.)
Second, go up to the File menu and choose New Window.
Next, go to My Projects (if you are cutting two parts of the same project. If you are working on something else, choose New Project or open the other project.)
Click Customize.
Choose your other machine from the drop down menu as shown.
In this example, I’m going to cut the intricate lettering on my Maker 3.
I’ll cut the box bases on my Explore Air.
It’s helpful to arrange the windows side by side so you can easily see which project and machine you are cutting which part of the project on.
Was this tutorial on cutting with two Cricuts at the same time helpful? Sometimes it’s a big time saver.
Leave a comment below letting me know how you use two Cricuts simultaneously.
Anonymous says
What a fabulous tip! Thank you so much!!
Emily says
You’re so welcome!
Karol Jones says
I never knew this was possible. This is cool!
Emily says
Yes! Now, I use it often to keep working in DS while my machine is cutting.
Cathy says
I learned something new today!!!!! Thank you very much!!!!! Hopefully I will remember this and try it soon!!!!! I think it is great!!!!!
Emily says
You’re welcome! I’d seen this trick with people using like 6 machines at once and I thought “that’s not me.” But – I can use the same method while just one machine is cutting and I want to be on DS.
Beth Bauer says
I had NO idea I could use 2 machines at once & I recently sold my Cricut Explore Air 2. UGH! OK, so now that means I’m NOT giving my Cricut Maker away to my DIL when I get my Maker 3!!! I’ve had SO many events I’ve crafted huge projects for (can you say 8′ x 12′ Wall of Giant Flowers & Butterflies?!?) where having 2 machines going at once would have made a massive difference. Far too often, I’m waiting on the machine to finish a task so I can move on to the next item. THANK YOU!!!!
Emily says
WHAT?!?! That giant wall of butterflies and flowers sounds AMAZING! I’d love to see a photo!
Yes, that will make a massive difference! Do you use 12×24 mats so you can cut double without reloading a mat too?
Sandy Schwarz says
I’ve always wondered how that might be possible. I don’t like just sitting and waiting for the Cricut to cut. I want to try this so it speeds up productivity.
Emily says
Same!! I hate waiting for it to cut – especially with long cut times.
It totally works for that!!
Cheryl says
I have used this but cutting two different projects. One on my Explorer and another on my Joy. I love how we can do this and not have any issues for either project. I will have to try doing this your way, but I don’t have two big machines
Emily says
You definitely don’t need two machines to use this method. It’s just handy!
Peggy says
I didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing. I’ll try it. Great!
Emily says
It’s so useful, even if you don’t have two machines. I always want to work in Design Space while another project is cutting.