How to Use the Cricut Explore Air 2: The Complete Guide

5 min readDec 28, 2022

Cricut Explore Air 2 is the finest crafting device for advanced and beginner crafters. In this tutorial, you will know everything you have to begin, such as project tutorials, ideas, and must-have tools.

Cricut Explore Air 2 is an innovative machine that writes, cuts, and scores different materials for users to do projects with. Using the Cricut Design Space software, crafters can select from three thousand ready-to-create projects or design one of their own. The premade projects contain all the essential information users require, like the supply list and directions.

With the Cricut Access Standard, users get unlimited access to over 370 fonts and more than 30,000 images, a few of which are exclusive. Also, they receive 10 percent off on their purchases. One of the best functions of this cutting machine is that it is wireless. It is also a cloud-based machine, which means you can design your project from anywhere through a PC or smartphone.

What Can A Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Do?

Let’s begin by understanding things that Cricut Explore Air 2 is competent at doing. For new crafters, Explore Air 2 is a crafting device that uses advanced technology. It writes and cuts up to 2x quicker as earlier models.

With this cutting machine, you can cut more than 100 materials. It can cut anything from vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock to thick materials, including leather. The Cut Smart technology of the machine enables users to cut a wide range of materials with incredible accuracy.

Also Read: How to Use Flatten Tool in Cricut Design Space

With a Cricut Explore Air 2 device, you can make it on a PC or mobile phone, Android or iOS app. This machine uses Bluetooth for wireless cutting. You can easily connect it to a smartphone and make projects wherever you go. It comes with a smart set denial for simple cutting. If you wish to cut the same material repeatedly, you can set your Explore Air 2 machine and forget it.

Cricut Design Space

The Cricut Design Space software allows users to upload their SVG files free or select from plenty of ready-made designs. Just move to the Ready to Make screen to get inspiration via beautiful pictures of projects available in Design Space.

Types of Blades Compatible with Cricut Explore Air 2

Fine Point Blade: The design of this blade makes it cut mid-weight and light materials such as poster board, vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. Cricut has used premium German carbide to make the sharpness and cuts of Fine Point Blade longer lasting.
Bonded Fabric Blade- Designed to cut bonded fabrics made of German carbide. It permits you to cut a range of lightweight fabrics with backing. Bonded Fabric Blade is the best choice for making appliques.
Deep-Point Blade: Want to cut thick materials such as cardboard, leather, stiff felt, or even magnet? Deep-Point Blade enables users to cut thicker materials. With this blade, users can cut materials about 1.5mm in thickness.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Accessories

Along with the fine point blade types of blades, your Explore Air 2 machine will come with a fine black pen, but apart from that, it is up to users to get the additional accessories. You can do much more with the fine point blade, but you can get additional accessories to increase the horizon. Thankfully, they aren’t costly, and you can purchase these accessories a little bit at a time.

Mats

You will require the cutting mats for the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine. This machine is compatible with three mats: StandardGrip Mat, LightGrip Mat, and StongGrip Mat.
The mats come in 12 x 24 and 12 x 12.

EasyPress 2

If you wish to make infusible ink or iron-on projects, you must consider the Cricut EasyPress 2.
They come in different sizes. So you can purchase whatever you need.

Helpful Tools

Some other important Cricut tools can be beneficial for doing a project. Those other help tools are Spatulas, Scrapers, and Weeding Tools.

Pens

You can utilize different pens with the Explore Air 2 device. There are thin pens, thick pens, glitter pens, gel pens, and pens of every color.
There are tons of pens, and you must begin with the following sets: Multi-pen set black, Infusible Ink Markers, and Candy Shop Pen Set.

Scoring Tools

You can purchase a scoring stylus to utilize with your cutting machine. It is best for paper crafting and is very affordable.
Scoring tool assists in folding lines for boxes, envelopes, cards, and 3D projects.

Other Features of Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine

Print and Cut: Explore Air 2 machine provides the capacity to print & cut images. Use the home printer to bring the images to life & cut them with accuracy on this cutting machine. It is the best way to make beautiful stickers, cutouts, and gift tags.
Cartridge Adapter: Explore Air 2 comes with an accessory adapter compatible with the Cricut cartridges, giving you access to your desired images.
Storage: The Cricut Explore Air 2 machine has several compartments for storage.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Cricut Tools and Accessories

Connecting Cricut Explore Air 2 to PC/iPad/MAC

Even though you can use your Explore Air 2 machine wirelessly, we will begin by setting this machine with the USB cable. Begin by placing your machine on the surface with about 10” left behind it as the Cricut cutting mat moves back and forth within the machine.

First, you should plug your Cricut machine into a power source and attach the USB cable and the power adapter.
Then, switch on your device and your PC.
Next, visit the official Cricut website, create a profile, and download the latest plugin software.
After this, you must run the installer and go to the official design.curicut.com page.
Now, navigate and tap on the Menu icon at the top left side and choose the New Machine Setup option.
Then, Cricut will guide you through the installation procedure and your first project.

Final Words

If you have recently purchased a new Cricut Explore Air 2 machine or wish to purchase it, then you can read the above-detailed tutorial to learn all its essential features, tools, accessories, and more. Cricut Explore Air 2 is a fantastic crafting tool that writes, scores, and cuts plenty of materials to create projects. It’s a cloud-based device, meaning crafters can create projects anywhere using their smartphone or PC.

Source: https://hariguide.com/how-to-use-the-cricut-explore-air-2/