Menu
With Smart Materials, Cricut Joy can cut an individual, continuous shape up to 4.5 inches wide and 4 feet long, and make repeated cuts (like stars, hearts, and confetti) up to 20 feet long! With a cutting mat, Cricut Joy can cut up to 4.25 inches x 6.25 inches, or 4.25 inches x 11.75 inches. The Cricut Maker’s Compatibility Certain features and work-environment preferences will require users to connect their Cricut Makers with either a Windows or Apple computer. However, if your projects don’t require the use of the said features and you’re always on the go, then an iPhone, iPad, or Windows phone or tablet should be enough to. Cricut Design Space is not compatible with Internet Explorer To use Design Space on a Windows or Mac computer, check these system requirements to make sure you have a compatible operating system. Then, check to make sure you have a compatible browser. You will need one of the following.
- Cricut and Apple Macs. Jan '09 Unknown. Having just purchased a Cricut I would now love Design Studio also, but have an Apple Mac. I don't seem to be able to get an answer from the Cricut Website to confirm whether it is now compatible to Apple.
- I still have all of the Macs I’ve ever purchased and they are still running great. Plus, if you already have an iPhone, the compatibility is flawless and you’re going to love it! We love talking about products and devices we use with our Cricut. These are not really Cricut related items but they are must-haves for us in our Cricut workroom!
Most machines for crafting, vinyl lettering, and other material projects, are controlled with the computer, tablet or smartphone. They are connected with a USB or serial interface. Some models also have wireless Bluetooth technology so you don’t need the cable nor are close to the machine for controlling the working process.
Every machine must have software which contains a set of commands that allow you to create and design images and patterns on your computer and then send it to the device to cut it. Some devices have a feature to cut the image that you’ve printed on your home printer which is a useful user-friendly function.
Most software available on the market is surely compatible with Windows systems such as Vista, 7, 8 or 10. But, few of them are also compatible with the Mac system. Mac is developed by Apple, so if you have one of their devices you should search for Mac compatible vinyl cutter models.
If you are interested in buying a machine for cutting vinyl and other materials but have a device with Mac operating system, you should pay attention that the model has software such as Sillhouete Studio, Graphtec Studio or VinylMaster Cut and Design software. But, if the model that contains compatible software doesn’t suit you, there is another solution. You can try to search devices with a built-in scanner that doesn’t require computer control. You just scan printed image and then the device will cut it for you.
All important settings are adjustable with a control panel on the machine. Some software includes an online app that is cloud-based and it connects more devices at the same time. These are also compatible with any operating system and have included a lot of already created images and design, so sometimes the computer or PC isn’t required.
We have found 5 vinyl cutter for Mac available on the market. In this review, we will describe their technical specifications that could be important for you such as cutting width and length or maximal cutting speed and pressure. We will also describe their design, mechanism, and usage.
Review of 5 Most Popular Mac Compatible Vinyl Cutter Models
USCutter 28 Inch Titan 2 Model
This model has 28 inches maximum paper feed and 24 inches maximum cutting width. Maximum cutting length is 25ft which is enabled with high-quality pinch rollers and grit rollers. The device is made from aluminum frame construction and all other parts are metal. It’s 38.5 inches long, 17.2 inches wide and 13.6 inches high. It weighs 59 pounds.
The device has contour cutting function which means that the system can print the image and then cut it precisely around the printed area. Precise cutting is enabled with a four-wheel carriage that has laser guided crop mark alignment. A wide range of materials can be cut such as vinyl, window film, paperboard, stencil, mask and other.
The titan made blades enable cutting of the thickest materials. Package includes three blade types: 30-degree, 45-degree and 60-degree blade. The blade holder is compatible with the Roland blades which are the most economical ones on market. The big LCD display with backlight shows you cutting speed and force. You can adjust both of them and navigate with the settings menu. The buttons are also illuminated for easier control.
Maximum cutting speed is 37ips and maximum cutting pressure is 1.65 pounds. The performance is very quiet because this model has a servo motor. A great feature is the emergency start/stop function that allows you to restart the device while it’s working. This device is compatible with the Mac system and Windows through USB and serial interfaces.
The software is VinylMaster Cut which enables you to do many things with materials, for example, the spool function enables making multicolor items without switching different colored vinyl rolls. The system has 4MB internal memory. Repetition accuracy is 0.0003 inches. With the product, you will get the floor stand and the catch basket. The package also includes a blade holder, a pen holder, a USB, and serial cable. The manufacturer offers a lifetime phone support.
Characteristics:- 28 inches of maximum paper feed
- 24 inches maximum cutting width
- Maximum cutting length of 25ft
- 5 inches long, 17.2 inches wide and 13.6 inches high
- VinylMaster Cut software compatible with Mac and Windows systems
Cricut Maker Electronic Model
This model has two types of blades. The first one is a rotary blade which cuts through very thick material and it’s ideal for fabrics. Knife blade cuts very heavy materials like matboard and 3/32 inches thick balsa wood. You can do sewing projects, leather crafts, the model made from balsa, paper crafts, iron-ons, and other DIY projects.
Design app is available for this Mac compatible vinyl cutter so you can design your own projects on the mobile phone or computer. You can create your own designs or download them for free.
This model has a double tool holder which means it can do sketching and cutting at the same time. This can make faster your working process. The device weighs 23.8 pounds. Its length is 21.2 inches, width is 7 inches and height is 5.9 inches.
The device has a USB port for connection with the devices and data transmission. Also, you can connect wirelessly to the device with the Bluetooth. Package includes fine point pen, two 12 inches long and wide cutting mats, design apps, 50 free images, and 25 sewing projects. You will also get materials.
Characteristics:- Dual carriage
- Knife and rotary blade
- Weight is 23.8 pounds
- 2 inches long, 7 inches wide and 5.9 inches high
- Bluetooth wireless technology
Silhouette Cameo Model
This device is 23.9 inches long, 11 inches wide and 8.9 inches high. It weighs 14.2 pounds. The system has an auto blade function which is a very user-friendly feature because the blade adjusts itself automatically according to the material type.
It can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and many other materials. Maximum cutting width is 12 inches and the maximum cutting length is 10ft. The device has a pen adapter so you can replace the blade with a pen and do sketching. It is PixScan compatible which means it can cut precisely around printed area or position cut lines in the specific area on the material.
A package includes 12 inches long and wide cutting mat, vinyl trimmer, hook, spatula, and Ratchet adjustment tool. Materials are also included such as 12 inches long and wide oracal 651 permanent vinyl, premium transfer tape and other.
You will get a guide for vinyl application, 7 e-guides by Silhouette school, and a 1-month membership to Silhouette U and Silhouette Club. The device has 200 designs included and $25 digital downloads from Silhouette design store, but that can change from time to time. A USB cable and power cord are also included.
The Studio software is suitable for Windows Vista/7 and higher, and for Mac OS X 10.5.9 and higher. You can plug this device in your computer or control the working process wirelessly with a built-in Bluetooth. Required power outlet range is 110V-240V.
Characteristics:- PixScan compatible
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Silhouette Studio software compatible with Windows and Mac
- 12 inches maximum cutting width
- 10 ft maximum cutting length
Silhouette America Curio Crafting Model
This vinyl cutter for Mac has three embossing methods: path emboss, score and emboss, and print and emboss. The device has a deep-cut blade which is able to cut up to 0.08 inches thick materials. It’s 17.2 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 7 inches high. It weighs 7.5 pounds.
It has 0.2 inches clearance so you can feed thicker materials. You can cut a variety of materials such as paper, card stock, vellum, fabric, vinyl, stencil and much more. The device has Silhouette Studio software which is suitable with both PC and Mac computers.
The Silhouette Design Store has a lot of designs, patterns, images, and fonts that you can download and use for your own DIY projects. With this Mac compatible vinyl cutter, you can create etched metal, embellish foils and metals, multi-color design or stippled ink projects.
The dual carriage holds the pen and the blade at the same time so you can do writing and cut at the same time. The USB cable is included and you can connect it to your device for control of the working process.
Print and cut feature allow the device to register the materials that you have printed with your own desktop printer and then it cuts them around the printed area. The package includes cutting and embossing mat, fine and wide embossing tips, USB cable, AC adapter, and software CD.
Characteristics:- Dual carriage
- Print and cut feature
- Thre embossing methods
- 2 inches clearance and 0.08 inches blade’s cutting depth
- 2 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 7 inches high
USCutter 15 Inch Table Titan Model
This vinyl cutter for Mac has four wheels carriage and titan made blades that ensure precise cutting. Contour cutting is enabled so you can print wanted image and then cut it. Its very precise since the registration marks are sensed with a laser. It can cut a wide range of materials such as adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, paperboard, paint mask stencil, low intensive reflective and other. The device has 3 pinch rollers.
Its length is 28 inches, width is 17 inches and the height is 12 inches. Weight is 26 pounds. VinylMaster Cut software is compatible with Windows too. Command set is suitable for HPGL. The USB 1.1 and 2.0 interface are included, and serial RS232 port. You can plug it into your computer or PC and control the working process.
The performance won’t be as much quiet as in the previous model since this one has stepper motor type which is louder. Required power outlet range is 110-120V at 3AMP or 200-240V ar 2AMP. Maximum cutting width is 15 inches and maximum paper feed is 19.5 inches. Maximum cutting length is 180 inches.
Aluminum frame and high-density ABS plastic made sides make the device durable. On the device, you will notice a large LCD display which shows you cutting speed and force. Its illuminated for easier reading, but the buttons aren’t. The speed and pressure are both adjustable. Maximum cutting speed is 31.5ips while maximum cutting pressure is 1.12 pounds.
The device is Package includes pen holder, USB cable and serial cable, power cord, Roland compatible blade holder and 3 titan blades (60-/45-/30-degree). When buying this product, you get lifetime phone support.
Characteristics:- Contour cutting function
- USB and RS232 serial interface
- 5ips maximum cutting force and 1.12 pounds maximum cutting pressure
- Titan made blades and Roland compatible blade holder
- Maximum cutting width is 15 inches and maximum paper feed is 19.5 inches
Products and Devices to Use With a Cricut Machine
July 9, 2019 by MarkWe get a lot of questions about what types of Products and Devices to Use With a Cricut Machine. Whether a beginner or Cricut pro, you will probably find something here that is new to you. These aren’t items that are specifically designed for the Cricut but they complement it very well.
Products and Devices I Use With My Cricut
First thing first, I’m going to start with my handy-dandy iPad. I rave about this all the time. It really is a game changer for our crafting! This is just a simple sixth-generation iPad but it works just great for our purposes. It’s Wi-Fi only so that is one thing to consider. Most people nowadays simply use the personal hotspot on their smart phones.
We absolutely love designing on the iPad – you can even design projects on the go! It’s so great that the Cricut Maker even has a handy dock for it!
Rubbing Alcohol and Dispenser Pump
Next up, rubbing alcohol. We had no idea how many people would be impressed by our little dispenser pump from the Dollar Tree. This thing’s a game changer. If you want the perfect amount of rubbing alcohol, this is definitely the way to go. You need rubbing alcohol to clean your surfaces before applying vinyl to them. Any slick surface needs to be cleaned with rubbing alcohol so that any dirt, oils, and finger residue is gone. This will ensure that your vinyl sticks really well to your surface and that your project lasts much longer.
Cricut Printable Guide
One thing we find ourselves referencing time and time again is this amazing Cricut Printable Guide that we’ve created at Makers Gonna Learn. You get this if you are a member! It is 20 pages of Cricut goodness from terminology to tips & tricks to referencing what temperature we recommend for different things. You can view it as a PDF and save it to your smartphone, laptop, or iPad as a reference there but many of our members like to print it out and laminate it.
ATG Gun
Next up is our ATG gun. This can be found at your local Michaels store. It’s really awesome for all your 3D paper crafting projects. Now, if you’re like me and not a huge fan of the pink, this is pretty much the same as the Scotch ATG 714. The pink one was made specifically for Michaels and is a bit more affordable because you can use your Michaels coupon for it. You will see huge savings using one of these ATG guns as opposed to those small tape dispensers.
LA’s Totally Awesome
We have another Dollar Tree product LA’s Totally Awesome. I have seen mixed reviews on this product but I honestly think that chances are, if you don’t like it, it’s because you aren’t using it correctly.
We have a video explaining exactly how to clean your Cricut mats to get the longest life out of the mat. In it, we give very solid and strict instructions on how to take advantage of this product and clean your mats. We clean our mats using this method and they last for a long time!
VLR
Next, we have VLR. You are going to love this product! You can find it on Amazon and you’re going to want to have some on hand if you do a lot of iron-on projects. This can remove heat transfer vinyl from your shirt. If you aren’t happy with the way you positioned your design or it just didn’t turn out the way you had hoped, this product is crazy awesome!
We have a video on using VLR and Removing HTV from Fabric. Check that out to see how quickly and effortlessly it works. It is a game changer for your crafting because I feel like it allows me to get a little bit edgier and take more risks with my projects. I know if I mess up, I’m not ruining the shirt!
Masking Tape Transfer Sheets
One of our newer products we’ve been talking about and using here at Makers Gonna Learn are these masking tape transfer sheets. We are all about saving money here and not just buying things for the sake of it, but these are amazing! This is a 6 by a 100 feet roll that I got from Auntie Tay for about $11. This is perfect for print and cut projects, for curved surface projects, and for vinyl projects. This really does the trick and you’re going to love it!
Printers
Probably the most asked question that I get via email and our Facebook community is what printer do I recommend and I have to say the Canon TS-8120. We love this printer and you are going to love it too. It’s under $100, the ink refills are competitively priced and you’re going to get great results. If you want a lightweight, accessible crafting printer, this is an amazing solution.
Canon does have larger printers, if you’re interested in larger printing and using things like seamless 12 by 12 paper and things like that but for us, this is what we find yourself gravitating towards time after time. We get great results from it! I highly recommend it for you to upgrade or treat yourself to a Canon TS-8120.
Computer
Another product we are always going to ask about is what computer do we design with and I have to say that I am Apple all the way. I have a MacBook Pro with the touch bar. It’s super awesome but you do not need something that powerful to use Cricut Design Space.
Cricut App For Mac
If you’re not really using it for gaming or photo editing or video editing, anything in the MacBook Air lineup is going to be perfect for you. It’s at the perfect price point for a durable long lasting machine. You are going to be paying a little bit more for a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro but from my experience, it’s worth it. I still have all of the Macs I’ve ever purchased and they are still running great. Plus, if you already have an iPhone, the compatibility is flawless and you’re going to love it!
Cricut Mac Os
We love talking about products and devices we use with our Cricut. These are not really Cricut related items but they are must-haves for us in our Cricut workroom! They will definitely help you have a lot of fun and take full advantage of your machine.