Script fonts always look amazing on a screen, and even better in print or in designs. I’m a font designer, so I realize that I might be a little picky and critical about font choice for any given design project. That said…the default fonts in Cricut Design Space aren’t really all that cool. (No shade at the original designers, because I know how much work goes into creating the fonts! All I’m saying is … there are WAY more choices than the defaults!)
Using a script font while crafting may also prove to be challenging at first because there are so many choices to choose from, but this post is filled with tons of information to get you started! Working with mugs, canvas, stationery, and many more craft projects will be as easy as pie!
Script Fonts in Cricut Design Space
When getting used to using script fonts in Cricut Design Space, it’s impossible to choose just one font that has all of the script letters exactly the way you want them. Cricut Design Space does this really weird thing where the letter spacing is always, always off. Meaning, it treats the font completely differently than the designer intended it to, and for those fancy script fonts where it’s supposed to look like continuous cursive writing…it just looks like spaced out cursive letters. Womp womp. It’s terrible, and I don’t know why Design Space does this, but it’s fixable!
(I have a blog post about this, but here’s the run down: use the letter spacing tool and bring it as close together as possible. Sometimes, it’s actually negative, and not just 0. This will give you a pretty good indication of whether or not it’s a font that you want to use. If you do, choose the “ungroup to letters” option up at the top of the layers panel. This releases each letter to its own layer, and you can piece them together yourself. Make sure to weld the letters to each other before cutting them!)
Anyway, my Handlettered Font Bundle has over 200 hand-lettered fonts to chose from. With this many amazing fonts in one package, it’s hard to go wrong! You may be thinking, “200+ fonts? That’s too many! How will I ever find the one that fits well with the project I’ve envisioned?” Don’t worry! The bundle is easy to navigate, and all fonts included are shown in photos, along with its very own branding. (I’m convinced each font has its own personality.) This way, it is easier for people to scroll through the fonts included, and see how they look visually before crafting with them!
What projects would use script fonts?
Using script fonts for projects always gives the craft the extra edge; it puts it over the top, and it always looks way more polished. I’ve done many Cricut machine projects, but there are some that are super popular within the Cricut and crafting communities. Within Design Space, you can create some amazing works of art, like customized mugs, t-shirts, and farmhouse signs. If you have access to professional design programs like Adobe Illustrator, you can also use the fonts for logos, branding, product packaging, and other branded materials.
The font collection is very versatile, and contains a wide variety of cursive fonts, all handlettered to perfection! The font types range from calligraphy fonts to fonts that mimic handwriting – you know, a little messy and scribbly. In the bundle, you will also find whimsical sans fonts, farmhouse fonts, rustic fonts, signature fonts, and handwritten serif fonts. Crafts are sure to be amazing when you have the perfect font for every occasion! Not to mention, the fonts are also very user-friendly to download and upload to your projects, so it makes it easier to use for all of your crafts!
What’s Included in my Font Bundle
Like I mentioned before, the range of fonts included in this bundle is incredible. Each font includes the installable .otf file for your convenience. Personal and commercial use is permitted, so you can use these fonts for your own personal projects, or you can use them to create an item for sale.
Do You Craft With the Cricut? I Try to, Haha!
Using the Cricut has… been a challenge for me. I would constantly find myself trying to find a cheat sheet, or anything that could help me be less Cricut-inept as I was when I first began using it. I’m still a pretty crappy crafter, but I have learned some cool tricks.
Letters and how they came out on my projects was definitely one of the hardest parts. I couldn’t seem to understand why some fonts worked better than others for cutting purposes. It felt like I was confined to using a bolded sans font forever, which didn’t sound appealing for a cute project. And for a font designer? Sort of heart-wrenching. I just wanted to use a dang script font! I wanted my projects to have flair! I wanted the projects to have something to make them stand out from the rest. I knew I wanted more from the Cricut, I just didn’t know where to start — it was easier for me to letter & program a font than learn how to use the Cricut, which sounds crazy, I know!!
The intricate script fonts weren’t weeding well at small sizes, and that was why they looked like complete crap. Using the default Cricut fonts just didn’t sit right with me because I’m a font snob. (Hey, at least I’m honest.) There was definitely a learning curve as far as what worked and what didn’t. I swear, I read article after blog post, and things just didn’t click right away!
When I realized I was able to upload my own fonts to the Cricut, I was so excited to see my fonts in action, I started making crafts right away. I began making mugs, which seemed like the best project, since I drink a TON of coffee. I would type what I wanted the mug to say, then I would place the text within the parameters of the design space that was given.
I clicked the start button, and sat back waiting for something to go terribly wrong. But, no weird noises, no explosions, no fire starting … I mean, I really mean it when I say I’m not a very good crafter, y’all.
I watched intently as the Cricut made its precise cuts on the vinyl. Looking back at my computer, I could see that the progress bar was almost full, so I was preparing myself for the worst even though it looked like it was going well. I was sure the design would come out wrong.
It wound up going ok – and so began massive amounts of experimentation using cursive fonts with my Cricut!
Cricut Fonts
Adding fonts to the Cricut Design Space may seem super tedious just reading about it, but I’m here to give a summary of it. I’ll lay down the basics, and the need-to-know information to help you on your Cricut journey.
Custom Fonts In Cricut?
Yes! You can use custom fonts in Cricut Design Space! Here, I’ll give you the steps on how to get them in the Design Space.
- You need to install the font on your computer first.
- Look in the System Fonts section of Design Space for your newly installed fonts. (System Fonts are easy to find, and navigate.)
- Design to your heart’s content using your cool new non-Cricut default fonts!
A Little More Info: Basic Terminology, and What You Need to Know
Cricut is the machine you’re using. Design Space is the software that is used along with it. You can use custom fonts in Design Space. In fact, you can use any fonts you’ve installed in Design Space! You definitely want to make sure your fonts work with Design Space, first. Since I provide .otf and .ttf files, you’re golden!
You can’t upload fonts directly to Cricut Design Space, though. Don’t worry, your project you’ve gotten ready to create is still safe. The biggest mistake that most Design Space users make as it relates to custom fonts is trying to directly upload the font file to Design Space.
This ends up coming back to me with upset and/or worried customers telling me that my fonts “Don’t work on Cricut,” or that it’s the “Wrong file type.”
The fonts do work, they are the correct file type – you just need a quick tutorial on what you need to do!
Spoiler alert: It’s really simple.
You need to install the font onto your computer FIRST, this step is crucial in working with Design Space. Follow these instructions!
How to Get Your Fonts to Cricut Design Space
Mac Instructions – Here’s a step by step tutorial on how to get your fonts into Cricut Design Space.
Step 1 : Download the font!
You need to access your downloads the way you would any run-of-the-mill download. You’ll need to save the files to your computer. The easiest way? Drag to your desktop. You need to extract the file, and confirm any text box that pops up.
Step 2 : Extract (That means Unzip!) The Font Files
Once the folder is unzipped, it will show all of the previous content I had mentioned. It has many options that are there to make things easier for you, but you only need to install one file. Personally, I would suggest you use the .otf file for installing. Right click or double-click the file to open the menu. Then, select Font Book when it appears from the Open With tab.
Step 3 : Install the Font File
When Font Book pops up with a window for installation, you need to click install. Instead, you can copy and paste the file directly into your computer’s font folder. Command+Shift+C will bring up your computer. Double click your hard drive’s name, then double click the Library folder. Within the Library folder, you’ll see the font folder. Paste the font, and with .otf, it’s already installed.
PC Instructions/Windows Users – Here’s a tutorial on how to get your fonts into the Cricut Design Space.
Step 1 : Download the font!
You need to access your downloads the way you would any other download. You’ll need to save the files to your computer. The easiest way? Drag to your desktop. You need to extract the file, and confirm any text box that pops up. Overall, the process is pretty much the same as it is on a Mac.
Step 2 : Unzip the Font Files
Once the folder is unzipped, it will show all of the previous content I had mentioned. It has many options that are there to make things easier for you, but you only need to install one file. Personally, I would suggest you use the .otf file for installing. Right click or double-click the file to open the drop down options. Then, select Font Book when it appears from the Open With tab.
Step 3 : Install the Font Files
Right click the font file, and select “Install” on the menu. You may also copy/paste into your computer’s font folder. (this is accessed by Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Fonts, paste them in there!)
Tips and Tricks
- Restart your program if it doesn’t show up!
- You HAVE to unzip the file before dragging and dropping it.
- You can’t install the webfonts on your computer.
What are Cricut Fonts?
I keep saying Cricut fonts. What are Cricut fonts? When I say “Cricut fonts”, I mean the default fonts that the Cricut Design Space already has for free, or for a (normally) small fee. Design Space comes with a standard set of free-for-you fonts, and you can purchase other fonts one by one. If you have the Cricut Access subscription, you get access to over 500 fonts within Cricut Design Space.
The difference between custom fonts (like the ones in my bundle) on Cricut Design Space and Cricut fonts is simple: You get to keep the file! The Cricut Access subscription is great and all, but you don’t actually get to have the fonts installed on your computer. Cricut Access is great for beginners, since it has lots of valuable choices. For more long term hobbies and projects, definitely stick with custom cricut script fonts.
So get out there! Find some custom, hand-lettered fonts you LOVE, and start crafting! Don’t be afraid to post your creations to share them with others!