Cricut makes lots of affordable machines that offer many features. But they’re not all the same. There is a difference between a Cricut Explore One and the other Cricut Explore machines.
When it comes to features, availability, and price, you’ll see that each machine varies.
Cricut Explore 1
The Cricut Explore 1 is the first of the explore family of machines. Upgraded versions of the Cricut Explore have all the same features as the original Explore, plus a few extras.
There are so many ways you can create with Cricut Explore One.
First, you can use Cricut Access (the old Cricut Image Library). It contains over 50,000 images, projects, and fonts.
How do I access the Cricut image library?
- You can find the images by clicking on “Images” in the design panel to the left of the “Canvas”.
- Locate the Search field and
- Click on Browse All Images
- Select the Cricut Access box
- Wait for the page to reload
- The new page will show only Cricut Access images.
The change from the Image Library to Cricut Access comes with an additional cost. There is a monthly fee attached to the Cricut Access.
You can also upload your own images and fonts for free. It’s amazing how many things you can create with this machine.
- seasonal home decorations
- custom wedding gifts
- photo albums
- party invitations
- decorations
- favors
Second, the Explore One has a cartridge slot. Great news for you if you are exchanging your older machine for this one and you have plenty of cricut cartridges that you’re still using.
Finally, the capabilities of the Explore One are limited. If you want to cut and write or cut and score, you can, but it requires two steps and additional equipment like the Cricut Explore One Pen and Accessory Adapter.
Can You Use Pens with the Cricut Explore One?
The cricut explore one is designed to write and score using just the machine and the markers, pens, and the knife blade that come with the machine.
If you want to print and cut you’ll need to purchase the Bluetooth adapter. This is because the print portion of the project is done via a printer.
You can skip the step of getting an adapter if you upgrade to a Cricut Explore Air.
Here are the major differences between the Cricut Explore One and the Cricut Explore Air.
 |  | |
| Cricut Explore One | Cricut Explore Air | |
| Upload your own images for free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cut a wide variety of materials | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smart Set dial for easy material settings | ✓ | ✓ |
| Design software for PC and Mac, app for iPad and iPhone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works with Cricut cartridges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth for wireless cutting | Separate purchase required | ✓ |
| Cut and write or cut and score in 1 step | 2 steps; separate purchase required | ✓ |
Design with your PC, Mac, iPad, or iPhone
The great thing about modern technology is that it’s mobile. This means that you can take it just about anywhere and work from where you want.
Well, Cricut is no exception here. The free Cricut Design Space software system allows you to access all of your own designs and projects from any compatible device as long as you have an internet connection.
This can be a PC, Mac, iPad, or iPhone or another mobile device. Once you’ve signed into Design Space, it’s possible to work offline too.
It’s cloud-based, so your projects are always synced across all your devices. You even have the option to cut wirelessly by adding the wireless Bluetooth adapter.
Can I still use a Cricut Explore 1?
Cricut no longer sells this model but it still supports it at the time of publishing this post.
Latest Cricut Explore
Cricut Explore 3 is the new addition to the explore series.
It can cut, draw, score, and more. Unlike previous machines, you don’t need a cutting mat to make really long cuts up to 12 feet long. This means that you can make big oversized projects like birthday banners and graduation signs with ease.
It’s also 2 times faster than the previous Cricut Explore machine.
Here are some of the materials you can use with Cricut Explore 3
- cardstock
- vinyl
- iron-on
- glitter paper
- cork
- bonded fabric
Of course, it’s compatible with iOS and Android operating systems that you find on Windows and Mac devices.
1. How Much Does it Cost?
At the time of writing this post, the Cricut Explore 3 costs a little over $300.
Learn More About This Machine
The Cricut Design Space platform allows users to make custom projects with pre-designed templates.
These templates come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Users can also upload their own images and text to use in their designs.
2. Find Out Which Features Are Right For You
The different Cricut models have a variety of features. The good news is that they are always coming out with new tools and smart technology at a fair price point. You’re sure to find the right machine for your needs.
This includes the ability to cut out multiple layers at once, as well as the ability to add more than one image to a design. It also comes with a variety of fonts and color options.
3. Understand Its Limitations
If you’re looking to buy a Cricut Explore One, there are some things you should consider before making a purchase.
First, make sure you understand its limitations.
While the Cricut Explore One allows you to cut lots of materials with the Smart Set dial, it can be difficult to cut fabric with it.
You can create custom settings for different materials but that will take extra work.
Additionally, you cannot emboss with this machine. If you want to emboss material then consider getting the Cricut Maker 3. The perforation tools like the debossing tip create crisp designs and detailed intricate cuts.
4. Decide Whether or Not You Want To Buy It
Next, decide whether or not you want to buy it. There are several reasons why people choose to buy a Cricut Explore instead of other new machines.
First, the price is right in line with other lesser-known brands. They even offer a flexible payment plan on the entire line of cut machines.
Second, Cricut Explore has more features than other brands like the ability to work with smart materials (smart vinyl, smart iron-on). From larger machines to smaller machines, like the Cricut Joy, the variety of materials that you can cut with them is endless.
Third, the Cricut brand is well known, so people feel more comfortable buying something with their name attached. These cutting machines are very popular in the crafting industry. This means that you will easily find replacement parts, Youtube video tutorials, and other crafters to bounce ideas off.
Fourth, the Cricut Design Space software is easy to learn and use.
Finally, the Cricut website offers free tutorials and support.
5. Choose the Best Price
Once you’ve decided to purchase a Cricut Explore, you need to figure out how much money you want to spend.
The first thing to do is check out the prices at different retailers both online and offline. The Cricut shop lets you pay for machines in installments.
Many craft stores like Michaels and JoAnn’s also let you do this if you’re a member of their loyalty club or have their store card.
If you find a better deal somewhere else, go there!
Also, make sure to take a closer look and compare the prices of the same model at multiple stores. This will help you avoid getting stuck paying too much for a product.
Another way to think of the price is to consider it an investment if you want to start a small business. Your first Cricut machine could be the first step into a blossoming handmade crafts side gig that brings in extra money. If you think of it that way, then that’s certainly a good reason to get a cutting machine.
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More Ideas for Cricut!
If you loved this list of ideas, get started on making your first easy Cricut crafts with the ideas in this post. They are excellent for beginners
