How To: Cricut Joy Pens & Markers

 Hey Y'all,

Lets get right into it...

Using Cricut Joy Pens & Markers

1. Design in Cricut Design Space:
   • Create your design and size it for your project (be mindful of the Joy and/or your materials size limitations).
   • Assign the desired pen/marker color to each element you want drawn.
   • Ensure the "Operation" is set to "Draw" for the pen functionality.
   • Use the "Attach" tool to lock the arrangement of design elements (if needed).
2. Prepare your Cricut Joy Machine:
   • Ensure your Cricut Joy machine is connected via Bluetooth to your device (computer, tablet, or phone).
   • Note: For Cricut Joy machines, you don't need a separate adapter to use pens; they are designed to fit directly into the clamp.
3. Load the Pen:
   • Open the clamp on your Cricut Joy machine.
   • Remove the Blade Housing and set it aside in a safe place. 
   • Note: The interior "wall" of the Joy & the Blade Housing are magnetic.
   • Remove the cap from your Cricut Joy pen or marker.
   • Insert the pen into the clamp. It should drop into place without needing extra pressure or a click.
   • Close the clamp. Your machine is now ready to draw!
4. Load Material and Initiate Drawing:
   • Place your material onto the machine mat, aligning it with the upper left corner.
   • In Design Space, select your mat type, then click Continue.
   • Choose the appropriate material setting for your project (Smart Vinyl, Cardstock, etc).
   • The light on the top of the machine will start blinking, indicating it's ready to load your material.
   • Insert the mat under the guides, using both hands, until the rollers grip the mat.
   • Press "Go" in Design Space, and the machine will begin to draw your design. 

Additional tips:

• Testing your Pens: Always test your pens on a scrap piece of paper before using them in your Cricut, especially if they are new, to ensure proper ink flow.
• Switching Colors: If your project involves multiple pen colors, Design Space will prompt you when to switch them out. Simply open the clamp, remove the used pen, insert the new one, and close the clamp.
• Single vs. Double Lines: When writing text, ensure you've selected a writing font in Design Space to achieve a single-line appearance. Otherwise, the machine will draw the outline of the letters.
• Attaching: Remember to use the "Attach" tool to ensure the pen-drawn elements and cut elements remain in their intended positions relative to each other.
• Storing Pens: Store your Cricut pens upside down with the cap at the bottom to promote optimal ink flow. 

By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning projects with your Cricut Joy and its amazing pen functionality.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife