Meet the New Cricut Explore: Features, Specs, and First Look

The new Cricut Explore Machine!

I attended the launch party for the new Cricut Explore digital cutting machine and was impressed by both the device and the creative event. The Explore cuts a wide range of materials with a simple dial, and it can score and write with a pen in the same pass. The team behind this machine worked intensively for 18 months to bring it to market.
Cricut Design Space, the new software, is intuitive and lets you preview projects before purchasing designs. The Explore also supports Bluetooth and has an iPad app; a Bluetooth adapter is sold separately. The image library includes more than 50,000 images, with a preview option before purchase, and the software supports SVG files so you can cut your own designs.
The machine retails for $299 and includes a tote bag, access to Cricut Design Space, 50 free projects, and a sketch pen. Individual images are $0.99 each, or you can subscribe for $9.99 per month for unlimited access to 25,000 images and 200 fonts — a great deal if you download more than a few images monthly.
It launched on HSN on February 12 and was expected in stores by the end of March.
If you own older Cricut machines and cartridges, the Explore can read and store your cartridge designs digitally after a single cartridge sync, making all your previously owned images accessible from the new software.
Beyond the machine itself, the team and the launch event were memorable. Their creativity and hospitality made the whole experience special, and I’m excited to create with the Explore. Below are highlights and images from the launch party.
Ashish Arora, CEO and President of Cricut, is personable and clearly well respected by the team.

With Ashish Arora, Jamielyn of I Heart Naptime and Linda of Craftaholics Anonymous.

The opening dinner featured a photo wall showcasing a favorite project from each attendee’s site. We took a Polaroid and pinned it to our photo.

The event displayed examples of attendees’ past projects; mine was a Halloween printable I shared last October.

There was also a place card wall showing table assignments and many large statement walls throughout the space.

Many table elements, including chargers under the plates, were made with the Cricut Explore—evidence of how much can be produced with the machine.

The dessert selection included crème brûlée, which was a highlight.

We played Bingo for prizes and enjoyed several creative activities throughout the event.

The Cricut creative team worked with Amorology event planners to design the decor. A dessert and pie station was elegantly styled with a crafted backdrop.

Registration included warm pretzels with labels cut using the Cricut Explore.

On the second day, three themed rooms showcased projects made with the new Explore and offered hands-on stations. The California room had a beach vibe with many DIY elements.

Each display included a project crafted with the Explore.

The Utah room offered a rustic, cabin-inspired setting, complete with themed food and decor.

The New York room focused on fashion, showcasing three handmade dresses made from paper, fabric, and leather, all crafted with the Explore. One standout was a dress adorned with paper butterflies.

How beautiful is this dress made of paper butterflies?!

The event also displayed many of the different materials the Explore can cut, demonstrating the machine’s versatility.

I’m grateful to the Cricut team for inviting me to their reveal and for organizing such a thoughtful launch. Special thanks to Mallie and everyone involved. I’m excited to begin new projects with the Explore.

If you have questions about the Cricut Explore, feel free to ask in the comments. Below are a couple of videos showcasing the machine and its capabilities.