Time’s up! After January 29, 2020, Design Space is no longer hosted on the Cricut website. I’ve seen a lot of crafters worried about the update and even some misinformation being spread. But I don’t want you to panic. There are very few reasons that the new desktop app wouldn’t work for you. So here’s everything you need to know to keep your Cricut crafting running smoothly.
Legally, I have to tell you that this post may contain affiliate links and that you can read the whole boring disclosure policy here. All this means is that if you click and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now let’s get back to the crafty goodness you came here for.
What is Changing in design space?
Cricut announced the change from the web app to the desktop app and launched the Beta version in mid-2019. I was one of the users to download Design Space for Desktop on the very first day it was available, and have been using it almost exclusively since then.
The good news is, within the app itself, almost nothing is changing. There is one great new feature though: With Design Space for Desktop, you can now design and cut offline! (You will still need an internet connection to download the app the first time, and to use some of the features, like downloading images from Cricut Access.)
The big change comes in where the program is hosted. Up until now, Design Space has been hosted online, as a part of the Cricut website. From here on out, you will need to have the program downloaded to your computer to use it. It’s the same as any other program or application you may have downloaded, like Adobe Photoshop, or Microsoft Word.
Cricut decided to switch to a Desktop app because there are several browsers now that do not support the online version and to have the ability to roll out new features in the future that may not be supported by web browsers. However, just like there were browser requirements for the online version, there are system requirements that your computer must meet to run the desktop version.
will design space for desktop work on my computer?
Cricut Design Space for Desktop does NOT work if you have a Chromebook or a Unix/Linux computer. If you have one of these computers, continue to the next section to find out how to continue using your Cricut without buying a new computer.
For all other computers, here are the system requirements you must have to run the program (pulled directly from the Cricut website):
- OS: Windows® 8 or later
- CPU: Intel™ Dual-Core or equivalent AMD® processor
- RAM: 4GB
- 2 GB free disk space
- An available USB port or Bluetooth® connection
- Display: Minimum 1024px x 768px screen resolution
and the Internet requirements:
- Broadband connection
- Minimum 2 – 3 Mbps Download
- Minimum 1 – 2 Mbps Upload
- Standard data rates may apply
If you are not a computer person, here’s what that means.
- You CANNOT run Design Space for Desktop if you are still using Windows 7.
- Processing and Memory – I’m by no means a computer expert, but these two features seem to be standard. It’s very unlikely that you wouldn’t meet these requirements. If you’re worried, here’s how to check your processor, and how to check your RAM.
- You need to make sure you have enough space on your computer. (Search “storage” in your menu to see how much you have available. You may need to delete some old programs or files to make room if you have an older computer.)
- You need a way to connect your machine. The connection between the program and your machine has not changed. It’s still either Bluetooth or cable. If you were able to connect the machine before, you will be able to connect now.
- You need to have a decent internet connection. 3 Mbps is not a lot. If you have enough of a connection to read this page, you should have no problem.
what do I do if the desktop app isn’t supported on my computer?
Your fallback option for Design Space is, of course, the mobile app. (I actually really like the mobile app though, and even if you can run the desktop app, I would still consider downloading it. ) You’ll just need to make sure you can connect your machine to your Bluetooth enabled device.
If you have a Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2, or Explore Air, there is nothing else you need. These machines come with Bluetooth capability built-in. If you have an Explore or an Explore One, you will need to have the Wireless Bluetooth Adapter.
does this change affect my mobile app?
No. This change affects only your laptop or desktop computer.
how do I download the desktop version?
- Go to this page: Download Design Space for Desktop
- Click Download.
- After the file is downloaded, open the file and click Run (or Open).
- You may get a popup asking if you trust the program, or if you want to allow it to make changes on your computer. If so, click Yes.
- The program will display a progress bar and begin to install itself.
Once it is installed, you will need to log in with the same Cricut ID and Password. (Another bonus with the Desktop version is that it will never sign you out unless you sign out yourself.) Now you’re ready to start!
If you download the app by January 29, 2020, it will be a seamless transition.
How do i find the desktop app on my computer?
You DO NOT need to open your web browser to access Design Space anymore.
When you install the app, it should create a shortcut icon on your desktop. I recommend you pin the program to your task bar if you use your Cricut often.
Actually, I recommend pinning it to the task bar even if you don’t use it often. I believe in keeping your crafting supplies where you can see them to encourage you to use them more often. The same goes for the design program.
If your shortcuts get deleted you can always search “Cricut Design Space” in your computer’s menu. Don’t forget to repin it to the task bar.
what if i miss the deadline?
Here’s where I have been seeing a lot of people panic. Just breathe.
There is no deadline to download Design Space for Desktop.
The January 29th deadline is not when the download becomes unavailable. That is when the web version becomes unavailable.
The only issue you might run into if you waited “too long” is that you can’t work in the web app while you wait for the desktop app to download and install. And if something happens and your desktop app gets deleted, you will always be able to go back and reinstall it.
Troubleshooting
I’m not even going to pretend I can help with this. Just like every other program, there are a million tiny issues that could (but are unlikely to) happen. If you’re having problems, the Cricut Help Center is a great resource. I’ve never had a technical question about my machine or Design Space that they didn’t have an answer for.
Common questions and new features
Here are some of the questions I’ve seen in different Cricut-centered Facebook Groups, and a few things I think might be helpful to know.
What happens to all my projects and uploads? You aren’t going to lose them. As long as you are connected to the internet, you can access all your files that are saved in the cloud.
Save to this computer – If you’re going to be working offline, you can save your projects to your computer in addition to the cloud, that way you can access them when you are working offline.
Do I have to save my projects before I close the program? – Yes. Design Space for Desktop DOES NOT autosave. You should save your work frequently while working, and before you exit the program.
Multiple Windows – You can right-click on the program icon to open a second window and work on multiple projects at once.
What happens when there is an update? If there is a new version or a bug fix, Design Space will update itself automatically as long you are connected to the internet.
Any questions?
Whew! That was a lot of information.
I’m sure some of you will have questions that I didn’t cover. And if so, that means others probably have the same questions. Please help them and yourself by commenting below and I’ll do my best to answer them. Then go ahead and share this post with your Cricut friends so that as a community, we can make this switch as easy as possible!
Stay crafty,
KatyAnna
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