What are Templates in Cricut Design Space and How to use them?

If you are not using Templates in Cricut Design Space, you are missing out on something very cool! This is a feature that can cut your designing time when used correctly, and today I am going to show you how to use it.

But first of all, what are Templates in Cricut Design Space?

Templates allow you to visualize and get a general idea of how your final product will look like once you cut it. There are many types of templates, and each of them represents where your final design will be placed.

This tool is very useful because it takes all of your second-guessing out of the picture. Is my design too big? Will it fit? Will the colors match?

Now that you know what template are, let’s learn how to use them!

If you are a beginner still figuring out Cricut’s software, I recommend this comprehensive and easy Design Space tutorial. 

How to use templates

Templates are very easy to use and I am sure that once you are done reading and following this tutorial you will start using them on a regular basis.

The best way for you to learn, is by following along!

For this tutorial we are going to make an Iron on – HTV – design on a Onesie for a 3 month old baby.

Right click on the image – this an SVG File – and hit save. Upload it to Cricut Design Space, and let’s get ready to learn how to use this great tool.

Oh!

Just so you know, I also have a library full of free SVG files and Printables for all my subscribers, a.k.a. Daydreamers. You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.

Insert your design

Depending on the type of templates you are going to use your final cut for, you will want to insert your design before and after.

Since my design is already made, and it’s for a onesie, I will add my image first, and then I will add my template.

However, If I was designing from scratch with text and/or shapes; and the design was dependent on the template itself – like cards, and banners – I would add the template first to make sure I have into consideration all of the space.

Once you upload your design, select it and click on Insert Images.

Select your desired template

To add your template, simply click on the templates button on the left panel of the Canvas area.

From this window you can choose your desired template, you can filter them by categories, or you can search them on the search bar option as well.

Note: In my opinion, unless you know how Cricut names the templates, I wouldn’t really use the search option. For instance, the word “onesie” isn’t a searchable word, but you will still find this template on the fashion category.

Once you click on your desired template, your canvas area will reopen again and this is how it will look like.

As you can see the measurements changed. This is because the template is bringing REAL LIFE measurements!

Something really cool about templates is that some of them allow you to see front and back. In this case, this feature would be great if I wanted to Iron on different designs on both sides of the onesie. 

The thing that I love the most about templates is that once you insert them, you can play around with your files and visualize we they will look better.

Adjust the template settings

Here’s where you get to play around!

This design, is very obvious; It will go in the center of the onesie. However, and depending on the projects you are working on you can get very creative and see what’s the best size and place for your designs.

Tip: If you are like me and like to see big at all times, make sure to zoom in by clicking on the plus sign located on the left-bottom corner of the canvas area.

What if you need to change the color, size, or even the visibility of your template? Another point for templates! You can totally do this 🙂

Check out the graphic and its explanation right down below

To change the background color of the template simple go to the bottom-right panel of the Canvas Areas and click on the template icon. After clicking, the colors panel will slide open, just choose the background color that better fits the surface where you will place your final cut.

By clicking on the template icon, you can also change the size and different types of options for the specific template you chose in the first place. These option will appear on the top panel of the canvas area.

For this particular template – pajamas – you can choose from romper, short, and long sleeves. And for size you can choose from 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months. If you need a custom size – maybe you want to be completely sure – just click on the custom option of the size drop down menu. 

Every template or category has different types, so make sure you explore them all!

Right by the template Icon you will notice that there’s a little eye. If at any moment you want to turn off the visibility of the template, just click on it. 

At this point, and before you cut your project you might want to change some aspects of your original design as well. 

For instance, the little circles on the letters look adorable on the final product but are hard to get out on the weeding process; in fact, for a moment, I thought it wasn’t going to be possible lol.

You can remove them by selecting that specific layer and then clicking on contour. (Located on the right bottom panel of the canvas area)

If you were using this on paper, you will need to remove the circles, this because paper is a rougher material than Iron on, and since these circles are so intricate, you can risk tearing your paper.

Or you can try it and let me know in the comments down below how it went for you!

For this tutorial…

I went with a short sleeve and 3 month old size. The onesie that I am using for this project has white and grey lines, so I just chose a grey color to see how my design would look against grey. 

Fun fact: since I didn’t have green Iron on Materials I decided to make the whole design black, then I attached all of the pieces so the would remain together after sending them to the mat.

I wish you could upload different patterns to your templates, but right now that’s not an option.

Send to cut

After you are done with your design you will now proceed to cut! 

As you can see, when you send your project to be cut, the template is no longer visible. This is because the template was for you to visualize, not to cut. 

Remember that for Iron on or Heat Transfer Vinyl project you need to turn on the Mirror option. Once you are done, just follow the cutting instructions and then you are ready to go.

Types of Templates

As I mentioned before there are many templates to choose from. However, I wanted to give you a list of all of the types of templates you will find on Design Space so you have an idea of all the projects you can accomplish by using them.

All Canvas Types: this includes all of the available templates. However, for some reason, not all templates that you see here are filtered in a different category. So make sure to check these out too!

Cards: If you love card making this template is ideal for you to manage the space, and see how all of your elements and or designs will look on your cards. 

Parties & Events: If parties are your jam, these templates are the perfect way for you to visualize how some of your cuts will look on party decoration items.

Find these type of templates:

• Party Banners (triangle, half circle, rosette, etc)
• Goblets
• Stockings
• Wreaths

Home Decor: If you are all about doing home decor around your house, this category will have really cool and useful templates for you to take on any project you can think of.

Find these type of templates:

• Candles
• Washer & Drier
• Doors
• Mugs & Glasses
• Pillows
• Jars
• Napkins
• Canisters

Fashion: This is the perfect category if you want to create designs for your T-Shirts, or any type of clothing.

Find these type of templates:

• Aprons
• Shorts
• Pajamas (onesies)
• Hoodies
• Flip flops
• Jeans
• Maternity Shirts
• Ties
• Yoga Pants

Photo Memories: Are you a scrapbooker? If you are, these template will help you to create precise layouts for your photos. 

Find these type of templates:

• Collage Frames
• Scrapbook layouts
• Wall Calendars

Kids Crafts: I wish I could tell you there’s a lot of things going on this section lol. So Cricut, if you read this, make sure to add more templates here! 🙂

Find these type of templates:

• Tots
• Book covers
• Aprons

Gear: If you are all about personalizing things, these templates will really help you to visualize how your final cuts will look on your desired surface.

Find these type of templates:

• Backpacks
• Laptops
• Guitars
• Locker
• Smartphones
• Skis

So…

What did you think? 

Are you going to use templates more often? Let me know in the comments down below!

Also, if there’s something you think I am missing out, tell me! I want this guide to be the most complete out there!

If you loved this tutorial and you think it can help someone else, don’t forget to share it on your favorite social media.