4 Best Printers for Cricut Print and Cut
| Printer | Dimensions (Inches) | Weight (lbs) | Speed (ipm) | Connectivity | Max resolution (dpi) |
| Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless Printer | 12 x 17.7 x 6 | 11.90 | 9.9 | Wireless | 4800 x 1200 |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e Wireless Color Printer | 17.3 x 13.48 x 10.94 i | 20.43 | 18 ppm | Wifi, ethernet, and USB | 4800 x 1200 |
| Canon TS6420 Wireless Printer | 15.9 x 12.5 x 5.9 | 13.80 | 13 | Wireless | 4800 x 1200 |
| Brother MFC-J497DW Inkjet Printer | 13.4 x 15.7 x 6.8 | 19.70 | 6ppm | Wireless | 4800 x 1200 |
Do you own a Cricut cutting machine?
Are you planning to buy a Cricut cutting machine or a Cricut Heat press machine?
The bad news is that Cricut machines do not have a printing feature. These cutting machines only support cutting and drawing.
The good news is that Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker have print and then cut features.
Basically, it means you can use an inkjet printer to print your design and use your Cricut machine to cut it perfectly.
I tested 23 printers to find the best one for Cricut.
After a lot of trial and error, I have been able to find the best printers for Cricut.
I have rated these printers by keeping in mind the price, ease of use, compatible materials, connectivity, and portability.
Best printers for Cricut
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Color Inkjet Printer
First things first, Canon Pixma MG3620 is inexpensive. By just spending $80, I have been able to meet all my craft printing needs.
The instructions were not clearly laid out. However, it was a breeze to set up MG3620.
It does not come with a connecting wire or USB cable. I connected it through the wireless connection. So, no more dealing with the wires that can frustrate you sometimes.
I tried Google Cloud Print, NFC, and Airprint, this little printer did not disappoint me.
It took very little space as it has 12 x 17.7 x 6 dimensions. Since the weight is just 11.90 lbs, I did not have any problems carrying it to my workplace.
My Cricut projects are mostly printed on A4 paper, so the 8.5 x 14 inch maximum media size was enough for me.
Although I did not test this feature, it can print on both sides of the paper too.
The 4800 x 1200 resolution in this price range is absolutely a bargain.
I printed so many designs that I ran out of ink in no time.
This is the printer that gave me the brightest prints for my Cricut projects.
In short, if you are OK with the wireless connection and looking for an affordable printer for your Cricut, Canon Pixma MG3620 is the best option.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is a pretty great printer. I can scan both sides of a document in one step while the printer guides me, not having to manually enter the paper if I want to do it on my own.
It was also easy and quick to set up on my computer! I was able to connect it through wifi, ethernet, and USB easily.
OfficeJet Pro 9015e would be a great option for everyday printing, scanning, and the advanced features make it even better for tech-savvy crafters.
I like how simple the Instant Ink service is with this printer. However, there are more specialized printers for digital photos so if that’s your main priority, I recommend the Envy line instead.
It measures 17.3 x 13.48 x 10.94 inches and weighs 20.43 lbs, so so make sure you have room for it.
With an 8.5 x 14 inches maximum media size and a printing speed of 22 pages per minute, you are not going to waste a single second of your crafting life.
If you can afford the price and have enough space, this is a multifunction printer that will be a perfect Cricut companion.
Canon TS6420 All-In-One Wireless Printer
Canon is a trusted name when it comes to the printing world. That is why I bought this model.
As soon as I opened the box, I could feel the material quality. Just like Canon Pixma, the TS6420 can only be connected through wifi. However, the connection was instant as the instructions on their website were pretty clear if we talk about this printer.
With 15.9 x 12.5 x 5.9 inches dimensions and 13.80 lbs weight, I was able to the Canon TS6420 and Cricut Maker on the same table.
This inkjet printer has an 8.5 x 14 inch maximum media size which is per the industry standards.
With duplex printing capability, it stands head and shoulders above the competitors in this price range.
The print quality of this printer is top-notch and I love the size. It fits right on my heat press desk and goes to sleep mode when not in use. I used it for Print and Cut on Cricut Maker, and I am not looking back.
I think every DIY enthusiast will love the price of this Canon printer. It is a bit larger and heavier than Pixma. It gives better results than laserjet printers.
Brother MFC-J497DW Inkjet Multifunction Printer
Get on the go prints with Brother’s MFC-J497 wireless color inkjet all-in-one printer. Print from your mobile device and use duplex printing so that you’re not wasting paper or toner.
I did not have a good experience when I connected it for the first time. Since it can only be connected through WiFi, it kept turning off. However, after resetting, I did not face a single issue.
Once connected, it was easily detectable in all graphic editing software.
With 13.4 x 15.7 x 6.8 inches dimensions and 19.70 lbs weight, it is a bit heavier and will require some space.
Since most of my DIY designs are stored on Google Drive, I was able to print directly from the cloud. I tested printing from One drive and dropbox, it worked perfectly.
The Brother apps are easy to use. I was able to scan and share automatically. My Cricut Explore Air 2 worked perfectly with Brother MFC-J497DW.
If you don’t mind the size and weight of this machine, it will be a perfect partner for your Cricut machines.
How to choose a printer for Cricut?
If you are looking for a Cricut printer, always choose an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers can handle images perfectly as compared to laser printers.
If your designs involve sublimation printing, you should choose a sublimation printer.
Price
You do not need to spend $500 for a Cricut printer. Let’s be honest, most of us already spend a lot buying a Cricut machine and supplies. So, we should look for a printer in the $100–300 range. We can even get a good printer like the Pixma MG3620 for under $100.
Ease of use
Being crafters, we spend a lot of time on designs. So, we should buy machines that we can handle easily. If we start wasting time figuring out simple things like how to print my next design, it will be frustrating for us as well as our customers.
A printer for Cricut should be easy to use. Always look for printers that come with online as well as offline instructions in the form of manuals.
Remember that, the printed designs might look faded, but once heat pressed, they will look brighter.
Compatibility
Whether you own a Mac or Windows computer, always make sure that the printer is compatible with the operating system. Although most printers can be connected to all systems, some require the installation of extra drivers.
Always choose a printer that can directly print from your machine without requiring third-party software.
Connectivity
I like to have a printer that can be connected through wifi because it is easier to connect and is the fastest option. However, this option can be a pain sometimes.
Some printers require Bluetooth while others come with Ethernet or USB cables for connection.
If you don’t like the cables, get a printer with wireless capability. If you don’t mind the cables on top of the Cricut cables, you can get a printer that comes with Cables.
Portability
Our laptops, computers, heat press machines, and Cricut vinyl cutters, all require some space.
If you have enough space, you can buy a big printer.
If you lack space or often need to go to other places with your setup, you should buy a portable printer.
canon pixma mg3620 vs canon pixma ts6420 specs
Both the Canon Pixma MG3620 and Canon Pixma TS6420 are inkjet printers from Canon that offer excellent printing features. Here’s a detailed comparison of their specifications:
| Canon Pixma MG3620 | Canon Pixma TS6420 | |
| Print Speed | Up to 9.9 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and up to 5.7 ppm in color. | Up to 13 ppm in black and white and up to 6.8 ppm in color. |
| Print Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing | Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, and mobile printing |
| Paper Handling | Up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of 4 x 6 photo paper. | Up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of 4 x 6 photo paper. |
| Ink Compatibility | PG-240/CL-241 XL ink cartridges | PG-260XL/CL-261XL ink cartridges |
| Special Features | Auto duplex printing and borderless printing | Auto duplex printing, borderless printing, and a 1.44-inch OLED display |
FAQs
Does a Cricut print?
No, a Cricut does not print. Cricut machines like Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 can cut and draw the designs while Joy cutter can only cut the designs.
Do you need a printer to use a Cricut?
If you just want to cut or draw your designs, you need not need a printer. However, if you want to use the Print then Cut feature, you will need a printer
How do I add a printer to the Cricut design space?
You will be given a step-by-step of how to cut your project after leaving the mat preview. You can click the button that says “Send to Printer” under the first option, “Print.”
It will open a window called “Print Setup.”. You can choose a printer, make extra copies, enable bleed, and use your system dialog box from here.
What printer works best with Cricut explore air?
Brother MFC-J497DW Inkjet Multifunction Printer works best with the Cricut explore air.
Do you need an inkjet printer for Cricut?
Yes, we need an inkjet printer for the Cricut. Since we work with a lot of images using Cricut, a laser printer can handle the images perfectly. We need an inkjet printer to print the designs and then cut them using the Cricut machine. If your transfer method involves sublimation, you will need a sublimation printer.
After that, we can use the Cricut EasyPress, Cricut MugPress, or Mini Press to put those designs on surfaces like clothes, mugs, tumblers, or caps.
Does the Cricut Maker print?
No, Cricut Maker does not print. It helps you cut a design out of a sheet of paper or other materials with the help of a moveable blade. You need to buy a printer separately.
What is the max size for Cricut print and cut?
The max size for Cricut print and cut is 9.25 inches x 6.75 inches (23.495 cm x 17.145). If it exceeds these dimensions, you will see a warning.
How to add printer to Cricut?
To add a printer to Cricut, sign in to Design Space and select the account menu (☰). Next, select Calibration and select Print Then Cut. Then, choose the desired printer and select Print.
Does cricut explore air 2 print in color?
The Cricut Explore Air 2 does not print in color, as it is a cutting machine and not a printer. However, it can be used for print-and-cut projects where it will cut printed designs created with a printer. It is important to note that the printer used for these projects must be capable of printing the design in the desired color, as the Cricut machine does not print any ink.
What kind of printer do I need for cricut?
There are a few different printer options available for use with Cricut. Some popular options include inkjet printers, laser printers, and dye-sublimation printers. It is important to consider the type of projects you plan on creating and the materials you will be printing on when selecting a printer for use with the Cricut. Also, make sure to check the specifications and requirements for compatibility for the Cricut machine you will be using.
How to avoid print then cut on Cricut?
To avoid “print and cut” on Cricut, you can try changing the setting at the top of the screen from “Print and Cut” to “Cut – Basic.” If this doesn’t work, ensure that you haven’t flattened your layers, as this can make the option to change to a basic cut grayed out. Instead, group the selected items and click “attach.” Additionally, try using the SVG file instead of a PNG to upload designs to Cricut Design Space.
What is print and cut on cricut?
Print Then Cut on Cricut is a feature on the Cricut Design Space that allows users to print their images on a home printer and then have their Cricut machine cut them out with precision. This feature makes it easy for users to make stickers, toppers, and round cuts on photos without scissors.
The feature works by changing the linetype of an image to “Print Then Cut” or flattening multiple layers into a single print. The maximum image size for Print Then Cut is 9.25″ x 6.75″, and plain materials are recommended to prevent interference with the cut sensor marks.
I’ve been in the printing business for 25 years. I love to share my experiences and knowledge.