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Writing and cutting machines are becoming quite popular for obvious reasons.
These versatile tools can help you design just about any label, pattern, or shape and are ideal for the classroom, personal designs, office, home business and more.
Cricut Joy emerges as the hallmark of modern writing and cutting machines. It features everything I need to conveniently design from anywhere, online, offline, using your PC, smartphone, or tablet.
This machine also comes with all the fantastic perks of its predecessors, Maker and Explore Air 2.
Below is a brief overview of Cricut Joy, including its features and what you can achieve, pros and cons.
Top 3 Newest Features of Cricut Joy
Cricut Joy is one of a kind writing and cutting machine that demonstrates incredible efficiency. The minimalistic aesthetic design also makes it compact, portable and ready to go.
The device comes with most features available in the previous releases as well as unique advancements of its own. Some of the top features include:
1 – Cut Up to 20 Feet at Once
Besides the standard write, draw and doodle function, Cricut Joy can cut material up to 20 feet long and 4 inches wide at one time. It is the only model with this capability, making it ideal for cutting long parts, such as wall quotes.
The feature also allows you to cut repeated shapes and patterns, so you can create a galaxy of glittering shapes or even make team jerseys.
With its all-new vinyl and iron-on smart materials, all you need to do is load and begin cutting.
2 – Works With Card Mat For Quick Custom Cards
Cricut Joy provides a user-friendly cutting tool that works with the Card Mat to help you achieve quick custom cards.
Unlike its predecessors, the latest models of the Cricut write and cut tools allow you to honor any event with thoughtful, beautiful cards without much effort.
Simply choose a card design, fit your pre-scored card on the smart Card Mat and Cricut Joy will finish your designs in no time.
You can also enjoy the free Design Space app (desktop, iOS, Android), which are all capable of creating, saving and sharing design projects.
3 – Super Compact and Portable
Cricut Joy is significantly smaller than the previous models as it is designed for everyday fun activities and hobby projects. The machine is compact and packs away very efficiently.
It looks great on a counter and fits perfectly in a cubby and sets up instantly, so you do not need any elaborate navigation to launch.
It is only 5.5 inches and doesn’t require any grounding tools. Cricut Joy is also compact and lightweight, so you can carry it anywhere you go, just like a tablet.
When to Use the Cricut Joy?
Cricut Joy uses precision blades to cut through various materials, including iron-on, cardstock, paper, vinyl and several other construction materials in your home or office. You can even use it to cut peel-and-stick paper.
It also works with longer materials and can produce repeated cuts. Cricut Joy can cut a single image that measures up to 4 feet long and 4 inches wide or create repeated trims up to 20 feet long.
Because of its flexibility, you can personalize anything ranging from custom labels to occasion cards for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and holidays.
It is also perfect for cutting wall quotes, creating glitter stars, making team jerseys and more.
The machine works offline, so you can download images, projects and fonts to finish designs and cut them without the need for internet connection.
Cricut Joy offers the flexibility to use your images and fonts, and upload your designs in various standard formats.
It comes with support, free inspirations and optional subscription for premium download-ready designs. The machine has a broad application from learning to decoration, personal design, card making and team jerseys, among others.
Cricut Joy vs. Cricut Maker vs. Explore Air 2
Cricut Joy is the most recent member of modern writing and cutting machines from Cricut. Other popular previous models include Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2. Cricut Joy was designed as a simple and compact machine for quick everyday fun projects.
Cricut Explore Air 2 is perfect for a wide range of DIY hobbies, while Cricut Maker offers adequate functionality for pro-level DIY and versatility. Both are 12 inches, 6.5 inches larger than Cricut Joy.
However, there is a drawback as Cricut Joy is only compatible with 50 identified materials, while the other two can support 100+ materials.
Another crucial distinction is Cricut Joy offers writing and cutting only, while Cricut Maker and Explore Air include scoring and other pro effects. Cricut Joy also isn’t commercial grade and does not support USB.
Nonetheless, the machine can work with Card Mat and smart materials, achieving long continuous cuts without a mat. The predecessors lack these two capabilities.
If you are looking for a simple writing and cutting machine to use for small home and hobby projects, Cricut Joy is a perfect choice.
On the other hand, if you seek a commercial-grade tool for professional DIY design projects, Cricut Maker offers a better option.
Cricut Joy Pros & Cons
- Step-by-step help, including chat and phone, FAQs and how-to videos
- 50 free online projects for inspiration and a quick start
- Compact portable lightweight design that is easy to use and pack
- Versatile machine that works with more canvases and dimensions
- Does not include Wi-Fi capabilities
Conclusion
Cricut Joy brings excitement into designing and eliminates the need for traditional scissors and label makers. The design process is straightforward.
Once you complete the design phase on your PC or phone, Cricut Joy writes and cuts the pieces for you in precise dimensions.
You can then put them together as desired. Whether you want a personal scribe to write custom labels and quotes or need quickly decorate a room with professional design cards, glitter and cuts, Cricut Joy offers a user-friendly machine that sets up instantly, writes and produces precision cuts.
Make sure you purchase from credible, reputable retailers that can guarantee genuine quality machines from the manufacturer. This way, you can get the promised features and functionalities.
