Set Up Your Cricut Venture: Large-Format Cutting Guide

Complete setup guide for the Cricut Venture, Cricut’s large-format cutting machine. Connect, calibrate, and start cutting at scale.

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The Cricut Venture is Cricut’s large-format cutting machine, engineered for high-volume and oversized projects. It cuts roll materials up to 24 inches wide and up to 12 feet long in a single pass, making it ideal for creating signs, banners, large decals, wall art, and commercial-scale vinyl work. If you’re ready to cut bigger and faster than ever before, this guide will take you from unboxing to your first large-format cut.

The Cricut Venture requires a Windows or Mac computer — mobile devices (iOS and Android) are not supported at launch. The Venture connects via USB only; Bluetooth is not available on this machine.

1. Unbox and Check Contents

   Carefully unbox the Cricut Venture and confirm all components are present:

   • Cricut Venture machine
   • Power supply and power cable
   • USB cable
   • Roll material holder
   • Getting-started documentation

   Keep the original packaging accessible until you have verified that the machine operates correctly.

2. Position the Machine

   Place the Venture on a sturdy, level surface — such as a heavy-duty table or dedicated stand — that can support the machine’s weight. Ensure there is adequate clearance behind the machine for roll material to feed through freely. For full-length cuts up to 12 feet, plan for open floor space behind the machine.

3. Download Cricut Design Space

   On your Windows PC or Mac, open a browser and go to cricut.com/setup. Download and install the Cricut Design Space app. Design Space is free and is required to create and send all designs to the Venture.

4. Sign In to Your Cricut Account

   Open Design Space and sign in with your Cricut account credentials. If you do not yet have an account, select Create Account and complete the registration using your email address.

5. Connect the Venture via USB

   Plug the included USB cable into the USB port on the Cricut Venture and connect the other end to an available USB port on your computer. Design Space will detect the machine once it is powered on.

6. Power On the Cricut Venture

   Locate the power button on the back of the machine. Press it to power on the Venture. Wait for the machine to finish its startup sequence before proceeding — the status indicator will signal when the machine is ready.

7. Complete New Machine Setup in Design Space

   Design Space will automatically detect the Venture and launch the New Machine Setup wizard. Follow all on-screen prompts to confirm your machine model and complete the initial configuration and calibration steps.

8. Load the Practice Roll into the Roll Holder

   Attach the roll material holder to the back of the machine according to the included hardware guide. Slide the included practice roll onto the holder, centering it between the guides, and secure it in place.

9. Feed Material into the Machine

   Draw the leading edge of the roll material forward and feed it into the Venture’s material slot, following the loading guides marked on the machine. The Venture’s rollers will grip the material. Align the material straight and flat to prevent skewing during long cuts.

10. Run the Practice Cut

    When Design Space indicates the machine is ready, press the C button to start the practice cut. The Venture will cut the practice design automatically. Monitor the first few inches of the cut to confirm the material is tracking straight.

11. Remove Waste Material

    After the cut completes, use a weeding tool to lift and remove the waste (negative) material from around your cut design. Work carefully from a corner, peeling back the waste in smooth, consistent strokes to avoid disturbing the cut pieces.

Do not use a cutting mat with the Cricut Venture. The Venture is designed exclusively for roll materials fed directly into the machine. Using a mat can damage the machine and void your warranty.

For best results on the Cricut Venture, use Cricut Premium Vinyl or Cricut Removable Vinyl rolls. These materials are optimized for the Venture’s cutting system and produce clean, weed-friendly cuts with minimal lifting.

Compatible Materials

The Cricut Venture works with roll-format versions of the following material types:

• Vinyl — permanent and removable adhesive vinyl for decals and signs
• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) — iron-on material for apparel and fabric projects
• Cardstock rolls — for large paper-based projects and decorations
• Printable vinyl — for print-then-cut large-format graphics and labels