How to Use Fonts with Cricut: Find, Install & Add Fancy Swirls Like a Pro ✨
There’s a whole world of fonts way beyond what Cricut offers and I’m here to show you how to make the most of it!
If you’re a Cricut newbie (or thinking about buying one), here’s something you should know right away: you do not need to pay for Cricut Access. You can if you want to, there are some lovely fonts and designs in there, but don’t feel limited to what’s already built into Cricut.
There are tens of thousands of beautiful fonts online, so why use the same ones everyone else is paying for? Plus, when you download your own fonts, you can often unlock extra features like icons and swashes (those fancy letter swirls!).
In this guide, I’ll show you:
✅ Where to find amazing free and paid fonts
✅ How to choose the right font for your project
✅ How to install fonts on desktop and mobile
✅ How to use fonts inside Cricut Design Space
✅ And how to add those beautiful swirls to your letters
If you’re completely new to Cricut, check out Cutting Machine Confident on my website — it’s packed with short tutorials, cheat sheets, links to suppliers, and free cut files to get you started.
Continue reading below, or take a look at my video comparison:
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1. Where to Find Fonts for Cricut
Let’s start with where to find them, but be warned, once you start looking, it’s addictive!
Free Font Websites
These sites have tons of fonts you can download for free. Just keep in mind that most are for personal use only, which means you can’t legally use them for products you sell.
Fonts with a Commercial License
If you plan to sell your crafts or decals, make sure your fonts include a commercial license. Here are my go-to sources:
Every font includes a commercial license, and they have thousands of styles. I have their All Access Subscription, but they also have great freebies. Sign up here to get 10 free designs.
Font Bundles – Similar setup: unlimited subscription, freebies, and full commercial use.
Creative Market – Ideal for premium fonts, logos,
and branding.
⚠️ Tip: Be wary of “too good to be true” deals, like “100 commercial fonts for $1.” These may be stolen or unlicensed fonts. Always download from legitimate sources.
2. Choosing the Right Font for Your Project
With thousands of fonts available, it can be hard to choose! Here are some quick design rules:
For slogans (mugs, shirts, signs): Choose something clear and easy to read.
For small cuts or decals: Avoid super thin or textured fonts that can tear.
For script fonts: Ensure the letters connect properly before cutting.
Mixing fonts: Pair one fancy font with one simple font — contrast is your friend.
Adding swirls: Choose fonts that include glyphs or are PUA encoded.
✨ Try this example: Randy Sofia Font on Creative Fabrica
Randy Sofia font from Creative Fabrica
3. How to Upload Fonts to Cricut on Desktop
Once you’ve found your dream font, upload it into Cricut Design Space:
Click Download on the font (sign up if required).
Locate the .zip file, right-click, and unzip it.
Double-click the .ttf or .otf file and choose Install.
Open (or restart) Cricut Design Space.
Add text → click Fonts → System → search for your new font.
Your new font should now appear, ready to use in your designs!
4. How to Upload Fonts on Mobile or Tablet
If you craft on your phone or tablet, here’s how to install fonts using iFont:
Download the iFont app.
Browse fonts directly in the app (it connects to Dafont and FontSpace).
Or download fonts using your browser, then import them into iFont.
Tap Install, follow the on-screen instructions, and allow it in your settings.
Open Design Space → Fonts → System, and you’ll see your new font.
It takes a few extra steps, but once installed, you can use it forever.
5. Using Fonts Inside Cricut Design Space
Now the fun part - editing and styling your fonts!
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of tools inside Design Space:
Size: Adjust using the width/height boxes.
Letter Space: Reduce spacing to connect script fonts.
Weld/Unite: Merge connected letters for clean cuts.
Line Space: Adjust spacing between text lines.
Curve Tool: Perfect for curved text layouts.
Warp Tool: (Cricut Access only) Bend text into fun shapes.
Ungroup to Letters: Move or rotate letters individually.
Offset: Add outlines or layers for decals.
Subtract/Exclude: Make stencils easily.
Flatten: For Print Then Cut projects, so Cricut cuts only the outline.
6. How to Use Glyphs (Swirls & Hidden Characters)
Ready to unlock those fancy swirls and alternate letters? 💃
On Mac:
Open Font Book → Find Your Font → Copy Character → Paste into Design Space
On Windows:
Open Character Map → Tick Advanced View → Group by Private Use Characters → Copy → Paste
On Mobile or Tablet:
Use Unicode Character Viewer → Find Your Font → Copy the Swirl → Paste in Design Space
Once your text looks perfect, weld or unite it before cutting to avoid gaps.
7. Ready to Create Like a Pro?
And that’s your crash course in using fonts with Cricut!
You now know how to:
✅ Find and download fonts safely
✅ Choose the perfect font for your project
✅ Upload fonts to Design Space
✅ Add swirls and glyphs for beautiful lettering
If you learned something new, save this post or share it with a fellow Cricut crafter!
And if you want more Cricut tips and templates to help you craft smarter, not harder, check out Cutting Machine Confident or subscribe to my newsletter for free project files.
Happy crafting! ✂️✨