Everything you need to know about Cricut Joy
February 12th, 2020 | Contributor: Cricut Blog Team
Meet your new DIY best friend
We’re proud to announce the launch of Cricut Joy™, our newest, compact smart cutting machine available starting March 1st, 2020! While it’s been years in the making, it’s 100% worth the wait. It’s the perfect companion to any full-size cutting machine and a great way to dip your toe into DIY.
Once you get your hands on this sleek machine, you’ll no doubt be surprised that you can hold it in the palm of one hand! Its compact design might make you want to keep it displayed on your counter, but it packs away easily and sets up instantly so you can use it on command.
Cut popular materials perfectly

Drum roll, please! Unlike other materials, Smart Materials don’t need a cutting mat, so you can just load and go. Sensors measure your material to ensure it’s large enough for your project, then your machine starts cutting. No cutting mats needed!

We can’t wait to try them all, including:
Cricut Joy is the perfect companion machine to Cricut Maker® or Cricut Explore Air™ 2. For last-minute cards, labels, and decals, Cricut Joy is your go-to.
Cricut Joy tools and accessories
Here’s everything you need to know about the tools and accessories made to fit this pint-size powerhouse:
Cricut Joy Blade + Housing (included)
- Breeze through DIY projects with this all-purpose blade + housing. This duo comes with the machine, but it’s always nice to have a Replacement Blade on hand, just in case.
Cricut Joy Card Mat (sold separately)
- This newly designed mat makes it fast and easy to create custom cards in minutes using pre-scored Cricut Joy Insert Cards .
- Available in 8.5” and 12” lengths, use this reusable mat to secure new Adhesive-Backed Deluxe Paper, Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, and heavy cardstock.
- With its softer release adhesive, this reusable mat is your go-to for everyday paper items you may already have at home like copy paper and light cardstock.
- Available in a variety of line weights and styles, use these tools in your Cricut Joy machine to write on cards, new Smart Label Vinyl & Paper, Adhesive-Backed Deluxe Paper, and more.
- With a padded interior for protection and custom pockets to keep you organized, use this beautiful bag to transport your Cricut Joy machine with you so you’re always ready when creativity hits.
- Make Cricut Joy projects even easier with these 3 must-have tools: Spatula, Weeder, and Scraper.
Cricut Joy is now available in stores and online. Share what you will create with your new Cricut Joy by commenting below! We can’t wait to see what you make. #cricutjoy
More about Cricut Joy
Do you have more questions about Cricut Joy? Check out our FAQs.
can we pre order
I was wondering if you can make custom stencils for glass etching. Reusable or one time only. What accessories would I need?
Thank you
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann, absolutely. Check out this quick glass-etching tutorial.
Can the Cricut Joy cut Shrinky dink plastic?
Hi Carrie,
Here is a list of qualified materials for Cricut Joy.
Hi I am a cake designer and want to make cake toppers as an extra for my clients. Can I do this with a Cricut Joy?
Hi Mandi,
Yes, Cricut Joy can help you create these depending on the type of materials you use to make your cake toppers. Please see this list of qualified materials. Hope that helps.
I am returning to scrapbooking after some years away from it. I had the original cricut that used cartridges for fonts and small designs. I’m also retiring and don’t think I am ready to make big time projects. So. …is this little jewel what I need. Right now I just want to get my grandchildren’s many photos in projects so they will have them when I’m gone. Is this the right choice or should I be looking for something that just does letters/words? Thanks.
Hi Ruthanne,
Now, the cartridge images are conveniently accessible in Design Space! There are many letter/word images in Design Space as well. Depending on the materials you will be cutting for your projects, Cricut Joy could be the right machine. Cricut Joy cuts all the popular materials, but if you’d like to learn more, please find a list of qualified materials here. Please also check out the Which Cricut Smart Cutting Machines are Right for You? post.
Hi, I wrote a few minutes ago but am not sure you have received my question. I would like to buy the Cricut Joy but am not sure it will work on my android system on my tablet or Samsung mobile phone. Can it work on an android system?
Hi Jasmina,
Yes, it is compatible with Android. You may download Design Space to sync with Cricut Joy.
can it cut vinyl for t shirts and stickers?
Hi MaKenzie,
Yes, Cricut Joy is able to cut heat-transfer vinyl such as Cricut Iron-On and Smart Iron-On for apparel decoration as well as vinyl and Smart Vinyl for decals. For a full list of qualified materials, please see this list.
Do you have to have the bigger Cricut for it work? It’s called the perfect companion machine. Or can you just use the joy?
Hi Bethny,
You do not need another machine for Cricut Joy to function. Cricut Joy works wonderfully without the aid of other machines, and, in addition, is a great companion machine if you do have another machine.
I am new to Cricut and want to know if I can use any of the Cricut materials that are not smart material with the Joy? Can I make some of the projects that don’t say Cricut Joy?
Hi there,
Yes, you can cut other materials with Cricut Joy. You don’t have to use Smart Materials. A green mat is included with your machine that you can use to cut other materials. Use materials from around the house or regular (not “Smart”) materials with the mat to cut them on your Cricut Joy. Here’s a list of qualified materials that Cricut Joy cuts.
Will the circuit joy cut wafer or sugar paper as it’s not on the list but it is easier to cut than vinyl?
Hi Katie,
It’s possible that Cricut Joy can physically cut wafer or sugar paper. However, it’s not listed as a qualified material because the machine is not food safe.
Is there a “Cricut for Dummies” book? I don’t know anything about Cricut machines except it cuts paper? Where do I even begin? There’s so much & I’m so lost haha.
Hi Jessica,
Check out our Cricut 101 guide. It features videos, resources, and links to various helpful content with beginners in mind!
Hi, can the Joy make reusable stencils?
Hi Cynthia,
Yes, it is possible for Cricut Joy to cut reusable stencils. We recommend using one of the qualified materials for your stencils.