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Sunday 6 February 2011

Cricut CraftRoom - the NEW Design Studio

By now you might have heard about the new Cricut products that were announced at CHA last week, Cricut CraftRoom and the Expression2.

CraftRoom is Cricut's new design software. From the limited information that is available so far, it appears it can do everything that Design Studio and the Gypsy can do.. and more!

And the best part???? It's FREE! And... PC are going to continue adding the new carts to Design Studio for now.

Here's a video to whet you appetite:






If you're a Facebook user you can read all the Q&A's that have been posted so far. If you don't use Facebook here's what's been posted so far. (Thanks to everyone that posted their question on Facebook and a big thanks for PC for their answers:

Q: What is Cricut Craft Room?
A: Cricut Craft Room is a free online design tool
Q: How is it different from Cricut Design Studio and Gypsy?
A: While offering similar features to both CDS and Gypsy, Cricut Craft Room requires an internet connection (CDS does not) and requires you to be on a computer (not mobile like Gypsy)

Q: How much is Cricut Craft Room?
A: FREE

Q: When will Cricut Craft Room be available?
A: We are planning to launch this software in April, 2011

Q: Does Cricut Craft Room work with PC and MAC?
A: Yes, upon launch Cricut Craft Room will work on both a PC and a MAC.

Q: How do I access Cricut Craft Room?
A: When it is released, you'll be able to access Cricut Craft Room through your cricut.com account.

Q: How do I link my cartridges to Cricut Craft Room?
A: You can either link your Gypsy to CCR to update your account, or if you do not have a Gypsy you can connect your Cricut machine to your computer (using the same cable you use to perform firmware updates) and link your cartridges to your account through your Cricut.

Q: Can CCR cut with multiple cartridges at one time like Gypsy?
A: Yes, you will not have to connect each individual cartridge when cutting unless you are using a cartridge that has not been synced to your account.

Q: Can I use CCR offline? Do I need an internet connection?
A: Yes, CCR required that you have an internet connection in order to access your account.

Q: What does Beta mean?
A: When we say CCR is in Beta we just mean it's in a testing phase where we have selected individuals testing the software for us.

Q: Can I be a part of the beta test?
A: We have already selected those who will participate in our beta program.

Q: Do I have to use cartridges with CCR or can I make my own images and cut true type fonts?
A: You must use cartridges with CCR. CCR does not allow you to access true type fonts on your computer and cut them using Cricut.

Q: How will you manage the site so it doesn't get bogged down with so many people using it at one time?
A: That is what we are testing with our beta program. Will will continue to test our software and the capacities we anticipate it will need to provide a good user experience.

Q: Are my CCR files available to anyone but me through my account?
A: No, the only way anyone can access your files is if they are logged into your account. 
Q: Are you going to sell cartridges our individual images as downloads from CCR?
A: We don't sell anything from CCR

Q: Can I use images from cartridges I don't own and cut them out?
A: No. You can design with any image, but you must own the cartridge in order to cut it.

Q: Can I share my cut files via email?
A: Yes. You can share cut files with friends by emailing them.

Q: Can I save my cut files/designs on my computer hard drive?
A: Yes, You can save your cut files in your account AND on your hard drive as back up.

Q: Can I use CCR and cut out shapes if I don't sync my cartridges?
A: Yes. You will have to plug each cartridge into your Cricut machine if you choose not to sync the cartridges to your CCR account.

Q: Can I sync my cartridges to my CCR account and my Gypsy both?
A: Yes, you can. But your cartridges can only be synced to one CCR account and one Gypsy.

Q: Can I transfer Gypsy files to CCR and CCR files to Gypsy?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I print from CCR to my home printer?
A: No.

Q: Will CCR be compatible with iPad?
A: Not at this time. CCR is flash based and iPad doesn't support flash.

Q: Can I access my account from ANY computer?
A: Yes, you can access and design in your account from any computer but you can only print from 2 computers. This would prevent individuals from sharing their username/passwords with large groups of people because you can only cut from 2 separate computers.

Q: Can I access my Gypsy files and color them with CCR?
A: Yes, you can. This is a good idea if you just want to see what your project will look like before you cut anything.

Q: Are you still planning to update CDS and Gypsy?
A: Yes. 

3 comments:

Cathy said...

Thanks for the info. Will be interesting.

bujgirl said...

Thanks for the insight into the new Craft Room. I don't get onto Facebook very often so it's great having another channel with plain english info.

I do have one question though - If it's web-based and only accessible through our Cricut.com account, why can't they take the asset registration info from the same website rather than having us link the carts again? We are supposed to register all our assets (carts and machines) on the cricut.com website so one would assume that it should be easy enough to import that info over.

Just food for thought.

Snatertje said...

thanks for the indo, i missed one question, Can you use cutfiles made in CDS and stored on your computer with CCR?? that is what I realy want to know.

Hug Linda

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