Which Cricut mat to use for each material

The four Cricut mat grips

Cricut color codes its mats by adhesive strength. The color is on the mat's border and the packaging, so you can tell them apart at a glance.

Which mat for iron-on and vinyl

For iron-on (heat transfer vinyl), use the green StandardGrip mat. Place the iron-on with the shiny carrier side down and mirror the design in Design Space. The carrier sheet holds well on standard grip and peels off without stretching. Adhesive vinyl goes on the same mat, liner side down.

On Explore and Maker models that support Smart Materials, and on Joy models, Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-On cut without a mat. They have a stiffer backing that feeds straight through the machine. Regular vinyl and iron-on from other brands still need a mat, unless they are sold as matless and the machine supports it. When the material shifts, the problem is often a mat that has lost its tack, not the blade. See Cricut mat not sticky.

Which mat for paper, card and thick materials

Thin paper on a strong mat is a common mistake. It tears or curls when you lift it. Use LightGrip for printer paper and thin card, and peel the mat away from the paper rather than the paper away from the mat: flip it over and bend the mat back while holding the paper flat.

Cardstock up to about 80 lb sits well on StandardGrip. Glitter cardstock, heavy cardstock, magnet sheet and anything you cut with the deep point or Knife Blade belongs on StrongGrip. For Knife Blade jobs on a Maker, also tape the material down on all four edges with masking tape so it cannot move during the many passes. The cut settings chart lists the blade and mat for each material together.

Which mat for fabric

Use the pink FabricGrip mat for fabric. It is made for the rotary blade on a Cricut Maker and for bonded fabric on an Explore. Keep the fabric mat for fabric only: paper fibers and vinyl residue reduce its grip and leave lint on your fabric.

Smooth the fabric onto the mat with a brayer and keep the grain straight. On a Maker, move the white star wheels out of the way if the preset asks you to, so they do not mark the fabric. See how to cut fabric with a Cricut Maker for the full process.

Cricut mat sizes for each machine

The usable cut area on a mat is a little smaller than the mat because the machine needs a margin to grip it. Design Space shows the limit when you choose a mat size. For full machine limits, see the cut size chart. Newer models such as the Joy 2, Explore 5 and Maker 5 list their own compatible mats; check Cricut's product page before you buy spares. If you are still choosing a machine, the Cricut machine guide compares the current lineup.

Compare Cricut machines →

How to make a Cricut mat last longer

• Put the clear cover back on after each use to keep dust and lint off.
• Scrape off small bits of paper and vinyl with a scraper after each cut.
• Do not touch the adhesive with your fingers; skin oils reduce grip.
• Clean as Cricut describes for your mat type, and never use harsh solvents that strip the adhesive.
• Keep one mat for paper and another for vinyl, so fibers do not ruin vinyl cuts.
• Replace the mat when material slides even after cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

What Cricut mat do I use for iron-on vinyl? The green StandardGrip mat, with the iron-on shiny side down and the design mirrored. Smart Iron-On can be cut without a mat on compatible machines.

Can I use a StandardGrip mat for everything? It works for most vinyl and cardstock, but thin paper may tear and thick materials may shift. Matching the grip to the material gives cleaner cuts and longer mat life.

Do Cricut Joy mats fit the Explore or Maker? No. Joy and Joy Xtra mats are narrower and are made only for those machines. Explore and Maker models use 12 inch wide mats.

Why is my 12 x 24 mat not an option? In Design Space, choose the 12 x 24 size in the material size setting for that mat before you send the cut. See why Cricut moves my design.