Let’s learn how to use the new Offset tool in Cricut Design Space. We will learn how to make the outline of text and images so easy that we will fly through our projects now. Let’s get learning!
Offset on image and text 
Offset to the side- 2 layers
What is the Cricut Design Space Offset feature? The offset feature or tool is a way to add a shadow or a bubble around any existing text, shape, or SVG. This isn’t a new feature in the world of design, but it is new for Cricut Design Space. We have had to go outside Cricut to get the feature, so we are so excited that it is finally within Cricut Design Space.
The Offset is another layer in your project, even though it looks like they are one layer, they aren’t. So you can change the color and the size of each piece and then cut each piece out of your material separately. It’s basically like a bubble around your words. Let me show you how to create offset in Cricut.
Video Tutorial – How to Create Offset in Cricut
How to Create Offset in Cricut Design Space
Open Cricut Design Space and add some text to the canvas. It doesn’t matter what font. Now click on the text and go up to the top toolbox and click Offset. Do you see it in the image below? I circled it in red.
If you don’t see it, look in the top right hand side of your computer screen for the 3 lines. You can see them on the picture below. Click that and then select Settings. Scroll to the bottom and make sure the Canvas Style is set to New. If it isn’t, click it from Classic to New and then your Offset icon should be there. You may need to reload the canvas in Cricut Design Space.
Once you click that, you can move the slide bar to create a larger or smaller offset. You can also choose squared or rounded edges. Depending on your font, you would choose one or the other. For instance, if you have squared text, then choose the square offset. Choose what looks good to you, just play with it. Do give it time to do its thing though. Don’t get inpatient with it. Once you have it like you want, click Apply.
That’s it! You have now just added an Cricut offset or shadow. But there are other things you can do with it.
By adjusting the slide, you can create a shadow that covers the entire word or each separate letter.
How to Use Offset in Cricut on Images
We can create offsets or shadows on images as well. Load your image, it can be your own or from Cricuts Image gallery. Now click the Offset feature and it will make a shadow under the image.
I had to change the background color, which I really like, so that his shoes showed. The default color for the Cricut offset is black. But that is easy to change.
Sometimes when you are putting a shadow around an image, the offset doesn’t fill it all in. I drew a red line around the area not filled in. Don’t worry, this is easy to fix. You can do it one of two ways.
Take the original image off the shadow or offset. Then grab a square or whatever shape will best suit your offset and place the square over the parts of the offset that didn’t fill. Once you are done with that, drag a circle around it all and click Weld. Now it is all filled in and all one layer.
Another way to clean up those spaces is by clicking on the offset, then going over to the Contour tool on the bottom right hand side of the computer screen. Click Hide All Contours and that should fill in all the holes.
Go check your offset to see if all the holes are filled in. This way is so much easier than the other way, but I wanted you to know both ways.
How to Resize an Offset Image
Resizing is really easy. You just put your box around it and drag it or put the exact measurements in the top. We do this all the time, so it’s nothing new. But…remember this…you can make it easy on yourself if you size them together at the same time. So put the image on top of the offset, then drag the blue box around both of them and resize. Otherwise it is harder to get the size accurate for each. I am all for easy, too.
Go play with it, that is the best way to learn. Each image or text will react differently to the Offset tool.
Ok, now you know everything I know about how to create offset in Cricut Design Space.
Happy Crafting!!!
