Learn how to unlock OpenType features in Cricut Design Space and access advanced font options like ligatures, swashes, and stylistic alternates to enhance your designs.
Introduction
Cricut Design Space is a powerful tool for crafters and designers, but many users struggle with accessing OpenType font features like ligatures, swashes, and stylistic alternates. These features can elevate your designs, making them more professional and visually appealing. While Cricut Design Space does not fully support OpenType features natively, there are workarounds to unlock their potential. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use OpenType features in Cricut Design Space.
What Are OpenType Features?
OpenType is a font format that includes advanced typographic features beyond basic characters. Some of the most commonly used OpenType features include:
- Ligatures: Special character combinations that create smooth, connected letters.
- Swashes: Decorative flourishes added to letters, often seen in script fonts.
- Stylistic Alternates: Alternative versions of characters to enhance design variety.
- Glyph Variations: Unique letter designs available within a font.
These features are especially useful for crafting projects that require elegant typography, such as invitations, branding, and custom designs.
Does Cricut Design Space Support OpenType Features?
Currently, Cricut Design Space has limited support for OpenType features. While you can use OpenType fonts, the software does not provide a built-in way to access ligatures, swashes, or stylistic alternates. However, there are several workarounds to use these features in your Cricut projects.
How to Access OpenType Features in Cricut Design Space
1. Using Character Map (Windows)
Character Map is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to view and copy special characters from OpenType fonts.
Steps:
- Open Character Map by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
- Select your OpenType font from the dropdown menu.
- Browse the available glyphs and special characters.
- Copy the desired character and paste it into Cricut Design Space.
2. Using Font Book (Mac)
Mac users can access OpenType features through Font Book.
Steps:
- Open Font Book from the Applications folder.
- Select your OpenType font.
- Click on “View” and select “Repertoire” to see all available characters.
- Copy the character you need and paste it into Cricut Design Space.
3. Using a Third-Party Font Tool
Several online tools and software programs make it easier to access OpenType features:
- Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop – If you have access to these, you can type out your text with OpenType features enabled and then export it as an SVG file to use in Cricut Design Space.
- FontLab Pad – A free tool that allows you to copy and paste OpenType characters.
- Glyphs Panel in Font Editing Software – Some paid font editing programs provide a full list of available glyphs.
4. Installing and Using OpenType Fonts Correctly
To ensure compatibility, always install the OTF (OpenType Font) version of a font rather than TTF (TrueType Font).
Steps to Install an OpenType Font:
- Download an OpenType font from a trusted source.
- Install the font by double-clicking it and selecting Install.
- Restart Cricut Design Space to ensure the new font loads properly.
Also read : How to Use OpenType Features in Adobe Illustrator
Best Fonts with OpenType Features for Cricut Projects
If you want to use OpenType features in Cricut projects, consider these fonts that include swashes, ligatures, and stylistic alternates:
- Malonice – Great for elegant script designs.
- Playride – Bold Marker Font with cool vintage script style full of alternates.
- Chiffone – A serif font with a retro style that is suitable for a variety of design purposes.
- Basaro – A stylish font with many glyph variations.
- Garlic Grow – A serif font with a modern & elegant touch with may glyphs variations.
You can find these fonts on websites like ViactionType, Creativemarket and DaFont.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with these workarounds, you might encounter issues when using OpenType features in Cricut Design Space. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Characters don’t appear after pasting: Try using a different font format (OTF instead of TTF) or restart Cricut Design Space.
- Font isn’t showing up in Cricut Design Space: Ensure the font is properly installed and restart your computer.
- Ligatures or swashes don’t display correctly: Some fonts may not be fully compatible; test with a different font.
Conclusion
While Cricut Design Space does not fully support OpenType features, you can still access ligatures, swashes, and stylistic alternates using tools like Character Map, Font Book, and third-party font editors. By utilizing these techniques, you can create stunning designs that stand out and bring a professional touch to your Cricut projects.