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Choose a color inkjet printer, not a laser printer, for Cricut Print Then Cut. The best model depends on how often you print, how important photo-quality color is, and whether your media is thick, glossy, clear or wide-format. For frequent sticker and label work, a refillable tank such as the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3270 is the strongest value starting point. For highly detailed artwork, the six-color Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the better fit. Occasional users can save space and upfront money with a compact cartridge printer such as the Canon PIXMA TS702a.
Quick recommendations
| Best for | Printer to investigate | Why it fits Cricut work | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequent stickers and labels | Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3270 | Refillable ink, color printing, scanning and copying with lower ongoing ink cost than many cartridge models | General-purpose rather than dedicated photo hardware; confirm the current regional media limits |
| Vivid artwork and larger prints | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | Six-color photo system and wide-format capability | High initial cost and a larger footprint; wide output does not increase your Cricut’s cut area |
| Infrequent, budget-conscious use | Canon PIXMA TS702a | Compact wireless color inkjet with a lower entry cost | Cartridges become expensive when printing many sheets |
| Craft-focused larger projects | Canon PIXMA TS9521C | Canon markets it for crafters and it supports larger creative formats; see the technical sheet | Older or region-dependent model; availability and current price must be checked |
| Lower-cost tank alternative | Epson EcoTank ET-2800/ET-2850 family | Refillable system suited to regular home crafting; see the current family page | Basic paper handling and model bundles vary by country |
| HP wireless ecosystem | HP Smart Tank 5101 | Tank ink, wireless all-in-one functions and low-cost-per-page positioning | Check current app, account, firmware and subscription requirements |
These are use-case recommendations, not a universal ranking. Independent 2026 comparisons also favor tank printers for regular volume while distinguishing inexpensive document tanks from photo-oriented models (TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, PCGuide).
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What Cricut Print Then Cut requires
Cricut’s printable vinyl, printable sticker paper, waterproof sticker sheets and printable iron-on are intended for inkjet printers. Cricut warns that a laser printer can damage these materials or the printer; use laser media only when that material’s manufacturer explicitly permits it (Cricut’s printer FAQ).
- Create the design in Cricut Design Space.
- Make it a Print Then Cut object, usually by selecting the layers and choosing Flatten. Add an Offset first if you want a sticker border.
- Select Make It, confirm the material size and choose Send to Printer.
- Enable Use System Dialogue, then set the printer’s actual paper type and quality.
- Print the artwork and black registration marks.
- Place the sheet squarely on a compatible Cricut mat and load it.
- The machine scans the marks to locate the print, then cuts the shapes.
The marks are positional references, not decoration. Keep every mark visible and never let a driver setting resize the design. Cricut specifically warns against Fit to Page; use 100% or actual-size scaling. Bleed can reduce a white edge around a cut and can be disabled when artwork does not reach the edge (Cricut’s Print Then Cut guide).
#1 Best Overall
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Machine and device compatibility
Do not rely on old lists that mention only Maker and Explore. Cricut’s 2026 material describes Cricut Joy 2 as supporting Print Then Cut (Joy 2 guide). Check your exact machine in Cricut’s current comparison or alternate comparison page.
As of the dated guidance in Cricut’s Print Then Cut article, the complete print-and-cut workflow requires Design Space on Windows, macOS or iOS; Android can design and save projects but is not fully supported for printing and cutting. Verify the latest Cricut requirements and support information before buying.
How to choose a printer for Cricut media
- Inkjet technology: This is the non-negotiable category for Cricut-branded printable materials.
- Feed reliability: A straight, rear or specialty-media path is often more useful than a high office page-per-minute number.
- Color quality: Four-color ink is adequate for simple labels; six-color photo systems better suit saturated illustrations and portraits.
- Scaling controls: The driver must allow actual-size output without automatic fit or border adjustments.
- Ink economics: Tanks cost more initially but make regular batches cheaper to refill; cartridges suit light use.
- Media compatibility: Check the exact sheet’s thickness, coating and printer-type rating. Successful feeding does not guarantee successful Cricut cutting.
- Connectivity: Wireless is convenient, while USB remains useful when setup or network access is troublesome.
- Maximum size and extras: Rear feed, scanning, copying and duplexing are conveniences; they do not determine registration accuracy.
Cartridge versus refillable tank
Cartridge inkjets
- Lower purchase price and usually a smaller body
- Often strong photo output for occasional projects
- Simple replacement process
- Higher recurring cost and less attractive economics for batches
- Some models restrict printing when one color is empty
Tank printers
- Large initial ink supply and lower refill cost for regular printing
- Well suited to repeated sticker, label and party-goods runs
- Higher upfront price and larger footprint
- Nozzle clogging remains possible if the printer sits unused
- Entry-level tanks may have limited specialty-media handling
There is no honest universal “cost per sticker.” Ink coverage, paper, failed sheets, laminate and maintenance all change the result. A tank makes financial sense when recurring use is high enough to recover its higher purchase price.
Best printers by use case
Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3270: best overall value for regular crafting
The G3270 combines refillable tanks with color printing, scanning and copying, making it a practical home workhorse for frequent stickers and labels. Canon’s official page is the authority for the current U.S. configuration. It is not a specialist photo printer, and you should verify the media weight and feed path for the regional version before purchasing. It is also unnecessary overkill for someone printing only a few sheets a year.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: best for detailed color and wide artwork
The ET-8550’s six-color photo design and wide-format capability make it the premium choice for art stickers, saturated illustrations and larger prints. Its official specification page should be checked for current regional details. It costs more, occupies more space and does not make output waterproof by itself.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Canon PIXMA TS702a: best inexpensive starter
The TS702a is a compact wireless cartridge inkjet for occasional users. Canon quotes up to 15 images per minute for documents and approximately 21 seconds for a 4-by-6-inch photo under its stated test conditions (Canon product page). Those standardized figures do not predict the time needed for a full-color specialty sheet, drying or Cricut cutting.
The Tool Desk
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Canon identifies the TS9521C as a crafter-oriented PIXMA with creative-printing features and larger media support. Consult the technical document; availability and pricing may be limited because this is an older, region-dependent platform.
Other tank choices
The Epson ET-2800/ET-2850 family suits budget-conscious users who print regularly but can accept basic handling. The HP Smart Tank 5101 is an alternative for buyers already comfortable with HP’s wireless software. Confirm the exact suffix, bundle and requirements in your country because similarly named models are not necessarily identical.
Materials: printer compatibility is not cut compatibility
Common Print Then Cut media includes printable sticker paper, printable vinyl, waterproof sticker sheets, printable iron-on, magnetic sheets, white cardstock, clear sheets, and glossy or matte stock. Each must be rated for inkjet printing, and the Cricut still needs an appropriate pressure and blade setting. A sheet that feeds cleanly can nevertheless be too stiff, slippery or reflective for reliable cutting.
White, non-reflective material is the safest starting point because Cricut sensors need contrast. Maker-family machines have more latitude with light-to-medium-colored paper than Explore models, but colored, patterned, glossy and clear surfaces can still prevent mark detection (Cricut guidance).
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- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
Reliable print settings and workflow
Before committing a full sheet, print a small test and record:
- Media type and matte/glossy selection
- Quality mode and available resolution
- Color-management setting
- Rear-feed or cassette path
- Drying time before loading the mat
- Bleed status
- Scaling at 100% or actual size
Use the printer manufacturer’s recommended path, feed one specialty sheet at a time when necessary, and let ink dry fully. Laminate only after testing the exact ink-and-media combination.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting Print Then Cut
Registration marks are not detected
- Reprint at 100% with all marks visible.
- Switch to white, non-reflective stock and reduce glare.
- Allow ink to dry and load the sheet squarely.
- Check the selected Cricut machine and clean the sensor area as directed by Cricut.
- Run Print Then Cut calibration if the problem persists.
Cuts are consistently offset
A uniform offset usually points to calibration or loading. An offset that increases across the page suggests scaling, skew or feed alignment. Random errors more often indicate glare, slipping media, a dirty sensor or inconsistent sheets.
Ink smears
Check that the driver uses the correct paper type, the material is inkjet-rated, and the sheet has dried. Glossy coatings, heavy ink coverage and cutting too soon can all smear. “Waterproof” media does not mean the print is instantly waterproof.
Printable vinyl will not feed
Use one sheet, the recommended feed path and the printer’s rated thickness. Curl, adhesive edges, stiff backings and rollers that cannot grip a coated surface are common causes. Never force a sheet through.
Rank #4
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155 is perfect for homes printing everyday high-quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink. After 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray
- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
Clear media scans poorly
Clear stock can reduce mark contrast and create glare. Start with white sticker paper, then test clear media separately on your exact Cricut model.
The printer sits unused
Any inkjet can clog when neglected. Very light users may prefer a low-cost cartridge printer, a local print shop, or batching projects and following the manufacturer’s maintenance routine rather than paying extra for a tank.
Waterproof products and laser-printer owners
A durable sticker is a system: water-resistant media, compatible ink, completely dried output, suitable laminate and a cut setting that does not damage the laminate. Test scuffing, fading and edge lift before selling or gifting items. If you already own a laser printer, use it only with media explicitly rated for laser printing; do not run Cricut inkjet-only vinyl, sticker paper or iron-on through it (Cricut’s warning).
Recommended Free Tools
When buying a printer is not the best option
For a few projects each year, a local print shop, online service or a friend’s inkjet can avoid equipment cost, ink drying and maintenance. Outsourcing may offer better professional color, but it can limit your choice of media, add turnaround time or impose minimum orders; you will still need your Cricut for cutting.
Quick Recap
Decision guide
- Occasional projects: choose a compact cartridge inkjet or outsource.
- Several sheets every month: choose a refillable tank such as the G3270 or a comparable ET-2800/ET-2850.
- Vivid art stickers: choose a six-color photo tank such as the ET-8550.
- Larger artwork: consider wide-format output, then check your Cricut’s actual Print Then Cut limits.
- Waterproof products: evaluate printer, media, drying, laminate and cutting together.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
