Cricut machines are popular among crafters for their versatility and ease of use. Two essential features that every Cricut user needs to understand are Attach and Weld. These two features may sound similar, but they have distinct differences and functions in the design process. Understanding how to use Attach and Weld correctly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your projects.
In this Cricut Attach Vs. Weld comparison, we will explore the differences between Attach and Weld and how to use each feature effectively to achieve the desired results in your Cricut designs. Whether a novice or a seasoned Cricut user, this post will give you valuable insights into creating stunning designs and projects using Attach and Weld.
Cricut Attach Vs. Weld: An Overview
Although similar in appearance, the Cricut Attach and Weld features produce different results when it comes to sending your design to the mat. While Attach keeps your shapes in the same arrangement, Weld joins two or more shapes into a single shape, regardless of whether they overlap or not.
Let's have an in-depth look at Attach and Weld and their functions.
The Attach tool has two main functions: fixing the location of cut layers and attaching Score or Draw layers to cut. It can be used to keep the relative position of cut layers intact. By default, the Design Space software reorganizes cut layers to conserve material, but the Attach tool preserves the layout. This ensures that the images on the mat are positioned as they appear on the software canvas. In addition, you can use Attach to attach Score or Draw layers to cut.
The Weld tool works in the same way as welding metal, melting and fusing two or more shapes into a single unified image. Overlapping cut lines are removed, and only the outer cut path remains. You can weld shapes and letters together to create one image and cut them on the same mat layer. Once welded, the images turn the same color, and a new image appears in the Layers panel.
Cricut Attach Vs. Weld: What is the Main Difference?
There are distinct differences between Cricut Attach and Weld. The Attach action can be undone, unlike Weld. The Attach tool enables you to maintain the same size and shape arrangement on the mat as you see on the screen, whereas Weld does not provide this option. Weld is suitable for intricate shapes that can be joined to create a single object, whereas Attach does not have this functionality. You can find both these tools at the bottom right-hand corner of the Layer's Panel in the Design Space software or app.
Cricut Attach Vs. Weld: Similarities
The Design Space software offers free access to both functions (Attach and Weld), which can be used on desktop computers and mobile devices to achieve higher-quality results. However, offline functionality is only available on Mac and iOS (iPad and iPhone) devices.
How to Use Weld in Design Space?
Now that you understand the purpose of the Weld and Attach tools, let's learn how to use them. We'll start with the Weld tool, and the steps are the same regardless of your operating system.
- Make sure the images you want to weld overlap with each other.
- Select the images you want to weld. The Weld tool will activate as soon as you select two layers.
- After that, tap on Weld in the Layers panel or the Actions menu.
- If your image paths are crossed, only the exterior path will remain after welding.
- You'll know the images have been successfully welded when they all change to the same color and a new image appears in the Layers panel.
Using the Weld tool to write a cursive word:
- Write the word and choose a font.
- Select the written/cursive text and reduce the letter spacing.
- Select the text again and tap the Advanced option on the top Canvas menu.
- After that, click on Ungroup to move each letter individually.
- Select the letters and tap the Weld button in the Layers panel to form the word.
- Note: The steps for using the Weld tool are the same regardless of your operating system.
How to Use Attach in Design Space?
To add written text to your project and ensure it’s placed correctly when the machine cuts, you can use the Attach tool. The steps for using Attach vary depending on your operating system.
- Add text and images to your project and arrange them as desired.
- Select the images and attach them by color or layer.
- On a Windows/Mac, select the images by clicking and dragging a section box around them.
- On an iOS/Android, click and drag a section box around the images.
- Tap the Attach button from the Layers panel. If you're using an iOS/Android, tap the Actions button at the bottom of the screen and then hit Attach.
- Check the Layers panel to ensure the images are labeled "Attach." If you're using an iOS/Android, the images will be labeled "Attached Set."
- When you're ready to cut your project, tap the Make It button.
- Your images will appear on the project preview screen exactly as you arranged them on the Canvas.
- Press the Continue button and follow the on-screen steps to cut your project.
By following these steps, you can easily use the Attach tool in Design Space to hold your images in place and achieve higher-quality results in your DIY projects.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Cricut Attach Vs. Weld is important in order to get your desired results. While “Attach” maintains the arrangement of the objects, Weld merges the images into a single object. Learning how to use these tools properly can enhance your crafting experience, whether you're using a desktop computer or mobile device. With these tips in mind, you're ready to take your Cricut project to the next level.
