To merge two images permanently into a single layer with one combined cut path in Cricut Design Space, you typically use the Weld function.
Merging images in Cricut Design Space often refers to the Weld function, which combines multiple selected shapes or text into a single, solid layer. This is particularly useful for creating complex shapes, combining text letters into one object, or ensuring objects cut as one piece.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform this merge using Weld:
- Open Your Project: Start by opening your project in Cricut Design Space that contains the images or layers you wish to merge.
- Select the Images: On your Canvas, select all the images or layers you want to merge. You can do this by clicking and dragging a selection box around them, or by holding down the Shift or Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) key and clicking on each layer in the Layers panel on the right side of the screen.
- Access the Combine Menu: With your layers selected, look for the Combine tools. These are usually located at the bottom of the Layers panel or sometimes in the top toolbar depending on your screen size and Design Space version.
- Click Weld: From the Combine options, Click Actions > Combine > Weld to merge the selected images.
- Observe the Result:
- Your selected images will immediately merge into a single layer.
- They will all change to the same color.
- A new single image layer representing the welded objects will appear in the Layers panel.
- Importantly, wherever the cut paths of the original images intersected, only the exterior cut path of the combined shape will remain.
What Does Weld Do?
The Weld tool essentially acts like a "cookie cutter," fusing all selected layers into one solid shape. It removes any overlapping cut lines within the selection, leaving only the outer perimeter. This is different from other tools like Group (which just keeps objects together but they cut separately) or Attach (which holds their position relative to each other for cutting).
Why Use Weld?
- Creating New Shapes: Combine basic shapes to form unique, complex designs.
- Connecting Script Text: Join individual script letters so they cut as one continuous word, rather than separate letters.
- Simplifying Layers: Reduce many layers into a single, manageable layer for easier handling.
- Optimizing Cutting: Ensure overlapping elements don't cut through each other unnecessarily, resulting in a cleaner cut.
Using the Weld function under the Combine tools is the standard method in Cricut Design Space for permanently merging objects into a single layer with a unified cut line.
