How do I export a project from design space?

While Cricut Design Space doesn't offer a traditional "export" function for saving project files in standard formats like SVG or DXF for use in other cutting software, you can capture an image of your design to use elsewhere. This method allows you to save a visual representation of your project.

Capturing Your Design as an Image: A Step-by-Step Method

Based on available methods, a practical way to get your design out of Design Space as an image involves using a simple workaround within the canvas and a standard screenshot tool. This creates a flat image file, typically in PNG format, which can be useful for sharing your design concept, using it in documents, or importing it into other graphics software like Canva.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Add a White Background Shape: In Design Space, insert a basic white shape (like a rectangle or circle) from the Shapes panel. Make it large enough to cover the entire area of your design. Change its color to white. This step is crucial as it hides the grid background, making your design clean and easy to capture.
2. Position Your Design: Arrange your project layers or design elements on top of the white shape you just created. Ensure that the entire design is visible and fits within the bounds of the white background, hiding the ruled Design Space background.
3. Capture the Image: Use a screenshot tool specific to your computer's operating system:
   • Windows: Use the built-in Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch. Open the tool, select "New", and drag a rectangle around your design on the white background.
   • Mac: Use the built-in screenshot utility. Press Shift + Command + 4, then drag a rectangle around your design on the white background.
4. Save Your Design Image: Once you have captured the area containing your design on the white background, the screenshot tool will allow you to save the image. Choose PNG as the file format for best quality with transparency (though the white background will be part of the image unless you edit it later). Save the file to a location on your computer.
5. Use Your Design Image: Your design is now saved as an image file (PNG). You can import this file into other programs, share it online, or use it for other purposes. As referenced, you could import it into Canva for further graphic design work.

This method essentially creates a picture of your design canvas view.

What You Get (and What You Don't)

Using this screenshot method results in a static image (like a PNG).

• You Get: A high-quality visual representation of your design as it appears in Design Space.
• You Don't Get: An editable vector file (like SVG) that can be easily resized without losing quality or used for cutting in software other than Design Space (unless you re-trace the image). You also don't get the original Design Space project file (.cdsproj).

Therefore, while you can capture your design as an image to take it out of Design Space for visual purposes, it's not the same as exporting a project file for continued editing or cutting in a different software environment.