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There's no such thing as a Cricut sublimation printer. Cricut makes cutting machines, heat presses, blanks and sublimation paper, but its own project instructions list "sublimation printer with sublimation inks" as something you bring. So the real question is which sublimation printer works best alongside a Cricut, and which Cricut products are worth adding.
The short answer: an 8.5-inch sublimation printer such as the Epson SureColor F170 pairs naturally with Cricut's Print Then Cut, which works on letter-size pages on every compatible machine. Add Cricut's Sublimation Printer Paper if you want Design Space cut settings, and a Cricut press you already own will do the pressing. Below are the specific picks, then how the workflow fits together.
Quick picks
- Epson SureColor F170 – Best printer for Cricut crafters. Factory sublimation ink, 8.5-inch width that matches letter-size Print Then Cut.
- Sawgrass SG500 – Best for legal-size Print Then Cut. 8.5 x 14 prints and the longest warranty here.
- Brother SP-1 – Best phone-first option. Designs and prints from the Artspira app.
- Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper – Best paper for Print Then Cut. 120 gsm, with a Design Space cut setting.
- Cricut Sublimation Printable Iron-On – Best for cotton and dark shirts. Prints on a sublimation printer, then cuts and presses like iron-on.
- Cricut Mug Press – Best mug press for Cricut users. Takes sublimation mugs that meet Cricut's size specs.
Comparison table
| Product | What it is | Best for | Key spec | Works with Cricut how | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | Sublimation printer | Most Cricut crafters | 8.5 in wide, 140 mL bottles | Prints Design Space Print Then Cut pages | Check price |
| Sawgrass SG500 | Sublimation printer | Legal-size layouts, support | 8.5 x 14 in | Prints Print Then Cut pages up to Legal on Explore/Maker | Check price |
| Brother SP-1 | Sublimation printer | Phone-based crafters | 8.5 x 14 in, Artspira app | Prints sublimation transfers; cut on Cricut if needed | Check price |
| Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper | Sublimation paper | Print Then Cut | 120 gsm, white print side | Has its own Design Space material setting | Check price |
| Cricut Sublimation Printable Iron-On | Printable sublimation transfer material | Cotton, dark fabric | Needs Print Then Cut and weeding | Cut on Light Grip mat in Design Space | Check price |
| Cricut Mug Press | Mug press | 10–16 oz straight mugs | 3.2–3.4 in mug diameter | Activated through Cricut software | Check price |
The printers
1. Epson SureColor F170: Best Printer for Cricut Crafters
Who it's for: Cricut owners who want sublimation without converting a printer or managing third-party ink.
The F170 ships with Epson's own dye-sublimation ink and refills from 140 mL T49M bottles, so there's no conversion and no guessing at color profiles. It prints up to 8.5 inches wide (8.5 x 47.2-inch maximum sheet) from a 150-sheet tray, and connects by USB, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct or Ethernet, which makes it easy to print from Design Space on a laptop or tablet.
The 8.5-inch width is the right match for Cricut. On letter paper, Cricut's Print Then Cut cuttable area is 9.94 x 7.44 inches on the Joy Xtra, Explore, Maker and Venture, so the F170 covers every Print Then Cut job those machines handle on letter-size sheets. It won't print a full adult shirt front, but most Cricut sublimation projects are mugs, totes, coasters and kids' shirts anyway. Our Epson F170 review has the full specs.
Pros
- Factory sublimation ink and matched drivers
- Low cost per print from 140 mL bottles
- Wireless printing suits Design Space on any device
Cons
- 8.5-inch maximum width
- Designed for Epson ink only
- 1-year standard warranty
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
by Epson
2. Sawgrass SG500: Best for Legal-Size Print Then Cut
Who it's for: crafters who want longer layouts and the strongest warranty and support.
The SG500 prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches from its main tray, which matches Cricut's legal-size Print Then Cut option. Cricut lists a 12.94 x 7.44-inch cuttable area on legal paper for the Explore series, Maker series and Venture, which is handy for tumbler wraps and long designs. The Joy Xtra doesn't support legal-size Print Then Cut, per Cricut's size chart.
Sawgrass covers recent SG500 purchases for 3 years or 100,000 prints, and its color management runs through Sawgrass Print Utility. The trade-off is ink format: 20 or 31 mL cartridges cost more per print than Epson's bottles. Compare it with its bigger sibling in our Sawgrass SG500 vs SG1000 guide.
Pros
- 8.5 x 14 matches legal-size Print Then Cut
- 3-year / 100,000-print coverage on recent purchases
- Optional VersiFlex ink system for light cotton
Cons
- Small cartridges raise cost per print
- Mid-range price tier
- Legal Print Then Cut isn't available on the Joy Xtra
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer
by Sawgrass
3. Brother SP-1: Best Phone-First Option
Who it's for: crafters who design on a phone and want an app that handles designs and printing.
Brother's SP-1 is a dedicated sublimation printer built around the Artspira app, which includes 100+ sublimation designs and AR previews and sends jobs wirelessly. It prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches at up to 1200 x 2400 dpi from a 100-sheet tray, and has a 2.7-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet and USB. US retailers list a 2-year limited warranty.
It's a good fit if you already live in your phone and only occasionally need a cut edge. For heavy Print Then Cut work, Design Space on a computer with an Epson or Sawgrass is the simpler loop, because everything starts and ends in one app.
Pros
- App-based design and printing
- 8.5 x 14 maximum print
- 2-year warranty at US retailers
Cons
- Two apps if you also cut in Design Space
- 47 mL cartridges cost more per print than bottles
- No 13 x 19 option for larger shirt prints
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer
by Brother
The Cricut supplies
4. Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper: Best Paper for Print Then Cut
Who it's for: anyone who wants to print and cut sublimation designs in Design Space.
Cricut's Sublimation Printer Paper is 120 gsm, with a white printable side and a pink back so you can't load it upside down. Cricut says the weight balances holding and releasing ink with enough flexibility for curved blanks like mugs. The main reason to choose it over other papers is that Design Space has a matching "Sublimation Printer Paper" material setting for Print Then Cut, so the cut settings are already tuned.
You don't have to use Design Space with it. Cricut notes it works like any sublimation paper: mirror your design and print from the application you prefer. It's for sublimation ink only, and Cricut recommends fabric blanks with 90% or more polyester. For more paper options, see our best sublimation paper guide.
Pros
- Ready-made Design Space cut setting
- Pink back prevents printing on the wrong side
- Works on Cricut and generic sublimation blanks
Cons
- Cricut doesn't publish time and temperature for it; you use your ink maker's settings
- Adds little over other papers if you never cut your prints
Cricut Sublimation Printer Paper
by Cricut
5. Cricut Sublimation Printable Iron-On: Best for Cotton & Dark Shirts
Who it's for: Cricut crafters who want full-color sublimation designs on cotton or dark fabric.
Plain sublimation only works on light, high-polyester blanks. Cricut's Sublimation Printable Iron-On gets around that: you print it on your sublimation printer, dry the ink by hovering your press above it at 300°F (150°C) for one minute, Print Then Cut it on a Light Grip mat, weed it and press it like iron-on. Cricut says it can go on any blank, including dark fabrics and blanks not made for sublimation.
Two details trip people up. Unlike sublimation paper, you don't mirror the design. And it's best with large, simple shapes; Cricut suggests using Design Space's Offset feature to add an outline around intricate designs. For the AutoPress 2, Cricut lists 315°F (158°C) for cotton; for other presses, use the Cricut Heat Guide or app. Wait 48 hours before washing. If cotton is a big part of your business, our sublimating on cotton guide compares this with spray, sublimation HTV and DTF.
Pros
- Full-color sublimation on cotton and dark fabric
- Uses your existing sublimation printer and Cricut
- Heat Guide settings for each base material
Cons
- Needs Print Then Cut and weeding
- Vinyl-like layer rather than a dyed-in feel
- Not for fine, intricate cut lines
Cricut Sublimation Printable Iron-On
by Cricut
6. Cricut Mug Press: Best Mug Press for Cricut Users
Who it's for: crafters who want consistent mugs without a full tumbler press.
The Mug Press works with Infusible Ink and with sublimation mugs, and Cricut's sublimation paper instructions include a mug workflow for it. Cricut recommends its own mug blanks but says generic poly-coated sublimation mugs are likely to work if they meet its specs: 10–16 oz capacity, a smooth straight pressing area, a diameter of 3.2–3.4 inches (82–86 mm) and a maximum height of 4.72 inches (120 mm). Tapered mugs and skinny tumblers won't fit.
The press needs activation through Cricut software before first use. Its main appeal is simplicity: preheat, insert the wrapped mug, push the lever down and wait for the cycle to finish.
Pros
- Simple one-lever pressing
- Works with sublimation and Infusible Ink mugs
- Small footprint
Cons
- Straight mugs in a narrow size range only
- Not for tumblers or tapered drinkware
- Requires activation before use
Cricut Mug Press
by Cricut
How sublimation fits into a Cricut workflow
- Design in Design Space (or any design app). Use the Print Then Cut option if you want a cut edge.
- Mirror the image. Design Space auto-mirrors when the material setting requires it, but Cricut tells you to double-check text and orientation-sensitive designs. Don't mirror Sublimation Printable Iron-On.
- Print on your sublimation printer. Load the white side of Cricut's paper as the print side. Let the ink dry for about a minute.
- Cut, or just trim. Place the print on a StandardGrip mat, choose Sublimation Printer Paper in Browse All Materials and let the machine read the sensor marks. If you skip cutting, trim off the sensor marks with scissors.
- Prep the blank. Lint-roll, put white cardstock inside shirts and totes, cover with butcher paper and preheat to drive out moisture and wrinkles.
- Press. Tape the design face-down at each corner, cover with butcher paper larger than the heat plate, and use the time and temperature from your sublimation ink. Lift slowly and peel while warm.
Print Then Cut size limits
| Machine | Letter page (max cut area) | Legal page | Larger pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy Xtra | 9.94 x 7.44 in | Not supported | Not supported |
| Cricut Joy 2 | 9.94 x 3.19 in | Not listed | Not listed |
| Cricut Explore / Maker series | 9.94 x 7.44 in | 12.94 x 7.44 in | Tabloid 15.94 x 9.94 in; A3 15.44 x 10.64 in |
| Cricut Venture | 9.94 x 7.44 in | 12.94 x 7.44 in | Up to 12 x 12 page (10.94 x 10.94 in) |
Source: Cricut's "How large can I Print Then Cut?" help article. The original Cricut Joy can't Print Then Cut.
Which Cricut press for which blank
| Blank | Cricut press | Notes from Cricut |
|---|---|---|
| Shirts, totes, pillow covers | EasyPress 2, 3 or SE; AutoPress | Keep the design away from seams; never reuse butcher paper |
| Small items, baby bodysuits | EasyPress Mini | Tape the design; keep moving the Mini with light pressure |
| Hats | Hat Press | Max design 2.25 x 4.25 in per press; use strong heat-resistant tape |
| Mugs | Mug Press | 10–16 oz straight mugs, 3.2–3.4 in diameter |
For more small presses, see our mini heat press picks.
Mistakes Cricut crafters make with sublimation
- Using a regular inkjet printer. Cricut is explicit that regular inkjet ink and toner won't sublimate. You need sublimation ink.
- Using the heat-resistant pressing sheet. Cricut says its pressing sheets aren't recommended for sublimation or Infusible Ink because of transfer and staining; use white cardstock or butcher paper.
- Reusing butcher paper. It catches stray dye that can land on your next blank.
- Pressing dark or cotton blanks with sublimation paper. Sublimation ink is transparent and needs polyester. Use Sublimation Printable Iron-On or another cotton method.
- Leaving sensor marks on the print. If you print from Design Space but don't cut, trim the corner marks or they'll transfer.
- Choosing a printer you have to convert. It can work, but a factory sublimation printer avoids warranty and color problems. Our best sublimation printers for beginners explains the difference.
How we chose
We didn't test these products ourselves. We read Cricut's Help Center instructions for Sublimation Printer Paper, Sublimation Printable Iron-On, Print Then Cut sizing and its heat presses, plus Epson, Sawgrass and Brother specifications for each printer, and weighed recurring feedback from Cricut and sublimation communities. We favored printers that print sublimation ink out of the box and Cricut supplies that solve a specific problem.
FAQ
Does Cricut make a sublimation printer?
No. Cricut sells sublimation-compatible materials, presses and blanks, but its own instructions list a separate sublimation printer with sublimation inks as something you supply. Epson, Sawgrass and Brother make the dedicated sublimation printers most Cricut crafters use.
Can I use any printer for sublimation with Cricut?
No. You need a printer filled with sublimation ink. Cricut says regular inkjet ink or toner won't work for sublimation and that its Sublimation Printer Paper isn't for laser printers. For non-sublimation inkjet printers, Cricut points you to its Printable Iron-On instead.
Which Cricut machines can Print Then Cut sublimation designs?
Cricut lists the Joy Xtra, Joy 2, all Explore machines, all Maker machines and the Venture as Print Then Cut compatible. The original Cricut Joy can cut and draw but can't Print Then Cut.
Do I need to cut sublimation paper with my Cricut?
Usually not. Sublimation only transfers where there's ink, so you can trim the sheet with scissors. Cutting helps when you want a shaped edge or are using Cricut's Sublimation Printable Iron-On, which is a vinyl-like material that has to be cut and weeded. If you print from Design Space without cutting, Cricut says to trim off the cut sensor markings first.
Can I use a Cricut EasyPress for sublimation?
Yes. Cricut lists the EasyPress, EasyPress 2, EasyPress 3, EasyPress Mini and AutoPress for its sublimation paper projects, and the EasyPress 2, 3 and SE reach 400°F (205°C). Use butcher paper, not Cricut's heat-resistant pressing sheet, which Cricut says isn't recommended for sublimation.
Is Infusible Ink the same as sublimation?
It's Cricut's own take on the same dye-transfer idea, sold as pre-printed transfer sheets, pens and markers, so you don't need a printer. Cricut says its Sublimation Printer Paper works with Infusible Ink-compatible blanks, and the Cricut Mug Press works with both Infusible Ink and sublimation mug blanks that meet its size specs.
Verdict
Since there's no Cricut sublimation printer, pair your Cricut with the Epson SureColor F170: factory ink, an 8.5-inch width that matches letter-size Print Then Cut, and wireless printing from Design Space. Choose the Sawgrass SG500 if you want legal-size layouts and a longer warranty. Add Cricut's Sublimation Printer Paper for ready-made cut settings, and its Sublimation Printable Iron-On when customers ask for cotton or dark shirts.