FAQs About Cricut Cartridge

 

1. What is a Cricut cartridge?
A Cricut cartridge is a physical (plastic) module that contains a library of designs, fonts, and shapes. Older Cricut machines required inserting cartridges to access designs. 

2. Can I use Cricut cartridges with newer machines (Explore, Maker, etc.)?
Yes — you can link physical cartridges to your Cricut Design Space account (on desktop) so their content becomes available digitally.

3. How do I link a cartridge in Design Space?
On a Windows or Mac (not via mobile), go to Design Space → Settings → Machines → Link Cartridges. Insert the cartridge (or use a cartridge adapter) and click “Link Cartridge” when it’s detected. 

4. Can cartridges be linked more than once / re-linked?
No — cartridges can only be linked once. If it was purchased used and already linked by someone else, it may not be linkable to your account.

5. What is the Universal Overlay and do I need it?
For cartridges released after August 1, 2013, they don’t come with their own overlay. You need a Universal Keypad Overlay to use them on older machines with keypad overlays.
The universal overlay works across new cartridges, but it is not compatible with older-style cartridges that used their own overlays.

6. Does this cartridge require a Universal Keypad Overlay?
Many product listings (e.g. “Cricut Mini Seasonal Shape Cartridge”) include the note:
 “Requires Cricut Universal Keypad Overlay – 2002230 sold separately?” CraftOnline

7. Will I get the overlay included with the cartridge?
Some product notes hint that newer cartridges may not include the overlay and assume buyers have or will purchase the universal overlay separately. CraftOnline+1

8. What is included in the cartridge package (images, handbook, etc.)?
Listings like “Cricut Project Shape Cartridge – Anna Griffin Winter Wonderland” mention that it “contains one cartridge and one handbook” with up to 50 images, including layers and features. CraftOnline

9. Are there any special compatibility considerations (legacy / machine type)?
The product description for “Mini Seasonal Shape Cartridge” mentions that the cartridge was designed for Cricut Create and Cricut Expression machines. CraftOnline

10. Does the seller ship internationally / outside Australia?
While not always explicitly stated on every product page, the general site header includes "FREE SHIPPING for orders over $99 in Australia; under $99 shipping $9.99 (in Australia)”. This implies domestic (Australian) shipping policies are prioritised.