CRICUT: Let's talk about linking

There is so much confusion around about linking Cricut cartridges. The same questions keep being asked on the Official Cricut Facebook page.  So I thought I'd try and make some sense of it for anyone still wondering...

There are three ways we can link our cartridges to our Cricut account:
  • To a Gypsy

  • Through Cricut Craft Room (CCR)

  • Through Cricut Design Space 
You only have to link your cartridges using one of the above methods. If you link via Cricut Craft Room or Design Space those carts will automatically be available in both programs. 

If, however, you link your cartridges using a Gypsy there is an extra step you need to do to make them available in Cricut Craft Room and Cricut Design Space.

This step can only be done using Cricut Craft Room.


If you've never used Cricut Craft Room here is the link to download it. (Click the image below.)

If you have Windows 8.1 make sure you click that download option when you get to the download page. The "Download for PC" is for operating systems prior to Windows 8.1 (including Windows 8.0)


Once you have CCR installed.....
  • Connect your Gypsy to your computer with the USB cable
  • Open Cricut Craft Room

  • Click on the Options Menu and select Link Gypsy




You will see this message box





  • Power on your Gypsy

Once the Gypsy is detected the message box will change to this. (Your Gypsy's serial number will show.)



You have two choices at this point.

  • If you want to upload the cartridges from your Gypsy so they are available in Cricut Craft Room and Design Space click the Uplink button.


  • If you want to download the cartridges that are linked to your cricut.com account so they are available on your Gypsy press the Sync button.


If you need to do both (because you have some carts linked to your Gypsy and some to your cricut.com account) it doesn't matter which order you do them in.

Once everything is up to date, it's easier to select one method of linking any future cartridges (Gypsy vs CCR vs CDS). You'll then only have to do one of the above syncing methods instead of both.

Remember... linking is permanent! Once a cartridge is linked to your account (regardless of which method you chose) it cannot be unlinked or linked to another account.