If you are brand new to Cricut, the Explore Air 2 is one of the most popular machines to start with, and for good reason. But what does it actually do? Let's break it down in plain language so you know exactly what you are getting.
It Cuts Over 100 Materials
At its heart, the Explore Air 2 is a precise cutting machine. It slices through more than 100 materials, including the ones most crafters reach for every day:
- Vinyl for decals, labels, and wall art
- Iron-on (heat transfer vinyl) for custom shirts and bags
- Cardstock and paper for cards and party decor
- Faux leather, felt, and craft foam
It Writes and Draws
Pop a Cricut pen into the accessory clamp and the machine writes and draws for you. It is perfect for addressing envelopes, adding hand-lettered touches to cards, or creating coloring pages.
It Scores Fold Lines
With a scoring stylus, the Explore Air 2 presses neat fold lines into paper, which makes 3D projects like boxes, envelopes, and pop-up cards crisp and professional.
The Smart Set Dial
One feature beginners love is the Smart Set dial on the front of the machine. Turn it to your material, such as vinyl or cardstock, and the machine automatically sets the right blade pressure. No guessing required.
Pro tip: The Explore Air 2 has Bluetooth, so you can cut wirelessly from a phone, tablet, or laptop without fussing with a cable. Just keep your device close to the machine.
What It Cannot Do
The Explore Air 2 is not built to cut very thick materials like wood or to cut fabric without a backing. Those jobs are the specialty of the Cricut Maker. For most crafters, though, the Explore handles everything they need.
In short, the Explore Air 2 cuts, writes, and scores a huge range of everyday craft materials with beginner-friendly ease. It is a versatile, dependable machine that will keep up with your creativity for years.