Learning about the different images on Design Space - What are licensed images and how do we use them?

For those us with Cricut Design Space, we have access to a lot of images. The majority of images are free with a subscription; however, that usually does not include licensed images. Cricut has licenses with Disney, Sesame Street, Warner Brothers, and lots of other companies so that they great images for lots of your favorite characters. 

You can purchases the images separately or as part of an image pack. For us old time Cricut users, you used to be able to buy them by the cartridge (that is a blast from the past, right?) and get the entire collection based on a theme.

You can use the images for lots of different projects, such as cardmaking, scrapbooking, iron-on, vinyl projects, felt projects and so much more! 

Here are four things to keep in mind regarding licensed images:

1. Make sure that the image that you want to use will work for the type of project you want to make. There are different kinds of images such as print & cut files, images that use both cutting and drawing, and some images which are only outlines, while others have multiple layers necessary to create. For example, if you are making an image where you need to cut and draw, you may need to modify your image and/or tools to have it work for an iron-on.

2. Licensed images are generally for personal use only. You should check the rules for all the images that you buy, but generally, you are not allowed to sell anything that you make with those licensed images. That shouldn't stop you from fun and adorable personal projects for your family and friends and yourself!

3. Figure out if you are better off buying a whole set or an individual image. Individual images cost a few dollars each and an access subscription account will get you a discount. If you are looking to get a lot of different images in the same theme, it may be a better deal to get the whole set. Remember, that once you purchase an image, it is yours to keep reusing on Design Space so it may be worth getting the whole set to work on future projects.

 

4. Keep your eyes peeled for new releases and Digital Mystery Box. New sets featuring different characters, file types, and project possibilities are often released In fact, keep your eyes peeled for digital mystery boxes released by Cricut. These mystery boxes usually contain 4 sets that have a common theme, such as Disney Princesses, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or holiday sets and are only available as a group, at a reduced price, for a limited time. You only a get a preview of what all the images will be - that is the mystery part - but since the cost is less than the cost of two regular sets, if you know that you are a big fan of the theme - the mystery box could really be worth it.

Hope these tips about licensed images and image sets help you in creating some amazing projects. Can't wait to see the wonderful things you will create!