Some fonts come with amazing extra features like swirls, curls, even icons. These special features can add that extra touch to your design and are created to work perfectly with the font. However, accessing these extra features has been something that leaves crafters questing. Today we are going to learn how you get these special characters and glyphs to work in Cricut Design Space.
What Are Glyphs and Special Characters?
Glyphs and special characters are decorative elements, alternate versions of letters or symbols that come with some fonts. Not all fonts come with this, but in script fonts it’s common to see swashes or flourishes, alternate letter shapes, ligatures (connected letters), or even symbols or icons (like hearts, stars, arrows). Depending how the font has been created, it may have all of these features, some of them, or none of them. Fonts with glyphs are usually sold with previews showing their extras so you know what you are getting before purchasing. When installing your font, you may have both the OTF and TTF files. To gain access to the full range of what your font has to offer, opt for the OTF file. This is because the TTF file doesn’t have as much capability as the OTF does.
Can Cricut Design Space Use Glyphs?
Yes, you can use all your font’s glyphs in Cricut Design Space. However, you do need to jump through a few hoops in order to be able to use them. Design Space doesn’t have a built-in glyph viewer, meaning you can’t preview any of the extra features when using the app—only the standard font itself.
But the good news is you can copy and paste the glyphs in from the Character Map on Windows or the Font Book on Mac. While this does seem like a bit of messing about, the results you get from using these features are well worth it. The special features have been designed perfectly to work with the font, giving you perfect outcomes.
How to Use Glyphs in Cricut Design Space
Step 1: Install the OTF Version of Your Font
Download and install the .OTF (OpenType) file if available. This ensures you have access to all glyphs and special features.
Step 2: Open Character Map / Font Book
For Windows
- Click the Windows Start button
- Search for and open Character Map
- Check “Advanced View”
- Select your font from the dropdown list
- Scroll to find the glyph you want
For Mac
- Open Font Book
- Select your installed font
- Go to View > Repertoire (or press Command + Option + T)
- Browse the glyphs
Step 3: Copy the Glyph
- Click the glyph
- Click “Select”
- Then click “Copy”
Step 4: Paste Into Cricut Design Space
- Open Cricut Design Space
- Use the Text Tool to create a new text box
- Paste the glyph using Ctrl + V
FAQ
Do I need Cricut Access to use glyphs?
No. You can use any font installed on your computer—even free or purchased fonts with glyphs—without a Cricut Access subscription.
Why can’t I see the glyphs in Cricut Design Space?
Cricut doesn’t display them in the font panel. You must copy and paste them from previews like the Character Map or Font Book.
Can I use glyphs on mobile or iPad?
Glyphs aren’t easily supported using mobiles or iPads. For the best results, use a laptop or computer.