This is a questions I still receive often when it comes to the Cricut Machines, whether you are using the Original Cricut with overlays, the Gypsy, the Imagine or new Expression 2 (E2) everyone wants to know, What really is the difference between Real Dial Size or True Size and Relative Size or Layered Size (Real Dial Size off). This is a full chapter in all my DVDs because its such a common question and so I thought I’d break it down in this post for the Expression 2. It really is a pretty simple concept that once you see it you get it, so I’m showing it in multiple ways.
The number one thing you need to remember is:
When you are layering an image with the Cricut, Real Dial Size should be OFF, Relative Size is what you need to use.
Check out this video and I’ll write out a few reasons why you would use Real Dial Size:
So the next follow up question to this is, Why would I use “Real Dial/True Size”?
Let’s take a quick look at the sample page of the Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge, because this is my favorite example why:
If you take a look at this Princess her layers and accessories include very cute Princessy things, like a Tiara, Wand, a Frog etc… These items cut at Relative size will layer on top of your doll, so for example a 4″ doll will cut out a 1/2″ tiara, or wand etc (*measurements are approximate) but if you know you want a 4″ tiara or a 4″ wand to use all by itself, say for a card or scrapbook page, guessing at what size to make it while in relative mode can be very tricky. So Cricut allowed for True Size or Real Dial Size to get optimal use from your machine and cartridge images. Isn’t that cool?
So now I want to know, check out the layers of your cartridges and see what images take on new meaning knowing you can cut it alone and not as a layer, like the tiara here: What does this mean for you?
Oh and one more thing!
I thought I’d attach the Icon Legend for the Cricut Expression 2. You can download it and print it out to keep right with your Cricut instead of pulling out your handbook every time until you get comfortable remembering what is what! Hope it helps you!!
Hey Megan,
Loved the video. I don’t have the expression 2. I hope to win one soon though. I have the orginal expression and this really helped me to under stand the difference. Thanks for sharing as always you do such a great job.
Luria
I always love how you explain the cricut info. Thanks for using the Cricut Art Philosophy from Close To My Heart. Awesome cartridge. Thanks for sharing. I think I finally have it.
Happily Scrapbooking & Crafting My Memories~Sandra V
http://OhMyScraps2U.blogspot.com
P.S. Go by and check out my Pay It Forward post and my Birthday Give Away.
Great info.. cute card… Thanks
I never thought of using layer pieces as a stand alone for cards. You have just opened up a whole new world for my creativity!!! Thank you so very much. Something so simple and I never even considered it before.
I do not see how we download the above Icon Legend.
Thanks for the vidoe! They are all so helpful
Thanks so much for all of your help with the E2. I’ve been having mine since they went on sale on HSN (?) and I haven’t really used it much except with my Gypsy, because I just didn’t understand it that much. All the new icons and such… but these tutorials are making me more comfortable with it. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Megan Elizabeth… hope you’re feeling better.
Thanks so much for all of your help with the E2. I’ve been having mine since they went on sale on HSN (?) and I haven’t really used it much except with my Gypsy, because I just didn’t understand it that much. All the new icons and such… but these tutorials are making me more comfortable with it. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Megan Elizabeth… hope you’re feeling better.
I don’t see where to download the legend, either… and it would be sooo helpful!!
Thanks!
thank you thank you for the icon sheet. I right clicked and saved image as I’ll see if it works.
Simply right click and “save image as” to then open and print out anywhere you need it 🙂
Thanks for the explanation along with the demo. It is much clearer now.
Thanks for the video and especially for the icons. Some are pretty straightforward and some are not. This will be a big help. Thanks
Thanks for the information. I have the Cricut Expression. I did “understand” relative size and true size (kinda) but now with this video I totally understand it. Thanks so much!!!
LOVE IT!!
That was really helpful yet I’m trying to cut out the cupcake from the sweet tooth cartridge and I can’t the base and the top to match, please help.
Thank you for the video, it really helped me in making layered cards.
Hi can you help me I am trying to find the video -cricut expression true vs relative size- real dial
I am new to Cricut and have the Expression 2 and am so confused. I am printing out something beautiful and it comes printed with lines all through it. I have wasted so much paper trying to fix it. Any suggestions?
Your videos are very informative. Thank you!
I just bought the Expressions 2 (totally new to the cricut world!) Wondering if there is anyway/software to use the fonts on my computer with my cricut?
Thanks for the recap on the Relative vs True size. Relatively new to layering in Cricut and somehow mid-project (Winter Frolic Snowball boy) my setting was changed to True. Couldn’t figure out what happened and found your site. Saved me and my hair that I was about to tear out! Don’t know what I did that changed the setting but now I know how to “fix” it if it happens again. Thanks again!
I recently purchased the Cricut Expression 2. The main reason I bought it was to monogram gifts for my daughter and her friends using vinyl. Is the SCAL 3 software compatible with my machine?
Do you know why the cut button on my cricut expressions 2 stopped working, and is there anything I can do about it? Thanks in advance
I would contact Cricut.com Support – but I’m not sure why it would stop working! I am so sorry I don’t have awesome advice for you – I know a response from Cricut can take a bit – but thats your best bet.
I cannot figure out how to get the size of the lettering right….right now it’s at size of page …..so frustrated ,….I have e2
what marvellous help and advice on the expression 2!! my friend gave me this site as I needed help. i am 78 yrs. old and just bought the machine two weeks ago and the book that came with it was the wrong one. The advice on your site has helped me so much more than reading the whole book I have!!! Thank you so much!
Bless you!
Liz Baird