With Apple moving to its own proprietary processor – the M1 – after years of using Intel chips in its iMac and MacBook computers, Mac users are asking for clarification…Will legacy software and apps like Cricut Design Space work on the new generation of Macs? Is the Cricut compatible with M1 Mac processors?
Happily, the answer is yes.
With every new M1 Mac sold, Apple has included software called Rosetta 2, which will update the compatibility of apps originally programmed for old Intel Macs so they run on new M1 Macs.
The question of Cricut Design Space compatibility with M1 was first asked on Reddit forum r/cricut. Many users were able to confirm that Design Space was working normally on new Mac machines running the Big Sur OS. Some users reported that they were having connectivity issues between their Cricut machines and their computers. But, most reported that the problems had been eventually resolved.
I have recently upgraded from a Mac Pro running OSX 10.15 (Mojave) to an M1 Mac mini running macOS 12 (Monterey), and the installation of Design Space was easy and without any surprises.
Video: How to install Design Space on a M1 Mac
Should Cricut users be taking any precautions before upgrading Macs? Your projects should be ready for you when you log in on a new Mac. (As long as you have your password to Design Space)
Similarly, if you are an M1 Mac user curious about a new Cricut machine, don’t worry about any compatibility. The Rosetta code resolves any conflict between the original software and the new M1 chip.
One important thing to note, as of June 2021, not all new Mac computers sold have the M1chip. Currently, the Macbook Air and Pro 13″ have the chip installed, while the 16″ MacBook pro still has an Intel processor.
Similarly, the iMac 24″ and Mac Mini have M1 processors, but the 27″ iMac and Mac Pro are still running Intel.
(The iPad pro also runs the M1 processor. The rest of the iPad family is run by Apple A14/A12 Bionic chip.
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Is Silhouette software compatible with M1 Macs?
Silhouette users can breathe the same sigh of relief when loading Silhouette Studio onto a new iMac or MacBook. Silhouette’s design software will run normally on new Macs with the M1 processor and the Big Sur OS 11.
Hello,
Do you know if there is a fix for the Cricut Design Space v6.13.344 on a MacBook Air 13″ M1 running Big Sur 11.6?
We have been having issues with this. Reinstalled Cricut Design Space over and over. Followed all the steps that Cricut customer support suggested. Thanks in advance.
Hi Jamie. So sorry to hear about your problems with Design Space!
Many people seem to be experiencing problems after the latest update (across many different platforms, including PC). I have a Mac Pro running Mojave and the update was no problem on this machine.
Can you describe what the problem is on your Mac, and what steps you’ve gotten from Cricut Support to try and fix the issue?
I have MacBook Air with M2 chip running Sequoia 15.6.1 and cannot get cricut design space to run at all. As soon as I open it within 30 seconds it freezes and I can’t use anything. Then I get the error message and send a report to apple. I’ve uninstalled reinstalled, cleared cricut cache and nothing has helped. I’ve had no issues up to this point. Something changed and I don’t know what it is. An update of some sort but from what? Apple or cricut. Regardless I’m so upset as I have a completely useless set up atm. Please help?
Hi Christine,
First of all, I’m so sorry you’re having such a frustrating time. It sounds like you have followed the instructions I’ve laid out in my article about clearing the DS cache.
Design Space is currently undergoing a big set of updates that are causing a lot of unintended consequences for users. If you get DS working, I strongly recommend using the Live version (not the Beta version) going forward.
Here’s the best advice I can offer today:
– Quit Design Space and uninstall the app. Drag the icon from the Applications folder to the trash bin and empty the trash.
– Delete any Cricut zip folders or DMG files you’ve previously downloaded from the Cricut website to reinstall the app (empty the trash again)
– Delete the hidden .cricut-design-space folder in the Home directory of your Mac (in the Finder menu, got to Go > Home). Press Command + Shift + the period key to see the hidden folders. Empty the trash again
– Delete your web browser cache
– Restart your computer
– Download a fresh version of Design Space from https://design.cricut.com. Don’t use a previously downloaded version
– Log in with your username and password
If the problem happens again, repeat these steps and try downloading a new DS installation from a different browser (ie if you use Safari, download using Chrome).
If you get freeze screen again and the “report problem to Apple” message, save the message and comment back.
Good luck! – Ian