Get your car noticed with custom vinyl window decals made using your Cricut! Learn to upload images in Cricut Design Space and cut them with ease.
Have you seen those vinyl stickers or car decals that people put on the back window? They are fun and a great way to share your passion or personality.
It can be your family in stick figures, your favorite football team mascot, or my husband's true love, bass fishing.
My husband has been telling me that he wants his own car decal for the back window of his truck for a while, and I thought that I might as well teach you how to do it too!
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Save Image and Upscale
If a big-mouth bass isn't your thing, you can turn any cut image into a window decal using the Premium Outdoor Glossy Vinyl.
Pick a premade image from Cricut Design Space or I'll share how to upload and create a personalized car decal.
Find that perfect image by doing a Google search, or I found mine on Pinterest. There are millions to choose from but the simpler the image the better it transfers to a cut file.
*Images found online can only be used for personal use. Most images have copyright and you may be fined for selling copies of those designs.
Save the image to your computer or device by right-clicking on the image.
Images uploaded into Cricut Design Space must be high quality; otherwise, lines will be fuzzy and pixelated.
To upscale the image, go to imgupscaler.com.
This is a free image upscaling site.
Drag and drop the image saved and click start.
When the file is done, tap download to save it to the computer. The image is now a higher quality.
Cricut Design Space
Open a new project and select the button on the bottom left sidebar, that says Upload.
Select Upload Image and drag and drop the upscaled image on the next page.
This next page is where I change the image into a cut file.
Change the Color Tolerance to 150, I think I get cleaner lines on this setting.
Make sure Select is highlighted and tap the white areas of the image.
When the white pieces are removed there is a checkered background in its place.
To check the design and make sure all of the white sections are cleared, toggle the Preview Single Layer switch.
This is what the cut will look like.
I can see that I missed the white in a couple of fins. Turn the switch off, remove those sections, and then toggle again.
The design looks correct, so I select Apply & Continue.
This screen asks what I want to do with the design. The single layer is a cut file, and a flat graphic is print and cut.
I am cutting so I highlight Single Layer and tap on Continue.
Name the new cut file, add tags to make it easier to find, and tap on Upload.
The design is now ready to be resized and cut.
Select the green button that says Make and follow the prompts to cut the image out of Cricut Premium Glossy Vinyl.
Vinyl Prep
Carefully weed the design by removing the excess vinyl with a weeding tool.
Apply a piece of Transfer Tape on top of the cut vinyl. The Transfer tape will help you place the vinyl without letting any of the pieces stretch or move out of place.
Apply the Decal
Clean the area with glass cleaner where the sticker decal will be placed.
Then go over the area once again with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, debris, or excess grease.
Peel the backing paper off the adhesive vinyl, going slowly to ensure all parts of the vinyl are released from the sheet.
To apply the vinyl, start at one end or corner and lay the vinyl down in a rolling motion across the glass surface.
This will help ensure even placement and minimal air bubbles.
Go over the entire design with the Scraper Tool and push out any bubbles from underneath the vinyl car decal.
Peel back the Transfer Tape and the new decal has been applied.
Look at that happy face, he is so excited about his new car decal!
Frequently Asked Questions:
The best vinyl to use is Permanent Glossy Vinyl when applying decals to outside windows. This permanent adhesive vinyl is "more sticky" and is ideal for outdoor use.
But don't worry, it can still be removed by peeling up the edges. If there is any residue, use Goo Gone is my favorite adhesive remover.
If you want more temporary car stickers, the best option is Cricut Removable Vinyl. It will still work great, but may not last as long.
Yes, you can still wash permanent vinyl on glass, although it may last longer if you handwash instead of going through a carwash.
You can cut your own vinyl decals on any machine, whether you have a Cricut Maker, a Cricut Explore Air, or Cricut Joy, you can cut window decals but with the different machines, there are different size limits.
Crafting Essentials
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily my favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
mary
What a great idea! How have I not thought of doing this yet?
Katie
ha ha! Thanks, Mary!
Don
I just bought my wife a Cricut Explore Air 2 and I'm trying to use the Design Space however I'm not getting the same pages your are. The step where you select "simple" that page does not come up neither does the step where you select the area. It comes up directly into the design space. Now with that being said I'm not using a googled image I'm using an image I converted to .svg, maybe that changes things a bit? Basically it's the logo for our business. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Katie
Hi Don, Cricut Design Space has recently updated within the last month. so that is why the programs look different. Sorry for the confusion. I'm sorry but I'm not understanding what you are trying to do. Are you wanting to cut the logo out with vinyl, create a stencil or a printable? The steps for all of the actions are different.
Lora
Don,
The reason yours isn't making you do those steps is because it is a vector file already. You can do whatever you need or want to the layers without needing to alter it.
Elizabeth
Hello Katie, What kind of Vinyl do you used for the car decal?
Katie
I used Cricut Premium Outdoor Glossy Vinyl. Here is my affiliate link: http://shrsl.com/?hzni It works great and so far has had no peeling or bubbling!
ELIZABETH
Katie, Thank you very much .
Lori
What would you store your vinyl on if you were giving out the decals at an event?
Katie Adams
I would place the transfer tape on top and hand them out that way. So all they have to do is remove the vinyl carrier sheet, apply, and discard the transfer tape.
Audra
Do you know if this would hold up during a cold Minnesota winter?
Katie
It's hard to say exactly, I can't find exact temperature specifications but it is rated to last 6 years on an outdoor surface.
Becca
Katie -
If I am doing one with lettering, will I need to mirror the image before cutting? Making window decals for our farm and I don't want to waste vinyl with a mistake. Thanks!
Katie
Great question Becca! You do not need to mirror the cut for regular vinyl. You only mirror the cut when using iron-on or heat transfer vinyl.
Kelly
Katie - Is there a way to make vinyls with the cricut explore air 2 that you can stick to interior windows that will read correctly from the outside? I have a boutique and am needing vinyls for our storefront windows. Thank you!
Katie
Yes there is Kelly. When cutting there is an option to mirror the cut. This will cut it backward. You would then be able to place the vinyl to an inside window and have it readable from the outside. Thanks for the great question!
Donna
Hi sweetie I'm new to the Cricut I have an Impressions or Expressions that I haven't used yet. What vinyl do you recommend that is not permanent but I can use for window decals on vehicles? I want it to stay on but I can't use permanent! I have tons of oracal 651 and I was told do not use that unless I'm making signs for outside LOL! Thanks Donna
Katie
Hi Donna, No Vinyl is permanent and can all be removed. Cricut actually has an outdoor vinyl that is perfect for outdoor signs and car window decals. It is more sticky then regular vinyl but can still be removed. http://shrsl.com/hzni (affiliate)
Wesley
Can you make car vinyl stickers with the cricut explorer one
Katie
Yes, you can Wesley, just make sure that you use the outdoor vinyl.
Jessica Borron
Hi, I’m having issues when I use the premium glossy outdoor vinyl as I cannot get it to stick to my transfer tape. I have tried several different brands including the cricket brand and I cannot get the vinyl to lift. I made sure that the settings on my cricket we’re set to premium outdoor glossy vinyl And I am still having issues. Any ideas or recommendations for me? Thank you
Katie
Jessica, do you have a Scraper Tool? (http://shrsl.com/11ybw) Remove the backing paper from the transfer tape and when you lay the transfer tape over the vinyl, press it down really good with the sticky side of the transfer tape to the top of the vinyl. When you pull the transfer tape up, the vinyl should stick to the transfer tape and life off of the original paper backing of the vinyl. Just like a big a sticker.
Jessica
Yes, I use that tool and have literally spent hours trying to get it to stick. I made a bunch of decals for my aunt for her son who passed away and just couldn’t get the stinking vinyl to stick. Some letter would after tons and tons of rubbing but it was so time consuming!
Katie
That is so strange, I am so sorry Jessica. You should contact Cricut because you have gotten a faulty roll of transfer tape. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
Teresa
Have you tried using window cling vinyl? Would that work for a car sticker?
Katie
Great question Teresa! I have never used the window cling vinyl myself but I don't see why it wouldn't work as a car sticker! Good thinking!
Kristi
Hi katie, i am trying to understand your post, seems like there is a step missing. You go from designing it on the computer, to cutting it out. So my question is, how do you print it? How does it get off the computer and onto the vinyl?
Katie
Hi Kristi, I am so sorry I confused you. The design isn't printed at all. Instead, the Cricut cuts image out of vinyl. Then it is just a big sticker. Please let me know if you have further questions. I am happy to help.
Amber
Hello,
I noticed you used permanent vinyl. I am curious how it’s held up over the past couple years and if you removed it was it difficult
Katie
Hi Amber! This decal has been on our truck since May of 2017 and it is still looking great!
Kristina Smith
Hey, I know this isn't a big deal in this particular case, but please be careful when suggesting taking images from Google. It's fine for one-off, personal things like this obviously. But images on Google can be copyrighted, which can lead into trouble if anyone tries to monetize the image they swiped by turning it into decals, stickers, etc.
Katie
Thank you for that great reminder, Kristina. I have added a little disclaimer. *Images found online are fine for personal use, BUT most images will have a copyright and you will be in violation if you use them in any way for personal gain.*
Gail walraed
Hi
I want to make decals for patio door so people know they are there and don’t try to walk thru Them
Can I make the decals for the patio door the same way
If not how would I make ones for the patio doors and what material would I use
Thanks
Katie
That is such a great idea Gail! Yes, you can make them in the exact same way.
John Smith
Thanks for sharing such information, you simplified the whole process in very informative steps.
BETTY STROHBEHN
I have a great granddaughter who likes to stick items and re arranging them. What kind of material would cling, not permanent and would hold up to multiple times of removing and re applied.?
Katie
I would recommend using Cricut Window Cling Material. You can find it here via my affiliate link (http://shrsl.com/22mpg). It can be used over and over again and stick to glass,
Teri
Do you have a tutorial where I can make a decal that has more than 1 color in it?
Katie
I do not currently but I will add it to the list. Thanks for the great idea, Teri!
KD
In this decal-what is the smallest line width? I'm looking to do an outline of a shape like you have here but can't find a suggested minimum line width anywhere!
Katie
Great question KD! I can't find an official specific minimum for line width on the Cricut website. But I did find this article and a person shows an example of the design they created and the line width. I hope this helps.
https://www.reddit.com/r/cricut/comments/agn5j8/how_small_can_you_go/