Yes, you can design and create custom scratch-off cards using Canva and Cricut by pairing your printed designs with pre-made peel-and-stick scratch-off stickers.
While Cricut machine software handles the precise cutting of your card bases, Canva offers the easiest templates to lay out your hidden prize text and background graphics perfectly.
Creating DIY scratch-off cards at home is a popular, cost-effective method for holiday gifts, small business packaging inserts, teacher reward systems, and personalized event favors.
Don't have the time or desire to create your own? We Got You!
The Best Software Tools for DIY Scratch-Offs
To get professional-looking results without the mess of scratch-off paint, crafters rely on a simple two-part software strategy:
- Canva (For Layout & Design): Use Canva to design the visual card face. You will create the background art, your company logo placement, and type the exact text or discount code that will eventually be hidden.
- Cricut Design Space (For Cutting & Precision): If you are making dozens of cards, upload your Canva designs into Cricut Design Space. Use the Print Then Cut feature to perfectly cut out individual card shapes like business cards, circles, or custom gift tags.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Scratch-Offs with Canva & Cricut
Follow this simple tutorial to assemble your own custom cards at home using professional peel-and-stick stickers:
Step 1: Design Your Base Layout in Canva
- Create a new blank canvas matching your desired card dimensions (e.g., standard business card dimensions of 3.5" x 2").
- Add your background graphics, brand colors, and instructional text (such as "Scratch here to reveal your prize!").
- Type your hidden text, coupon code, or variation prize directly in the center. Crucial tip: Ensure the hidden text box is slightly smaller than the physical size of the scratch-off sticker you plan to use.
Step 2: Transfer to Cricut Design Space
- Save your Canva project as a high-resolution PNG file with a transparent background.
- Open Cricut Design Space, start a new project, and click Upload Image.
- Select Complex Image, keep the background transparent, and save it as a Print Then Cut image asset.
- Drop the design onto your canvas grid and scale the dimensions to match your original Canva file exactly.
Step 3: Print and Cut Your Cards
- Send the project to your home printer through Cricut’s print dialogue screen. Pro-tip: Use heavy cardstock paper (80lb to 110lb) so the cards feel sturdy.
- Place the printed sheet onto your Cricut cutting mat, select your heavy cardstock material setting, and let the machine cut out the individual card shapes.
Step 4: Apply the Peel-and-Stick Scratch-Off Stickers
- Once your cards are printed and cut, simply peel a pre-made scratch-off sticker off its backing sheet.
- Align the sticker directly over the hidden prize text area on your card and press down firmly.
- Your custom, mess-free scratch-off card is instantly ready to use!
Essential Sizing Chart for DIY Scratch-Off Stickers
To ensure your Canva text doesn't peek out from behind the edges of your sticker, use this quick reference sizing guide when setting up your design canvas:
| Popular Sticker Shape & Size | Ideal Canva Text Area Limit | Perfect DIY Project Match |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Inch Round Circle | Keep text under 0.75 inches | Coin-sized reveals, reward charts, standard prize circles |
| 2-Inch x 1-Inch Rectangle | Keep text under 1.75" x 0.75" | Promo discount codes, text-heavy reveals, password cards |
| 2-Inch Heart Shape | Keep text under 1.25 inches (centered) | Valentine's Day cards, gender reveals, anniversary gifts |
Skip the Mess: Get Professional Peel-and-Stick Stickers
The secret to a perfect DIY scratch-off card is using professional-grade stickers that scratch cleanly without tearing your cardstock underneath. Instead of mixing messy acrylic paint and dish soap at home, use ready-to-peel stickers that come in silver, gold, holographic, and other colors.
Ready to bring your creative designs to life? Check out our complete collection of DIY Scratch-Off Stickers to find the exact shape, size, and color for your next Canva or Cricut project!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: What Cricut setting should I use to cut my cardstock?
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A: For a standard 80lb to 110lb cardstock base, use the "Heavy Cardstock" or "Medium Cardstock" setting in Cricut Design Space. If you notice your edges are fraying, try switching your pressure setting to "More" or ensure you are using a clean, sharp fine-point blade.
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Q: How do I export my Canva design so it imports perfectly into Cricut Design Space?
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A: When your design is complete in Canva, click Share > Download and choose PNG or PDF Print format. For the "Print Then Cut" feature in Cricut, a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background (if you have Canva Pro) or a high-quality JPEG works best to keep your graphics crisp.
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Q: Will standard printer ink smudge under the scratch-off sticker?
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A: No, standard inkjet or laser printer ink will not smudge, provided you let the ink dry completely before applying the sticker. We recommend waiting 5 to 10 minutes after printing your cards before peeling and sticking your scratch-off overlays.
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Q: What should I do if my text is slightly too large for the sticker?
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A: Always err on the side of making your hidden text smaller than the sticker size. If you’ve already printed your cards and the text is slightly peeking out, you can choose a larger sticker size or use a bold, dark colored border around the text box in Canva to camouflage the edges.
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About the Author Hi, I’m Karen — founder of My Scratch Offs. After 17+ years helping businesses and individuals create memorable scratch-off experiences, I’m excited to share practical tips, ideas, and inspiration right here.
