I have questions about Cricut & cut files please

So there's two different functions in Cricut that you are looking at: "cut" which means to cut images directly from a material (like vinyl, cardstock etc) without doing any printing. The "print and cut" feature is where you create or upload a design into Cricut's design software, print out the design on your printer, and then cut it with the Cricut. I've used both features for scrapbooking.

I would highly suggest checking out Jennifer Maker's website and YouTube channel. She has put out lots has very thorough but easy to understand, step-by-step instructions and tutorials that I found to be really helpful when I was starting out.