If you ever get the “Pen Incompatible” error in Design Space, don’t worry! It’s an easy fix.


This error is fairly rare, but it happens sometimes with older images or projects. In previous versions of Design Space, we didn’t have the ability to choose different types of pens, only the ability to select a color. So, images and projects created before this change may not have any pen selected.
You’ll see a question mark next to the Linetype drop down menu. Click on that and select any color (it doesn’t matter which one). This will resolve the error.
Check out this post if you need more help with draw/write then cut.
If you want to know how to keep from writing in an outline, read this post.
Happy crafting!
Gosh thank you !
Thank you so much!!!!
Thank you. I searched on how to fix this error and your instructions were very helpful. Thanks so much!!
Omg I’ve been struggling with this error code I just freaking love you right now thank you for saving everyone and my self lol
Glad I could help! 🙂
Hi, I’m using design space on my iPhone. How can I fix this on my iPhone? Thanks in advance
Tap Edit, tap the where is says “Draw” over Linetype, and then select a color.
Perfect! Thanks!
Ahhh! Thank you so much! This error was driving me insane!
Thank you so much for your help!
Amazing I’ve been trying to do this for hours Thanku
Thanks so much!