How to set up artwork for my custom die cut shape

• Instructions for Custom Die Cut Shape Signage & Posters
• Instructions for Custom Die Cut Shape Stickers & Labels

Die lines must be Vector designs created in Adobe Illustrator or InDesign (or similar software) NOT bitmap files like Photoshop. Please check your PDF meets our guidelines before ordering.

Start here:

• Decide on the size of your die cut shape
• Make your document / artboard the EXACT SIZE OF THE DIE LINE

For example, if your custom die cut shape is 85x150mm your document / artboard must be 85x150mm - not floating around on a larger page. Otherwise, the artwork and the die won't match up. 

Correct: Your document is exactly the same size as your die line shape.	Incorrect: Your document is a different size, and your die line shape is 'floating around'.

Make your die line & artwork match:

Supply 3 PDFs

• Die line
• Artwork design with no die line
• Mock up showing your design with the die line in position

1. Place your design on the correctly sized document. (If your design goes to the edge add 3mm bleed on each side and extend your design into the bleed).

   Add the die line - SAVE AS 'MOCK UP'

    

2. Delete the die line - SAVE AS 'ARTWORK'

    

3. Reopen the Mock Up, delete the artwork - SAVE AS 'DIE LINE'

Custom Die Cut Rules

• Your die lines must be vector (not a bitmapped/raster image).
• All lines must be solid lines, no dotted or dashed lines.
• The outline of the die must create a closed shape, which means if you create the shape using multiple lines they must be joined at the anchor points. 
• Minimum size for holes or cut outs is 3mm
• If your artwork has scores please set as solid cyan / blue lines so we know they're to be scored. Scoring is not as deep/crisp when digitally die cut. Consider upgrading to a traditional die which has superior scoring.
• 1 shape per die line ordered.

Types of Die Cutting

Depending on the complexity of your shape, the thickness of your paper or card, and the chosen print method dictates the kind of die cutting required. Please familiarise yourself before ordering.

Digital die cutting 

Is performed by converting a vector (Illustrator) die line into a format our digital die cutting machine recognises. A laser-guided knife tool then cuts out the die cut shape.

Best for:

• Digital printing only
• Single thickness stocks
• All colours of paper & card
• Simple die cut shapes
• Small quantities
• Samples to test a design before committing to a more expensive traditional die.

Laser Die Cutting

Laser Die Cutting uses precision lasers guided by computer software that can create more detailed and intricate shapes.

Best for:

• Digital printing only
• Single thickness stocks
• Coloured and dark stocks (some edge colour on white or light colours)
• Complex die cut shapes^

• Small quantities and samples

  ^Complex shapes may not be suitable for or to be upgraded to a traditional die. We will contact you if your order contains a die that’s too complex for this die cutting method.

Learn more about Laser Die Cutting.

Traditional Die Cutting

Thin, razor-sharp steel blades are formed into specific shapes. Ours are mounted into wood which is then carefully fixed into the chase of our press. Each sheet of paper or card is pressed between the die and the platen, punching the shape out with a crisp clean edge. They're similar in effect to cookie cutters!

Best for:

• All printing methods including letterpress, hot foil or embossing
• Single, double or even triple thick stocks!
• Simple die cut shapes
• Crisp scoring
• Larger quantities

Good to Know

• Not all stocks are suitable for scoring (to check what stocks are suitable for scoring go to a scored printed product in The Printery and view the stock options).

   

• If you're not sure if your die line will work as intended We highly recommend testing your die line with a mockup at home and a custom die cut sample.

  You can always send us the artwork to check it meets our guidelines, but we can't test whether your die cut will work correctly i.e. a box, a custom envelope etc. We're unable to tell you whether your die line will function as intended.

   

• Intricate shapes (Laser only) We can die cut most shapes, but very complex shapes are not suitable for traditional die cutting. We can advise you before placing your order if your dieline is suitable.

   

• Testing before investing You can also test an idea for a traditional die by ordering a digital sample before investing in a physical die. This is crucial if you're unsure of the results of your die or whether your die line will function as intended.

   

• Reording the same shape but a different size If you've ordered the same custom shape before - but your new die is a different size then you must order a NEW die. (For example a custom oval shape in A6 and the new custom oval shape is A5, or ordering the die cut shape for a printed flat card and then again for large format printing.)

  Any changes made to an existing die line no longer makes it existing but now a new custom die line.

Related articles:

What are the minimum and maximum sizes you can print and trim to?

Traditional, Digital or Laser Die Cutting. What's the Difference?

How to order custom digital or traditional die cutting