After ordering your printed product (digital, letterpress, foiled etc) add your custom die cutting. Order your printing and die cutting in the same size. i.e. if you order A5 printing, order A5 die cutting.
Artwork format - supplying your files
Make sure your artwork for printing is the EXACTLY THE SAME SIZE as your die line.
If your custom die shape is 85mm x 150mm, the artboard/document size must be 85mm x 150mm - not floating around on a larger page. Otherwise the artwork and the die won't match up.
If you are ordering a shape for the first time we will need 3 files:
1. Vector file with your custom die line only.
2. Mockup - 1 page pdf file with a mockup of your die cut job showing the die line superimposed on top of the print..
3. Your print ready pdf file/s with the print only, no die line.
If ordering the same shape again, we’ll only need the mockup and print file.
Die line design tips
All artwork for die lines must be vector (not a bitmapped/raster image).
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.
All lines must be SOLID lines, NO dotted or dashed lines. If your artwork has scored please set as solid green lines so we know they're to be scored.
We recommend using Illustrator to create die lines. You can't create die lines in Photoshop or Canva because these progammes only render graphics as bitmaps.
Minimum size for holes is 3mm.
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).
Please test your digital die lines with a mock up and a custom die cut sample if you're unsure of the results. This is especially important for dies involving scoring, flaps or 3D objects like boxes. We're unable to tell you whether your die line will function as intended.
Digital or traditional die cutting?
If your printed product has double-thick stock, letterpress, foiling, embossing or you want large runs then you'll need to choose traditional die cutting method as these cannot be digitally cut.
If you are not sure if your die line will work, we recommend ordering a sample first. You can always send us the artwork to check it meets our guidelines. (We can't test whether your diecut will work correctly i.e a box, a custom envelope etc. So please test your dies with a sample if you're unsure.) We can die cut most shapes, but very intricate details, or very narrow areas will not work, the stock will tear when the shape is released, or the die cut will not be accurate.
You can also test an idea for a traditional die by ordering a digital sample first 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.
For more information on digital and traditional die cutting click here!
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