Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
How to setup my file for Die-Cutting?
Answer
Setting up a die-cut order takes two files, submitted together: your printed artwork and a separate file that defines the cut line. Keeping them separate lets the printer align the cut precisely against your design.
- Artwork file: your full-color design built in CMYK
- Die-cut file: the cut path drawn as vector line art, saved as an EPS or PDF
- Alignment: keep both files the same size and position so the cut registers correctly
Add a 1/8 inch bleed on the artwork and keep key text safely inside the cut line so nothing gets trimmed.
A few more points keep the cut clean:
- PDF, AI, EPS and SVG all work as vector die line formats.
- Draw the cut as one clean vector path rather than many overlapping segments.
- Some printers ask for the cut shape as a solid black mask file instead of a line, so check the product's file guidelines.
- Export the artwork at 300 DPI or higher.
- RGB and Pantone colors are converted to CMYK, so expect slight color shifts.
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