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
What files do I need to supply for die-cut products?
Answer
Die-cut products are built from two separate files that work together: one carries the artwork, and one tells the cutter where to slice. Supplying both keeps your shape crisp and stops the blade from clipping your design.
- Full color file: your complete, print-ready artwork with all graphics, text, and backgrounds extended into the bleed.
- Black mask (cut) file: a solid black silhouette on a transparent or white background that marks the exact outline where the die cut is made.
| File | What it contains | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Color file | Design, images, text, bleed | What prints |
| Black mask file | Solid black cut shape | Where it cuts |
Line the two files up on the same page size and origin so the cut lands exactly where you expect. Keep important text and logos at least 0.125 inches inside the cut line to leave room for shifting during trimming.
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