Die Cuts

Die Line

A die line is not required in your artwork if you are ordering a standard shape, such as business cards with square corners, or 4 x round corners at 3mm radius.

Standard rectangle shapes require a die cut line. Simply change the document/canvas size of your artwork to the custom rectangle size.

Vector Artwork

We need a PDF artwork file to create a new die, no larger than 90x55mm.  Your PDF artwork may contain both your artwork for printing (including vector and bitmaps), and the line for your die-cut, which must be a vector line.

Custom Die Line

To make the shape of your die-cut, draw a vector line around the edge. Give the die line a stroke weight of 1pt or less, and a custom spot colour called “Die Cut” so that it does not print.  If there are several shapes that form the die line, combine them in a compound path.

Simple Shapes

Keep your die-cut shape relatively simple, and avoid complex and detailed shapes.  Ensure that every part of your printing is attached to the rest of the printing, unless you want that part to fall off.  Keep in mind how practical your custom shape will be, and if jagged edges will cause damage to your printing if it catches on other objects.

Registration

Keep in mind that all trimming (including die-cuts) can shift up to 1mm from your intended position.  Use bleeds and margins so that if your bleed line does shift slightly, your design will still work.

Flip the back side

Remember that the back side of your business cards will have the reverse shape to the front side.  This is particularly important if your die-cut shape is asymmetrical.  We don’t need a die line on the back side, but you do need to place your artwork in the appropriate position.