When preparing custom die cut stickers in Adobe Illustrator, it is important to observe these factors closely – cut lines which are not adhered to design would possibly mean the finished product would not be exactly what it was envisioned. These lines are utilized by the cutting machine to cut stickers that resemble the intended artwork accurately. Adding cut lines to stickers is a simple process that helps avoid scenarios where the design does not match the physical product.
In this article, we will demonstrate the procedures for including cut lines in custom die cut stickers designs so the readers can make the same type in the future.
Cut lines, also referred to as cut contours, are defined as the path or a line in this case which is performed by a cutting device to slice out a particular shape from a larger sheet of material. These lines will always differ from the rest of the design; however, they need to be very much clearly defined to avoid any mix-up during the stage of cutting.
Being able to draw these cut lines is one of the most important features any sticker designer must know as it has a direct link to the quality and visibility of the end product.
Start by creating a new document after launching Adobe Illustrator. You need to pay attention to the dimensions of the art board, which should match the size of the die cut custom stickers that you are making. A standard template can be selected or a custom size can also be specified. The proper color mode should also be selected, use CMYK for instance for print projects. This configuration will provide the necessary design requirements for the expected output.
Now that your document is set up, you may go ahead and design the custom sticker with cut outs. Create the desired artwork using the shape tools, pen tool, and other Illustrator features. Keep in mind the nature of your design; if it is very complex, you should anticipate the addition of cut lines to be more complicated.
What you need to do is concentrate on coming up with an attractive sticker design that is also functional and meets your requirements while factoring in the cutting process.
It is necessary to select a color that is different from the colors used in the design when adding cut lines. For cut lines, it is recommended to use a bright color such as magenta or one that is not included in the artwork features. This difference in colors makes it easy for you and the cutting equipment to recognize the cut lines. It should be remembered that the cut lines should not be integrated into the design, but instead, they should be read separately so there is no mix-up.
Cut lines are designed using the pen tool available in Illustrator. This tool makes it possible to draw on the paths accurately. To make custom die cut stickers, outline the areas for the anchor points by clicking them in succession. It is critical to be patient because the lines must be smooth and follow the design closely. The pen tool can be used to establish cut paths, which may be challenging at first, but with time, it becomes easier to control and create cut paths.
An alternate method to the die-lines is the use of an offset path tool. With this tool, one can create a duplicate of his/her design shape at the specified distance which can also serve as a cut line. To execute this, the cut shape should be selected and the Object menu opened. Path, Click on Offset Path, and finally enter the offset distance required. This is handy in crafting a rough diamond which is a cut line consisting of uniform distance from a different shape which is not cut.)
The cut lines must be changed to stroke (not fill) when they are generated. This is critical because it is cutting path(s) that are read by cutting machines. To effect this, the cut lines are first selected, then the lines are cut, and the Grass panel is opened. The cut stroke weight should be 0.5 points which provide a smooth cutting line. The lines should not be filled to prevent any part of the final product being cut when intended.
Effective layer management is one of the most important considerations when creating custom die cut stickers. Move your cut lines to a layer separate from your artwork. This does not only help avoid unnecessary alterations but also guarantees that the cut lines will be visible while exporting the design. To create a new layer, click the New Layer button from the Layers panel. Remember to name your layers appropriately, for example “Artwork” and “Cut Lines” to ease layer management.
After cut lines were integrated into your design, the next step is to check the design appearance which has been altered with these lines. Make sure you zoom into your design as well to see if there are any mistakes or things that were not aligned as they should be. You can also turn off the visibility of the cut lines layer and consider how the artwork without cut lines would appear.
This stage is extremely useful as it helps in identifying all design related mistakes before the design is finalized.
Once you are satisfied with your design and the cut lines, it is time to save your file. From the File menu, go to Export and then choose the Export As command. When saving the file, if it is to be used for printing or cutting, save in PDF or EPS format. Always remember to check the boxes for inclusion of layers and the cut lines. Such procedures are important in making sure that the design is captured correctly during the production process by the cutting machine.
Transferring of any design or document for printing or cutting is tricky without the right file format. Certain formats, for example, PDF and EPS, are ideal since they retain vector graphics. Refrain from using JPEG or PNG which are raster formats as they will introduce defects in the resolution. Be sure that your selected format is able to accommodate cut lines and also complies with the standards of your artwork files.
When you export your design, the next step you would want to take is to reach out to your printer service or cutting service to explain your cut lines in detail. Be sure to tell how cut lines should be understood including the cut line colors and any relevant information. Since all procedures are well coordinated, and your design is ready, this means that quality custom die cut stickers will be produced to meet your specifications.
Run and cut a sample sticker first before you decide on making numerous stickers. Such an approach helps you judge whether the cut lines are in the right place and are working as they should. A test cut can find any problems related to cut paths and also show if your design is out of position. This is a reasonable use of time, ensuring customers receive a high-quality end product.
Should the outcome of your test cut suggest such a need, then make cut line adjustments. Go back to Illustrator and make the necessary cut path corrections then apply the test cut again. It is normal and expected that a designer may have to go through the process of refining their design in order to acquire the ideal cut lines. To ensure the most advantageous outcome for your custom die cut stickers, be prepared to alter them freely.
Including cut lines in Illustrator is very simple and is another of the basic skills that should be acquired by anyone that would like to design a custom die cut sticker. As you’ve witnessed throughout this article, recreating your cut lines requires attention but it’s easy to accomplish. This process improves the end results of your stickers and also simplifies how they are produced. Perfecting this technique makes it possible to create wonderful looking stickers that are ready for the professional market.
