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GPX solved case

Separate cut line in Illustrator: how to create it without printing it

I need to prepare die-cut stickers in Illustrator. I've created the artwork, but the printer asked me for a separate cut line and I'm not sure exactly how to prepare it without risking it being printed

By Cristiano Zappacosta — Senior Graphic Production Consultant

The problem

I need to prepare die-cut stickers in Illustrator. I've created the artwork, but the printer asked me for a separate cut line and I'm not sure exactly how to prepare it without risking it being printed

Cause and analysis

The printer requires a dedicated layer named 'cut' for the cut line, probably to separate the cutting element from the printable artwork and prevent accidental output on paper

The absence of explicit instructions about color suggests an industry standard for the cut line, but it has not yet been verified with the printer

Solution proposed by GPX

A possible procedure is to create the 'cut' layer, draw the cut line on it (or import the already created cutting path), and then hide the layer before final export to the format required by the printer, keeping it invisible in the output file

Limitations of this analysis

This analysis is generated with the support of Artificial Intelligence: always verify its correctness and applicability before using it. The reliability level of this analysis is "Medium", not the highest possible.

Checks before proceeding

  • Contact the printer to clarify whether the cut line color is binding (and which one) or if the layer name is sufficient; in the meantime, in Illustrator create the 'cut' layer by accessing Window > Layers, click 'Create new layer' and rename it exactly 'cut', so you'll have the structure ready for the printer's answer

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