When is a cutting line needed? 

If your product is to be custom-cut (e.g., free-form stickers), your print data requires a correctly prepared file. Cutting contour. This contour defines exactly where the cut will be made later.

Correctly define the cutting contour: 

1. Open or create a new design in Adobe Illustrator 
2. Draw the desired cutting shape as a closed path (make sure that...) 
   that there are no double or overlapping lines in the contour)
3. Give the shape a line color with no fill.
4. Adjust the line color to 100% magenta or another striking color.
5. Go to Window → Color swatches
6. Click the “+” sign at the bottom to create a new color swatch.
7. Name the color field: Cut contour
8. Adjust the color type to suit: Special color/solid color (Spot Color)
9. Click OK to create the color swatch.
10. Save your design as a PDF

Please note the following:

• Use a professional vector program such as Adobe Illustrator. Programs like Photoshop are not suitable for creating cutting outlines.
• Keep the cutting pattern as simple as possible to ensure clean production.
  
• The cutting contour must always be closed – the beginning and end of the line must be connected.
  
• Place a sufficient area around your subject. Trimming to.
  Generally, only one cutting contour is permitted per design (exception: milled letters and sticker sheets).
  
• The cutting contour must not extend into the trim area and must lie completely within the drawing area.
  
• At double-sided When creating print data, place the cutting contour exclusively on the front side.
  
• If you want to have text cut, for example with milled letters, you must first prepare the text via Text → Convert to Outlines Convert to vector outlines.
• Very small material formats can cause problems during milling – therefore, please pay attention to the respective specifications. Minimum formats.