When is a cutting line required?

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

How to correctly create a cut contour:

1. Open or create a new design in Adobe Illustrator
2. Draw the desired cutting shape as a closed path (make sure that there are
   no duplicate or overlapping lines in the contour)
3. Give the shape a stroke color without fill
4. Adjust the stroke color to 100% Magenta or another striking color
5. Go to Window → Swatches
6. Click the "+" sign at the bottom to create a new swatch
7. Name the swatch: Cutcontour
8. Change the Color Type to: Spot Color
9. Click OK to create the 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 cut contours.
• Keep the cutting shape as simple as possible to ensure clean production.
  
• The cut contour must always be closed – the start and end of the line must be connected.
  
• Ensure sufficient bleed around your motif.
  Basically, only one cut contour is permitted per design (exception: milled letters and sticker sheets).
  
• The cut contour must not protrude into the bleed and must lie entirely within the artboard.
  
• For double-sided print data, place the cut contour exclusively on the front side.
  
• If you want to have text cut, for example with milled letters, you must first convert the text into vector outlines via Type → Create Outlines.
• Very small material formats can cause problems during milling – therefore, please observe the respective minimum formats.