JetDielineExport and handover
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Preparing print files for the printer: separating artwork and die-cut contour
Packaging needs two kinds of data: the printed image and the die-cut contour. If you keep the two cleanly separated, the printer can print and cut without first having to pull the files apart.
Two outputs, two tasks
The artwork is everything that is printed: colours, images and text. The die-cut contour, also called the dieline, describes the cut, crease and perforation lines. It controls the cutting die or cutting table and is not printed. If the contour enters the printed image as a printing line, it appears on the finished carton. Therefore both go into production separately: as separate files or as clearly separated layers. Clarify in advance which form your printer expects.
Setting up artwork ready for print
Set up colours as they will be printed: as CMYK or as named spot colours. Images need a resolution that matches the printing process. Offset printing requires more than flexo printing directly onto corrugated board. Embed fonts or convert them to outlines as specified. Extend backgrounds into the bleed and keep important content within the safety margin. Your printer specifies the colour profile, the PDF standard and the bleed. The on-screen display is not colour-accurate. For that you need a proof or a press proof.
Handing over the die-cut contour clearly
Every line type must be recognizable in the die-cut contour. Cut, crease and perforation lie on separate layers or carry their own named colours. If the contour is to lie in the same PDF as the artwork, it is usually set up as its own spot colour that overprints. This way it does not knock out anything in the printed image. PDF, SVG and DXF serve different handover routes. Which format fits depends on the target system. Clarify line types, units and layers with your printer or the operator of the cutting table.
Finishes and accompanying documents
Spot varnish, hot foil and embossing are not printing inks. They are provided as their own separations so that the printer can tell colour and finishing apart. A combined preview of artwork and contour helps with coordination. It is not a print file and should be labelled as such. For each delivery, state the dimensions with their dimension reference, the material and the status of the files. All documents must describe the same project status. Otherwise an older report may accidentally become the basis for new files.
Export from JetDieline
JetDieline exports the artwork as a PDF and the die-cut contour as its own file in PDF, SVG or DXF. Cut, crease and perforation lines are separate and clearly named. In addition there is a combined PDF for the printer and PDF/X-4 with its own ICC profile. A check report and an export manifest record findings, dimensions and files. An inquiry package combines everything into a ZIP archive. You send it yourself. Approval is given by your printer.
Step by step
- Request the data requirements and dimension sheet from your printer.
- Set up the artwork with bleed, matching colours and embedded fonts.
- Output the die-cut contour separately, with named line types.
- Set up finishes as their own separations.
- Hand off files, preview and report from the same project version.
Frequently asked questions
Can the die-cut contour be in the print PDF?
Only if your printer requires this and the contour is set up as its own overprinting spot colour or as its own layer. When in doubt, deliver artwork and contour as separate files.
Which file format does the printer need?
PDF is usual for the printed image, often in a PDF/X standard. For the contour, PDF, SVG or DXF are possible. Your printer's data requirements are binding.
Related features
Related terms
Related guides
Carton dimensions
Folding carton dimensions start with the product, not the carton.
Inside, outside, crease
Three dimensions describe the same carton and still produce different numbers.
Bleed and safety margin
Printing and die-cutting have tolerances.
Grain and flute direction
Board and corrugated board do not behave the same in every direction.
Packaging barcodes
A barcode must scan at the checkout on the first attempt.
Your product. Your dimensions. Your design.
With JetDieline, choose a suitable template, adjust its size, and place text, logos, and images directly on your packaging.
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