Bookmarks
Die cut bookmarks can use curved edges, decorative silhouettes, tabs, rounded corners and other custom contours that make the piece more distinctive.
die-cut-printing
CUSTOM DIE CUT PRINTING
Custom Die Cut Printing & Specialty Shapes
Die cutting allows printed pieces to go beyond standard rectangles and straight edges. Custom shapes, windows, cutouts, rounded profiles and specialty contours can help packaging, marketing materials and event pieces stand out while still serving a practical purpose.
Custom shapes, contours, windows and cutouts
Options for marketing pieces, packaging and event materials
Custom project review for unusual specifications
Custom ShapesBeyond Standard Rectangles
Flexible UsesMarketing, Packaging & Events
50+ YearsCommercial Print Experience
DIE CUTTING AT A GLANCE
What Can Die Cutting Do?
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Create custom outer shapes
Printed pieces can be trimmed to curves, contours and specialty silhouettes instead of standard straight-edge formats.
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Add windows and openings
Interior areas can be removed to reveal products, graphics or other materials underneath.
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Create functional features
Slots, tabs, holes, folds and cutouts can support packaging, hanging displays and interactive printed pieces.
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Support custom branding
A distinctive physical shape can reinforce the design and help a printed piece stand apart from conventional formats.
Custom ShapesCurves, contours and specialty profiles
Functional CutoutsWindows, slots, tabs and openings
Multiple ApplicationsPackaging, marketing and event pieces
Custom Project ReviewSpecifications reviewed before production
WHAT IS DIE CUTTING?
Turn a Printed Sheet Into a Custom Shape
Die cutting is a finishing process used to cut printed material into shapes that cannot be created with ordinary straight trimming alone.
A cutting form follows a defined path through the printed sheet. Depending on the project, that path may create the outside shape of the piece, remove an interior window, create slots or holes, or form part of a more complex folding structure.
Die cutting is useful when the physical shape of the printed piece contributes to its function, presentation or branding.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Where Custom Die Cutting Is Used
Die cutting can be applied to both decorative and functional printed pieces across marketing, packaging, retail and event applications.
Packaging Sleeves
Custom cut packaging can incorporate windows, locking tabs, openings and shaped edges that support both presentation and product function.
Event Tickets
Tickets can incorporate specialty profiles, perforations, numbering, variable information and other production features for events and admissions.
MORE DIE CUT POSSIBILITIES
Die Cutting Is Not Limited to One Type of Product
The same finishing principle can be adapted to many printed materials when the stock, shape and production method are appropriate.
FUNCTIONAL DIE CUTTING
A Die Cut Can Do More Than Change the Outer Shape
Many projects use die cutting because the cut itself performs a practical function.
- Windows: Reveal part of a product, image or insert underneath.
- Slots: Hold business cards, gift cards, straps or other components.
- Holes: Allow printed pieces to hang, attach or accommodate hardware.
- Tabs: Help lock, fold or assemble packaging and presentation pieces.
- Custom pockets: Create shaped storage areas inside folders and packaging.
- Perforated areas: Can be combined with other finishing when a detachable section is required.
CUSTOM DIE LINE SETUP
Preparing Artwork for Die Cut Printing
A custom die cut project normally requires both the printed artwork and a clearly defined cutting path.
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Establish the Final Shape
Determine the finished size, outer contour and any internal cutouts, holes, windows or slots required by the project.
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Create the Die Line
The cutting path should be created as clean vector artwork so the intended shape can be clearly identified for production.
3
Design Around the Cut
Keep important text and graphics safely inside the finished shape while extending backgrounds beyond cut edges where bleed is required.
4
Separate Cut Information
Die lines should remain distinct from printed artwork so production can identify what prints and what represents finishing instructions.
5
Review Critical Areas
Check narrow sections, small tabs, sharp corners and tight openings to make sure the design is suitable for the selected material and cutting process.
6
Submit for Production Review
Custom die cut specifications should be reviewed before production because feasibility depends on the complete combination of shape, material, size and finishing.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Design the Artwork and the Shape Together
A successful die cut project treats the physical cut as part of the design rather than as an afterthought.
The strongest concepts often use the shape to reinforce the message or function of the piece. A curved edge can frame a graphic, a window can reveal an important detail, and a custom silhouette can echo a product or brand element.
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Protect important content
Keep text, logos and critical graphics away from cut edges and other finishing areas.
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Allow for bleed
Artwork that reaches the edge of the finished shape should extend beyond the cutting path.
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Avoid unnecessary complexity
Very intricate shapes, narrow areas and extremely tight corners may require adjustment for reliable production.
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Consider the material
The same shape may behave differently depending on paper thickness, coating, synthetic material or other stock characteristics.
FINISHING COMBINATIONS
Die Cutting Can Be Combined With Other Print Finishing
Depending on the project, die cutting may be only one part of the finished piece.
PLANNING YOUR PROJECT
Information to Include With a Custom Die Cut Quote
Because die cut work is highly project-specific, providing clear specifications helps determine the most appropriate production method.
Finished Size & Shape
Provide the approximate width and height along with a description or drawing of the intended final shape.
Quantity
Include the number of finished pieces required because quantity can affect the most practical production approach.
Paper or Material
Specify the stock if known, or describe how the piece will be used so an appropriate material can be discussed.
Printing Requirements
Indicate whether the project prints one side or two sides, uses full color or has other special print requirements.
Additional Finishing
Mention folds, scores, perforations, holes, coatings, variable data or other features required in addition to die cutting.
Artwork or Concept
Attach artwork, a die line, sketch or reference whenever available so the proposed shape can be reviewed accurately.
DIE CUT PRINTING FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is die cut printing?
Die cut printing combines printed artwork with a finishing process that cuts the material into a custom shape or creates features such as windows, slots, holes and other openings.
Can MMPrint create a completely custom shape?
Yes. Custom shapes can be reviewed based on the size, material, quantity, complexity and other production requirements of the project.
What products can be die cut?
Die cutting can be used for many printed products including bookmarks, business cards, hang tags, tickets, folders, packaging sleeves, gift card holders, door hangers and other specialty pieces.
What is a die line?
A die line is the vector path that identifies where the printed material should be cut, scored or otherwise finished. It serves as a production guide and should remain separate from artwork intended to print.
Does die cut artwork need bleed?
Yes, when a background, photograph or other printed element is intended to extend to the finished cut edge, the artwork should normally extend beyond the die line to provide bleed.
Can die cutting include internal windows or holes?
Yes. Depending on the project, die cutting can create interior windows, openings, slots, holes and other functional features in addition to the outer shape.
Can die cutting be combined with folding or perforation?
Yes. Custom projects can combine die cutting with scoring, folding, perforation and other finishing processes when the specifications are suitable for production.
How do I get pricing for a custom die cut project?
Submit a custom quote request with the finished size, quantity, material, printing requirements, desired shape and any artwork or reference files available. MMPrint can then review the specifications and determine the appropriate production approach.
CUSTOM DIE CUT PROJECTS
Request a Custom Die Cut Quote
Have a Shape or Specialty Print Idea?
Send MMPrint your dimensions, quantity, material requirements and artwork or concept. We can review the project and provide custom die cut printing pricing.
