Guide for Creating a Cut Contour for Your Artwork

Creating accurate cut contours is essential for ensuring your artwork is cut correctly. Follow this guide to set up your cut contours for different types of cuts: CutContour, Kiss, and Crease.

General Guidelines

1. Software: Use a vector-based design software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
2. Stroke and Fill: Use a stroke (outline) with no fill for your cut contours.

Creating a CutContour

1. Open Your Artwork: Start by opening your design file in your vector design software.
2. Create a New Layer: Name this layer "CutContour".
3. Draw Your Cut Line:
   • Use the Pen tool or Shape tool to draw the line where you want your artwork to be cut.
   • Ensure the path is a continuous line without breaks.
4. Set the Stroke Color:
   • Select the path you just created.
   • Set the stroke color to a spot color named "CutContour".
     • In Adobe Illustrator, go to the Swatches panel, click on the New Swatch button, choose Spot Color, and name it "CutContour".
     • Set the color values to 100% Magenta (0, 100, 0, 0 in CMYK).
5. Verify and Save:
   • Check that the stroke is applied correctly and the path is on the "CutContour" layer.
   • Save your file with all layers intact.

Creating a Kiss Cut

A Kiss Cut is used for cuts that do not go all the way through the material, often for stickers.

1. Create a New Layer: Name this layer "Kiss".
2. Draw Your Kiss Cut Line:
   • Draw the path where you want the kiss cut.
3. Set the Stroke Color:
   • Set the stroke color to a spot color named "Kiss".
     • Follow the same process as for CutContour, but name the spot color "Kiss".
     • Set the color values to 100% Yellow (0, 0, 100, 0 in CMYK).
4. Verify and Save:
   • Ensure the kiss cut path is on the "Kiss" layer.
   • Save your file.

Creating a Crease Line

A Crease Line is used for creating fold lines on your material.

1. Create a New Layer: Name this layer "Crease".
2. Draw Your Crease Line:
   • Draw the path where you want the crease.
3. Set the Stroke Color:
   • Set the stroke color to a spot color named "Crease".
     • Follow the same process as for CutContour, but name the spot color "Crease".
     • Set the color values to 100% Cyan (100, 0, 0, 0 in CMYK).
4. Verify and Save:
   • Ensure the crease path is on the "Crease" layer.
   • Save your file.

Final Steps

1. Check Your Layers: Ensure each cut type (CutContour, Kiss, Crease) is on its respective layer with the correct spot color.
2. Export Your File:
   • Save your final file in a format that preserves layers and spot colors, such as PDF or AI for Illustrator.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your cut contours are correctly set up for production. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our support team.

Production Turnaround Times

Our commitment to quality and efficiency shines through our streamlined production process. Please note, the times listed below apply strictly to production phases and commence from the moment we confirm your order. Delivery times are additional and vary based on your chosen shipping method. Orders placed after hours will be counted as 9 AM the following business day.

Same Day Production

For those urgent needs, we offer a same-day production service. Orders must be submitted and confirmed by 11 AM to qualify. Perfect for last-minute projects without sacrificing quality. After 11 AM, your order will be ready by 11 AM the following business day. Ideal for local pick-up orders or orders being shipped overnight. Generally, these orders will be ready within 6 hours.

• Example: An order placed at 9 AM Monday morning will be ready by 4 PM Monday.
• Example: An order placed at 3 PM on Friday will be ready by 11 AM on Monday.

24 Hour Production

Ideal for tight deadlines, ensuring your project is run promptly. Orders are expected to be ready about 24 hours after the order has been placed.

• Example: An order placed at 9 AM Monday morning will be ready by 9 AM Tuesday morning.
• Example: An order placed at 3 PM on Friday will be ready by 3 PM on Monday.

48 Hour Production

Our standard production time on jobs that require routing or other hands-on processing. Orders will be ready in 48 hours.

• Example: An order placed at 9 AM Monday morning will be ready by 9 AM Wednesday morning.
• Example: An order placed at 3 PM on Friday will be ready by 3 PM on Tuesday.

72 Hour Production

Opt for our most relaxed pace without compromising on the excellence of your final product. This window ensures that even the most complex projects receive the care and precision they deserve.

• Example: An order placed at 9 AM Monday morning will be ready by 9 AM Thursday morning.
• Example: An order placed at 3 PM on Friday will be ready by 3 PM on Wednesday.

Variable Lead Production

This option is only available on specific materials that are in low stock or custom order.

Remember, our focus is on delivering exceptional quality as swiftly as possible. Select the turnaround time that best fits your schedule and project requirements.