Contour Cut Guidelines

  • File should be supplied in AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF format with vector contour lines.
  • IMPORTANT: Contour lines must be assigned as a Spot Color named 'CutContour'.

To assign a spot color using Adobe Illustrator:

  1. Open the Swatches Palette. If the Swatches Palette is not readily visible, you may need to open it by selecting Swatches from the Windows menu.
  2. Click the 3 horizontal lines in the upper right corner of the Palette, and select New Swatch. This opens the New Swatch dialog.
  3. Enter CutContour as the name of the new swatch. This needs to be spelled exactly as shown here.
  4. Select Spot Color from the Color Type drop-down menu, and use the slider bars to create a color. The color is not important since it will not be printed.
  5. Click OK to close the dialogs.
  6. Select your cut paths and assign your new swatch color to those paths.

Note: You may use any vector-based drawing program you want. These instructions are specific to Adobe Illustrator. Most drawing programs will follow a similar process. If you have trouble, see the Help Files in your drawing program.

  • Contour lines and print image must be supplied in the same file.
  • Contour files must be at least 2" less than width of print media.
  • Opacity of CutContour lines MUST be at 100%.
  • DO NOT hide the CutContour layer or turn off the option to print.

Taking these steps allows us to seamlessly assign your CutContour lines. If followed correctly, the CutContour lines will NOT print. Failure to follow guidelines may result in delayed processing time.

PNG file types with transparent backgrounds are acceptable, but not recommended. Please be aware that PNG files work in a RGB colorspace, and WILL be converted to CMYK when sent to print. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy or color shift that occurs as a result of the conversion.