How to Create a Dieline in Illustrator

Understanding Die Lines

As a designer, at some point you'll be tasked with getting your files ready for print. If the packaging company you're using prefers an Illustrator file, this guide will walk you through how to easily create a custom die line in one of the most popular platforms - Adobe Illustrator.

What is a Die line?

A die line is a diagram or template that helps ensure the proper layout of a printed product. In this case, it's the outline we use to print your pouch, bag, or other type of packaging. Custom die lines include cut lines, folds, design notes, and other markings for all types of packaging. Die lines aren't usually printed on the final product; rather, they're used to prevent manufacturing or printing errors. (i.e., an image in the wrong place or text that becomes unreadable in a crease.)

If you do not use dielines for your packaging, you take a major risk, as you'll need to re-order your packaging in the case of errors.

Basic Method for Creating a Die Line in Illustrator

Here is a simple step-by-step on how to create die cut lines in Adobe Illustrator for your printer:

• Open your design/artwork in Illustrator
• Go to Select > All
• Go to Object > Group
• Go to Edit > Copy and then to Edit > Paste in Place
• Go to Window > Pathfinder and use the pathfinder window to select "unite" icon
• With the path still active, go to Object > Path > Offset Path. Set the offset amount you'd like, and be sure to select "Round" in the Joins menu. Select your Miter limit and click OK.
• Select the initial shapes and double click to delete it.
• Select the offset path and in the Swatches window (Window > Swatches) set the fill to "none."
• Click over the Stroke icon to make the stroke color active and set the stroke color to whatever your packaging company requires.

Things to Keep in Mind When Creating a Die Line in Illustrator

One important note: In Illustrator, make sure to keep your die lines in a separate layer. You can set that new layer to non-print in the Layer Options dialog -- clicking the "template" box will also make it a non-print layer. Then, when you go to print, make sure that "Visible and Printable Layers" is selected for Print Layers. This will effectively prevent the dieline layer from being printed during the printing process.

You can take this a step further and label your files as "DO NOT PRINT" so your printer has extra context. We've noticed that providing additional instructions to your packaging company never hurts.

How to Utilize Our Die Line Templates

Our goal is to get you the highest quality packaging for your product, and part of that process is making sure your Photoshop and Illustrator vector files are set up the right way. To assist you with this, our creative team put together some die line templates that you can download for free. This way, you don't have to worry about things like shape modes, offset path, swap fill, spot colors, fill color, curves, dimensions, image trace, and all the other things that can make the design process in Illustrator so complicated.

Available in a variety of dimensions (including 5x5.5, 3.25x5, and 14x10x16), we have several dieline templates for you to choose from, including specific dielines for some of our most popular dpackaging, including coffee bags, shopping bags, and packaging sleeves.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Die Line Templates

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when using our templates to prepare your art for printing:

• Always develop art for your die lines in a layered file built in Illustrator
• We need a vector file for all text and graphics in the collection
• Do not create traps on your packaging
• Delete any layers thar aren't used in your dieline
• Use pantone colors, if applicable.
• All digital printing on our packaging is CYMK (as such, PMS and spot colors will be approximate)

For more information about our dieline swatch templates (and to access our full gallery of dieline templates), please visit our dieline template page here.

Converting Die Lines to Custom Packaging Solutions

So, once you have your dieline ready to go, how exactly does your vector artwork get turned into custom packaging? Well, that's the easy part (for you) because that's where our design and print team comes in. Once you send us your vector file, we'll use it to put together a mockup. If you prefer to see a sample of your packaging in person before you proceed, we have prototyping options available.

Learn more about our prototyping here.

Why Choose Us for Your Packaging Needs

So, why choose CarePac for your custom packaging needs? We have the experience and capabilities required to take your packaging project to the next level, but if you still aren't sold here are some of the main ways we stand out from our competition.

Fast Lead Times

We offer some of the fastest lead times in the packaging space, which can help you save time and money. In fact, with our expedited lead times for digital printing, you can receive your order in as little as 15 working days!

Custom Options

From custom stickers placed in just the perfect spot to adding a specific shape, image, or form to your pouch, we can fully customize your packaging so you can achieve just the look you're going for.

Excellent Customer Service

If you're tired of waiting around for an answer from your current packaging provider, we would love to be put to the test. We will put you front and center and treat you like you matter -- because you do!

Low MOQs

Our MOQs are some of the lowest options available – full plate production runs as low as 5,000 pieces with a digital printed prototyping runs available from even fewer!

Contact Us Today

We're proud to offer high barrier packaging in smaller quantity runs, which makes creating and prototyping a new design even easier. Have your dieline ready to go? Have a question you need an answer to? Curious about how you can save with our prototyping? Contact us today to get started.