Dieline

/ˈdaɪ ˌlaɪn/

General Definition

Dieline, also referred to as the Die Cut map or Cut Line, is a critical vector graphic file created during the packaging design stage. This map specifies the final structural pattern of a printed product and includes all Cut Lines, Creasing/Fold Lines, and Perforation Lines if necessary. The Dieline acts as the two-dimensional blueprint, serving as the designer’s precise guide for visual content layout, and it is ultimately converted into a physical mold and metal blades in the production process.

Real-World Usage

In practice, Dieline paths are typically delineated with separated Spot Colors—for example, cut lines with one color and fold lines with another—to ensure quick identification of each line's function for the designer and lithography operator. Accuracy in drawing these lines is vital, as any mistake in the Dieline directly translates to an error in the physical cutting mold.

A key application of these paths is their use for three-dimensional Mockup creation. Specialized plugins and software like IC3D or ESKO DeskPack in the Illustrator environment use these exact vector paths to create digital 3D models, allowing the designer to preview the final output before printing. This is why cut paths are typically not created in pixel-based software like Photoshop, as those environments lack the necessary vector precision for specialized 3D processes.

Consultant's Note

Our specialized consultation focuses on observing the Safe Area rule based on the Dieline. The designer must ensure that no text, barcode, or critical visual element is placed near the cut and fold lines. This safety distance is crucial to compensate for minor errors in the cutting machine (Die Cut) during final production, preventing elements from being cut off or adhering too closely to the fold edges. The specialized note is that these paths must be created in vector software like Adobe Illustrator or dedicated structural packaging software like ESKO ArtiosCAD to guarantee maximum precision.

Additionally, when submitting the file, the Dieline must be defined in a separate layer and set not to print, as these lines are strictly production guides. Failure to separate layers and maintain the safety area is a common reason packaging files are rejected in lithography, resulting in time and cost loss.

Aligned with: ESKO ArtiosCAD / Adobe Illustrator / Packaging Process Standards