Vector | Adding a Cut-Line to a Blank Product for use with Vector output
Overview
In this article we will go through the steps of adding a Vector Cut-Line file to a Blank product for use with Vector print output.
In this example Cut Lines are used to define individual sticker labels on a sheet but they can be used for other product types such as Tech Skins and Wall Vinyls for example. Any output where the printing system relies on a path for cutting could utilise this same approach.
This article will presume that you have familiarity with CPP and creating Blank Products. Before going any further, it would be best to go through the short Level 1 Tutorial relating to Blank Products: Create Your First | Blank Product >>
We also recommend a familiarity with the specifics of Vector output from our platform:
The Cut line file should be pdf format and include anything required for the final output including; registration marks, colour bars, any textual or branding information and the cut lines themselves.
Note that the PDF file must be version 1.4 or older. Newer PDF formats may be accepted but could suffer from compatibility issues due to file setting variations between versions.
Please follow printer manufacturer guidelines concerning colour and thickness of cut paths in the PDF file.
Process
1. Find and edit the blank product you wish to add the cut line to
Search for a product by ID in Product Manager and open the product by clicking on the Edit button (pencil) from the list.
2. Edit the Print Area
Click on the Print Specification button and edit the Print Area that you wish to add the Cut Line to by clicking on the pencil icon.
3. Upload PDF with Vector Cut Line
Open the Artwork roll-out and select the Vector Cut Line option. Click the upload artwork to select your PDF file.
PDF FILE RECAP
The PDF file should be version 1.4 or older
Include all necessary elements for production as applicable eg:
- Cut line path(s)
- Registration marks
- Colour bars
- Branding
- Textual information
The important difference between the Vector PDF and Vector Cut Line artwork options is that personalisation layers are generated above existing layers in Vector PDF files and they are generated below existing layers in Vector Cut Line files.
4. Set the Fit Mode
Important: When using Vector files the Fit Mode MUST be set to Exact
Choose the Exact option from the drop-down as shown in the image below and click on Save Changes
5. Print test
Now that the cut line file has been added, it is important to Print test to ensure that it outputs correctly.
Open the Print Test window by clicking on the green Print Test button in the left hand menu.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure to select Vector PDF from the drop-down menu in the Print Test window to ensure you are testing with the correct output
- press the Generate Artwork button (see image below).
Open the generated file from the Print Test output:
The image below shows the output with the Cut Lines featured in pink:
IMPORTANT
There are several Vector output settings which can be enabled or disabled in company settings to influence how the final print file generates. By default Print Test has options enabled which may not be desirable in your order files (such as the purple coloured backing layer). This can be ignored when testing but this and other options can be disabled or enabled as necessary on your supplier company or any affected dropships.
Conclusion
In these few steps, we showed how to add Cut Lines to Print Artwork on the Blank Product. We wish you much success with using this tool!
FAQ
Why don't my cut lines appear in the app preview?
- Vector PDF and Vector PDF Cut Line Artwork files are only visible in the output. If you wish to include them in your preview, make them part of your Aspect (preview) image.
Why are my cut lines not appearing in the output file?
- Please make sure that you selected Fit Mode: Exact from the drop down menu in the Print Area - Artwork section otherwise the file will not generate
- Please check that the PDF version of your file is correct (version 1.4 or older)
Why are my cut lines deformed in the output file?
- The dimensions of the PDF Cut Line Artwork file should match the dimensions of the Print area to ensure they have a matching Aspect ratio.
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