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Graphic Design vocabulary · Print Production

Die cut

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈdaɪ ˌkʌt/nounCommon term

In graphic design, die cut means: A custom shape cut out of paper or card with a sharp steel blade called a die, used for packaging, unusual business cards, windows in covers and stickers.

In Turkish: bıçaklı kesim, özel kesim, kesim bıçağı

How it is used

Used in packaging and special print jobs. Designers supply a die line (cutting guide) on a separate layer in a spot colour; the adjective is die-cut, as in a die-cut sticker. Turkish printers call the guide bıçak izi.

Example sentences

  1. The box has a die cut window so you can see the product inside.

  2. Please put the die line on its own layer; no text should cross the die cut.

Common collocations

  • die cut shape
  • die line
  • die-cut sticker
  • custom die cut
  • finishA treatment added to a printed piece to change how it looks or feels, such as matt or gloss lamination, spot UV varnish, foil or embossing.
  • templateA ready-made file with a fixed layout, styles and placeholders that people reuse to create new designs quickly and consistently, such as a presentation or social media template.
  • paper stockThe type of paper or card used for a printed piece, described by its weight, thickness, surface (coated or uncoated) and colour.
  • trim sizeThe final size of a printed piece after it has been cut, for example 148 × 210 mm for an A5 flyer, not counting the bleed.

More terms: Print Production

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