Guide of Dieline Design & Dieline Packaging

The word “dieline” in the packaging and printing industries refers to a template required to guarantee the accurate arrangement of a final physical package. This template functions as a diagram that indicates all of a package’s folds and cut lines when it is flattened.

In addition to serving as the primary template for the artwork design, it is essential to the die-cutting procedure and the building of all packaging. Consider it a blueprint that guarantees correctness in all the tangible components of the finished printed product, such as the size of the packaging.

You can be as creative as you like when designing a package using a dieline template. To guarantee that your packaging designs are perfect for production, kindly adhere to these standards.Additionally, you may explore how to obtain a packing dieline and discover what a dieline is.

What is a dieline in packaging?

A dieline assures correct product arrangement for printing by acting as a package template. This diagram displays every cut line and folded shape seen on a flattened box. In addition, they are employed for pocket folders and envelopes.

Steps for Dieline Packaging

1. Setup of Documents for Dieline Design Packaging

Every file you upload must be in CMYK color mode. Adjust the document’s width and height to match the final product trim size before printing. The first color pattern is what we have suggested above, but if you have already made the file, then modify the color pattern afterwards.

2. Dieline Orientation

The following advice can help you modify a dieline for packaging:

For distinct lines, use different colors.

In your design software, give each type of line a separate color or layer. For complete cuts, for instance, use a solid red line; for creases, use a dashed blue line.

Think about bleeding

Make sure that all artwork at the edges of fold or cut lines flows into the following panel or empty area to avoid unprinted edges.

Important artwork should not be near fold lines.

Ensure that any significant writing or artwork is at least 0.125 inches (0.32 cm) away from any fold or cut lines.

Add pictures and adjust the resolution.

To prevent blur, embed any photos you use and make sure the resolution is set to 300 DPI.

Make use of CMYK colorspace.

For the best color output, artwork files should be structured for the CMYK colorspace.
Take into account color, contrast, scale, consistency, and readability.
Verify the readability, color, contrast, scale, consistency, and design of your work.
Draw ideas from the packaging that is already in use.
Think on the aspects of current packaging that you like and dislike.
Make use of a dieline generator.
You may make your own unique packaging box dieline by using a free dieline generator.
Before final manufacturing, a prototype of the package design can be made using a dieline to ensure that it fits and functions as intended.

3. Best Practices for Dieline Design Packaging

The following are some top tips for designing packaging:

Keep your artwork distinct from the dieline

The layer containing your artwork must be distinct from the dieline template layer. All artwork and designs should be placed on the ‘Artwork’ layer; the ‘Dieline’ layer should remain unchanged. The dieline template layer is necessary for production and should not be deleted (these lines will not be printed).

Include a Different Enhancements Layer

Please put any enhancements, such foil stamping, spot UV, embossing, or debossing, onto their own layer so our team can see the precise places where these enhancements need to be done.

Bleeds

Please adhere to these instructions to make sure your packaging has no unprinted edges:
Every piece of artwork that borders a fold line or a cut line should “bleed” onto the adjacent panel or the dieline’s empty area.
Every significant piece of text or artwork should be placed at least 0.125″ (0.32 cm) away from any cut or fold lines.
Any artwork or designs that go beyond the dieline must do so at least 0.64 cm (2.25 in) from the edge.

Giving Your Designs a Name

Kindly indicate which designs pertain to the exterior or interior of your packaging.

4. Pictures in a dieline for packaging:

The following advice can help you create an image in a dieline for packaging:

Employ a vector file: Launch Adobe Illustrator or any other vector-based editing software and open the dieline file.
Make a fresh layer: Create your design on a new layer that you have added to your artwork.
Upload artwork: Drag your previously made artwork onto the artwork layer and select Embed from the Control Panel if you’re using it.
CMYK color mode: Make sure all files are in CMYK color mode rather than RGB by using the CMYK color mode.
Maintain the original dye line: Place your artwork on top of the original dye line on a separate layer, leaving it in its original layer.
Embed images: Ensure that all of the photographs you’ve inserted are incorporated within your dye line file.
Employ safety and bleed lines: To make sure that your artwork stays within the cut or fold line, use safety and bleed lines.

A dieline is a pre-made outline that indicates the proper locations for cutting, gluing, and creasing packaging. The dieline is often provided by the printer or package manufacturer.

5. Written word on a dieline for packaging:

The following advice can be taken into consideration when creating text on a dieline for packaging:

Outline text: Vectorize or outline all text to prevent missing font files during production. You can choose your text box in Adobe Illustrator, click Type, and then choose Create Outlines.
Employ a minimum font size: 6 points should be the minimum font size.
Employ a safety margin: Also referred to as safety lines, a safety margin is a space set aside to prevent crucial design components from being chopped off during trimming.
Use a different layer: For sizing and orientation, add dielines as a distinct layer to the design file.
Utilize Adobe Illustrator: The industry standard for artwork is Adobe Illustrator.
Use a prototype box: To indicate the surfaces and their orientation, construct a prototype box out of basic card stock or board.
Use colored dots:Employ colored dots to depict cutting or trimming lines and perforations on different levels.
In graphic design, a dieline serves as a placeholder to guarantee that papers intended for die cutting are laid out correctly. Dielines are used to establish the proper arrangement but are not printed on the finished product.

6. Emailing and storing a dieline design

Format for Documents

Your final design should be saved in one of the following formats:
Illustrator for Adobe (.ai)
Layered and editable PDF (.pdf) with Adobe Illustrator

Frequently Asked Questions

How to design packaging dieline?

Installing Adobe Illustrator. Every file needs to be in CMYK color mode.

Orientation.
Keep your artwork apart from the dieline.
Create a separate layer for enhancements.
Bleeds.
Putting labels to your designs.
Incorporate Pictures.

When possible, use vector artwork.

How to create a dieline in Illustrator?

Make a new layer in Illustrator and give it the name “CUT.” To outline the design’s shape, select the Dieline layer and use the shape or pen tools to make a stroke. After finishing the outline, pick the shape and add a new color in the color swatch panel.

How to make a good packaging design?

When you design your next product, keep these tips in mind to ensure that the packaging you produce will be loved by your customers.

Make it easy.

Make opening it simple.
Make use of premium materials.
Think about the surroundings.
Check the package you’ve used.

Why is it important to use the K.I.S.S. principle in design?

A design approach known as “keep it simple, stupid” (K.I.S.S.) suggests that systems and/or designs should be as straightforward as feasible. Complexity should be avoided in systems whenever possible since simplicity ensures the highest degree of user acceptability and interaction.