What is a Dieline?
The term "dieline" refers to a template used in the packaging and printing industries to ensure the proper arrangement of a finished physical product. This template is a diagram that marks all of the folds and cut lines of a flattened package, a.k.a. your box cartons.
Packaging designers typically construct dielines. They can also be made with die-cutting machines or a printer. Not only boxes but also other types of packaging use dielines. Dielines enable cutting and folding to construct the final product, from basic folders with pockets to complicated packaging.
They are made up of three types of lines: perforation lines, cut lines and fold lines. When your design is eventually sent to the printer, the dielines show where the machine will cut and perforate the package, so it is ready for folding.
Because they are two distinct bits of information, the perforation lines and the cutting or trim lines should typically be located on separate layers and as colored dots.
Finally, the printer executes the cutting and piercing processes in two steps.
Why Use Dielines, you ask?
Dielines are essential in the die-cutting process since they serve as the primary pattern for the artwork. Consider it a blueprint that ensures all physical aspects of the final printed product, such as the following:
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a.) Size, scale, and measurements of the package,
b.) The positioning of all visual elements such as logos, text, and images
c.) Crease, cutlines, glue tabs, eye markings, folds, and other connection points placement, and
d.) The different manufacturing notes and bleed needs
Designers receive a detailed image of how the final project will look once these elements are drawn. Also, Dielines are not just utilized in boxes or square products. They are also commonly employed in constructing a wide range of items, such as beverage packages, brochures, food packages, or virtually any product that requires unique packaging.
The secret to making them!
Designing your first set of dielines from scratch may appear complicated, but it becomes easier with time and practice. You can start by just locating a box that looks similar to the one you're creating. Unfold the tabs, flatten them out, and then measure them. The measurements you take will be the starting point for constructing your dielines.
It's never a bad idea to offer the company that will be printing the packaging an example of how you want your final packaging to look. In this situation, you can just take that model and examine the graphics and tucks. You can also use wrapping paper to correctly measure the goods and estimate the required size.
Once you have your measurements, you can begin designing. Printers frequently utilize graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Design, or Artioscad. These programs are commonly used to produce dielines. However, no tool is superior to another; you should use whichever one you are most comfortable with. The client frequently has a tool choice.
What do you need to create one:
- Dielines must be made as a vector type of art because computers require mathematically described lines.
- When creating a dieline, specifications are critical. Before placing the file in an InDesign project, you should ideally utilize Artioscad or Adobe Illustrator to determine the exact size. This will save you money and time in the long run.
- Although it is not strictly necessary, inexperienced designers may create a physical copy of the dieline before sending the design to print. This stage might assist you in catching any unexpected errors before production.
Remember that the construction of your dieline is a group effort on the part of you, your design team, and any other coworkers who could be helping you out. Because of this, you should always incorporate your creative team early in making the dieline.
The more people look over something, the lower the risk of making a mistake.
There is no experience more disheartening than working on a project for several days or weeks only to be informed that the content you have produced is insufficient and that you must begin the project all over again.
Trust me, I know.
So use dielines correctly in your following packaging projects, it’ll make your life easier.
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