There are a bunch of ways to create your own cut-line around your artwork to make your custom shape sticker. You can upload your artwork when you are buying your custom stickers and we will create a free digital proof with your custom shape to review and approve before we print your stickers.
If you would like to create the cut-line yourself, we will show you how to accomplish this using Adobe Illustrator.
Vector Artwork
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Open Artwork In Adobe Illustrator
In Illustrator, click on File > Open and select your vector artwork from you saved location
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Creating Artwork Layers
In your layers panel, rename the layer you just opened to Artwork than duplicate this layer and place the copied layer on top. Rename Artwork (Copy) to CutContour. Lock your Artwork layer
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Setting The Outline Border
Open the Pathfinder window by going to Window > Pathfinder
Select the Direct Selection Tool
Now select the CutContour layer and in your Pathfinder window, click on Unite (First option under shape modes:). The artwork will now have a solid color fill.
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Create Offset Path Border
We require a minimum border of 1/8″ (.125″) from the edge of your artwork. Any movement during the cutting process could cut into your design if the border is less than 1/8″.
With the CutContour layer still selected, select Object > Path > Offset Path
The Offset Path panel will open. Input .125 in for Offset, Round = Joins, Miter limit = 4
You can select the box next to Preview to see the preview the offset location. If you require a bigger offset you can make your adjustments here. Click OK
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Finish Creating The Cut-Line
After Clicking OK, you will see the extended offset path of the 1/8″. Complete the process by selecting the CutContour layer and clicking Unite again from the Pathfinder panel.
There should only be one path around the border of the artwork. With the CutContour layer selected, remove the color fill and give it a 1pt Stroke
Raster Artwork
Creating a cut-line on a Raster image is almost identical to a vector image.
Open Artwork In Adobe Illustrator
- In Illustrator, click on File > Open and select your vector artwork from you saved location
-
Creating Artwork Layers
In your layers panel, rename the layer you just opened to Artwork than duplicate this layer and place the copied layer on top. Rename Artwork (Copy) to CutContour. Lock your Artwork layer
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Use Image Trace To Convert Raster Image To Vector
Open the Image Trace window from Window > Image Trace
Select the CutContour layer and select Trace from the Image Trace Window (you can leave the default selections and mode set to Black and white)
Increase/Decrease the Threshold value using the slider to get a good representation of the outline of your image. The details of the outline are not very important. When you are happy with the results, click on Expand to create a vector shape.
After clicking on Expand, select the Direct Selection Tool and click on the CutContour layer.
Illustrator will sometimes create a bounding box around the artwork and this needs to be deleted. To delete, right click on your design select Ungroup. Click on the bounding box and Delete. Be sure the entire box is removed around the artwork
The steps are now the same as the Vector Cut-line instuctions:
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Setting The Outline Border
Open the Pathfinder window by going to Window > Pathfinder
Select the Direct Selection Tool
Now select the CutContour layer and in your Pathfinder window, click on Unite (First option under shape modes:). The artwork will now have a solid color fill.
-
Create Offset Path Border
We require a minimum border of 1/8″ (.125″) from the edge of your artwork. Any movement during the cutting process could cut into your design if the border is less than 1/8″.
With the CutContour layer still selected, select Object > Path > Offset Path
The Offset Path panel will open. Input .125 in for Offset, Round = Joins, Miter limit = 4
You can select the box next to Preview to see the preview the offset location. If you require a bigger offset you can make your adjustments here. Click OK
-
Finish Creating The Cut-Line
After Clicking OK, you will see the extended offset path of the 1/8″. Complete the process by selecting the CutContour layer and clicking Unite again from the Pathfinder panel.
There should only be one path around the border of the artwork. With the CutContour layer selected, remove the color fill and give it a 1pt Stroke