Cutouts

Cutouts are shapes or sections removed from a material or design, creating openings or negative space. They can be decorative, structural, or functional, and occur in crafts, architecture, fashion, signage, and manufacturing. Cutouts range from simple silhouettes to complex geometric patterns and can vary in size from tiny details to large openings.

Cutouts are produced by removing material or by shaping it around a gap. Common methods include manual cutting with scissors or knives, perforation with punches, and precision methods such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or CNC machining. Materials used for cutouts span a wide range, including paper and cardboard for art and display, fabrics for garments, and wood, metal, or plastic for architectural or industrial components.

In arts and design, cutouts are used in collages, paper sculptures, stencils, and shadow boxes, and contribute to graphic design through the use of negative space. In architecture and interiors, perforated screens and decorative façades rely on cutouts to influence light, airflow, and texture. In fashion and textiles, cutouts appear as intentional openings for style or function. In product design and industry, cutouts can reduce weight, provide access to components, or create channels for cables, vents, or other systems.

In digital media, cutouts also refer to isolated images or silhouettes with transparent backgrounds, used in collage, photo editing, and user interfaces. Safety considerations include handling sharp tools carefully and managing material-specific hazards such as dust or fumes when cutting certain substances.

Cutouts are a versatile technique and concept across multiple disciplines, balancing form and function.