Dielines

Dielines are flat templates used in packaging and print design that indicate where material will be cut, folded, perforated, and glued to construct a three-dimensional object. They function as the production map, ensuring artwork aligns with edges, folds, and assembly requirements.

A dieline typically includes cut lines, fold lines, perforations, glue flaps, and panels that will become the outer surfaces. It also marks bleed and safe areas, trim marks, and sometimes slug areas used for alignment and setup in printing. Color coding is often used to distinguish different operations within the same template.

Creation and tools: Dielines are usually created as vector drawings in design software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. They use separate layers for printing, folding, and cutting, and often employ distinct colors to distinguish operations. The dieline corresponds to a physical die used in the die-cutting process, which translates the flat template into the final shape.

Manufacturing considerations: The dieline must account for substrate thickness, ink spread, and manufacturing tolerances so panels align when folded. It also defines where glue is applied and how flaps tuck, ensuring the finished package is structurally sound and easy to assemble.

Workflow and use: Designers provide dielines to printers and packaging converters for proofs and prepress; the dieline is checked against artwork and specifications before production to prevent misalignment or material waste. Proper dieline practice helps translate design intent into a accurate, scalable physical product.