How should I prepare a Custom shape keyline?
Upload a one-page or two-page PDF and choose a product that supports Custom shape. Put each cut keyline on page 1 as an open or closed vector stroke using one named spot colour, such as CutContour. Use 100% tint, a 0.25 pt to 1 pt stroke, and overprint when your design software supports it. PrintSimple highlights the valid paths that will be cut. Other paths or uses of that spot colour remain in the artwork and will be printed. Review the highlighted paths before you confirm the keyline.
Custom shape requirements
Custom shape is available when:
- your upload is a PDF with one or two pages
- the selected product supports Custom shape
- page 1 contains at least one valid vector keyline path
PrintSimple checks page 1 for cut paths. Page 2 can contain the reverse-side artwork, but it cannot define a cut path.
Set up the keyline
Create the cut keyline as an open or closed vector path on page 1. Use a named spot colour, such as CutContour, for the stroke.
Set each path you want cut to:
- 100% spot-colour tint
- 0.25 pt to 1 pt stroke width
- overprint stroke, when your design software supports it
- a position within the page boundary
Do not use the keyline spot colour for text, images, fills, shading, clipping-only content, or self-crossing paths. Remove duplicate paths that could send the cutter over the same line twice.
Open paths are accepted. Closed paths can define an outside edge, an internal cut-out, or a separate shape.
Files with valid and invalid paths
PrintSimple does not reject the whole file when it finds at least one valid path for the selected spot colour. The preview highlights only the valid paths that will be cut.
An ember warning appears when other paths or uses of the selected spot colour do not meet the cut rules. Those invalid elements stay in the artwork and will be printed instead of cut. Check the artwork preview before you confirm the keyline.
Each highlighted path counts toward the Custom shape path limit. Standard checkout supports up to five cut paths. A higher count is available only when paid production review is enabled for the store.
Place a Custom shape order
- Upload a one-page or two-page PDF.
- Choose a product that supports Custom shape.
- Turn on Custom shape in the Job Builder.
- Select the spot colour used for the cut keyline.
- Check every highlighted path in the page 1 preview.
- Read any ember warning. Elements that are not highlighted will print instead of being cut.
- Confirm the keyline, choose the remaining print options, and add the job to your cart.
- Review the job and complete checkout.
PrintSimple checks the uploaded file, selected paths, product, page count, and current pricing again before checkout. Replacing the file or changing the product can clear the confirmation and require another review.