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Dieline (technical drawing)
Also known as: die line, packaging template, cutter guide, technical drawing, keyline
A dieline is the technical template showing a pouch's dimensions, cut, seal, fold and safe print areas, used as the base for artwork.
A dieline is the flat technical drawing of a pack. It shows dimensions, cut lines, seal areas, folds and gussets, the bleed, the safe zone for text, and the positions of accessories such as zippers, degassing valves, hang holes, tear notches and windows.
Why it matters
A pouch is printed flat and then sealed and cut into shape. Artwork that ignores the dieline can end up with the product name under the zipper, a barcode in the seal, the main image folded into the bottom gusset or a valve in the middle of the logo. These errors usually appear only after production.
Who provides it
The converter normally supplies the dieline based on the chosen pouch dimensions, format and accessories. Because machines differ, always use the current template from the supplier you are ordering from. For rollstock it also covers repeat length, web width, unwind direction and eye-mark position.
Tips
- Keep the dieline on a locked, non-printing layer.
- Extend backgrounds into the bleed.
- Keep text inside the safe zone and out of seals.
- Supply artwork at 1:1 scale as vector files.
Frequently asked
Can I use a dieline from another supplier?
It is risky; seal widths and tolerances vary by machine. Ask your current supplier for theirs.
Will the dieline lines be printed?
No, the dieline is a guide on a non-printing layer.
Related terms
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