Print and Cut Tutorial: How to Make a Custom Cut Line

Today I'm answering a reader question about how to create what essentially are custom cut lines for a print and cut.  Normally, print and cut lines would be right around the outside of the design after you either purchase through the online store or trace it from another image. But what if you want to force a cut line so it's not around the edge of the design?  Today I'm going to show you an easy way to do that.

New to Print and Cut? Click here for 101 lesson

For this example I'm going to use this little elf.  In the original design he's holding a borderless sign.  Therein lies the problem. When I go to trace this is what I get...

That's not going to work for a print and cut.  In fact, I don't even even want the text to cut.  So the first thing I do after I trace is to release the compound path so I can select the text and delete it. You can also use the eraser tool to do this, but I find the eraser sometimes freezes up the software.



Since I do want the text to print in the print and cut I need to force a custom a border around it.  To do this, I used the draw a square tool and drew out a square.   Move it into place.

You can move your JPEG back over into the area to make sure everything lines up correctly.

When you're sure it does, you want to select the original traced design (elf outline) and the additional design (rectangle) and WELD them together.  Right click > weld

Now you can move your image back into place and add the registration marks and proceed with your print and cut like normal.  That thick red line indicates where your print and cut will cut. 

 

Here are a few more ways to customize Print and Cuts...

Customize Print & Cut 101

Change Colors of Print & Cut

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Thanks for coming to class today at Silhouette School.  If you like what you see, I'd love for you to pin it!