How to Cut Contours in Illustrator
A cut contour is artwork that is cut out of a drawing or photograph using a special printer. Cut contours are used to create logo decals, point of purchase displays and stickers. Whether you are cutting the contours yourself or sending them to a print shop, you will need to prepare the cut contours. To prepare the cut contours in Adobe Illustrator, create a special outline in a new layer and add 1/8-inch bleed.
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Instructions
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Open the artwork in Adobe Illustrator.
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Click on the “Window” menu and select “Layers” to open the Layers panel.
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Click on the flyout menu and select “New” layer. Click on the new layer to activate it.
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Select the “Pen” or “Pencil” tool to trace a path around the contour that you want to cut.
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Click on the “Window” menu and select “Swatches.”
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Click on the flyout menu and select “New Swatch.”
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Enter “CutContour” in the “Swatch Name” box.
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Select “Spot Color” from the “Color Type” drop-down menu.
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Select “CMYK” from the “Color Mode” drop-down menu. Enter “100%” in the “M” box and “0%” in the other three boxes to create 100% magenta.
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Select the stroke of the contour trace. Click on the CutContour swatch.
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Press “Control” and “C” to copy the outline. Lock this layer to prevent editing.
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Click on the layer that contains the image. Press “Control” and “F” to paste the stroke in place on this layer.
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Click on the “Object” menu, hover over “Path” and select “Offset Path.”
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Enter “0.128 in” in the “Offset.” Select the “Direct Selection” tool. Click on the inside offset stroke and the original stroke. Press “Delete.” You should now only have the outside stroke creating a 1/8-inch bleed.
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Select the outline and the image.
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Click on the “Object” menu, hover over “Clipping Mask” and select “Make.” Illustrator will hide everything except the cut contour.
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Tips & Warnings
You may be able to use the Live Trace features in Illustrator to outline the contour.
Make sure you follow the instructions provided by the printer.
References
- Photo Credit Burke/Triolo Productions/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
