Odd Shaped Layouts Requiring a Die Cut

[Jenni_Mecham@adobeforums.com]

I recently started using InDesign and am unable to find a simple way to create a die line for the last page of a kit cover. Maybe I am going about this the wrong way.

Should InDesign be used for these types of layouts (anything irregular in size/shape; such as packaging, kit covers, etc)? Or should I be creating these types of documents elsewhere (such as Illustrator)?

Please help.

Jenni M.

[Robert_Levine@adobeforums.com]

Use the pen tool.

Bob

[Jenni_Mecham@adobeforums.com]

Outside of the document boundaries? Will this cause any problems for the printer?

jm

[Robert_Levine@adobeforums.com]

Talk to the printer. I just did a pocket folder and I drew all the
guides for the die cuts on a separate layer. I exported as a layered
Acrobat 6 file. Worked out great.

I suggest talking to your printer first.

Bob

[Tono@adobeforums.com]

Jenni,

you can also create your Die line in illustrator and place it on a seperate layer within your ID document, this is what i do when design packaging and pocket folders.

As far as elements falling outside of the document bounds, that will most likely cause an issue, so you may have to design those pages in a seprate document. For instance, if the odd shaped page is the last page in the docuemnt, then you would build the first, second and second to last and last pages in a sepreate file.

the actual page size in your ID file should be big enough to accomodate the two page spreads for each side of the sheet, then just drop in your die-lines.

i just did this for a pocket folder with an 8 page insert and it worked for me.

But as Bob says, talk to your printer first, they may want it setup in a differnt manner.

hope this helps

Tono....

[John_Slate@adobeforums.com]

Also create the dieline with a spot color called something clever, like "dieline", and set it to overprint. The actual color of this spot color is not important, make it a PRETTY color... as long as it is defined as a spot.

Soooo many people create dielines in Cyan for some dumb reason.