Dielines
Everything you need to know about dielines: what they are, why they matter, and how to prepare them.
What Are Dielines?
A dieline is a 2D outline showing the exact shape of a box when laid flat. It marks where the material will be cut, folded, glued, or perforated. Dielines act as a blueprint for your packaging, guiding both the placement of artwork and the production process. Without a proper dieline, artwork alignment and box structure cannot be guaranteed.
Dielines: Line Styles and What They Mean
Different line types indicate different structural instructions in a dieline:
- Solid lines – Show where cuts are made through the material.
- Dashed or dotted lines – Indicate folds, scores, or perforations.
- Cross-hatched areas – Mark tabs or flaps that will be glued or assembled.
- Bleed and safety lines – Define areas to extend artwork beyond the trim and keep critical content within safe boundaries.
Understanding these conventions ensures your dieline communicates the structure clearly to both designers and manufacturers.
Free Box Dielines Template Download
Get a ready-to-use dieline template for your box design on our dedicated template page. This template provides a solid foundation for your artwork, making it easier to create print-ready files.
Top Tips to Prepare Correct Dielines
If you choose to create your own dielines, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Use vector-based software such as Adobe Illustrator.
- Double-check all dimensions and proportions for accuracy.
- Reference multiple examples if designing different box styles.
- Export as high-resolution, print-ready PDF files.
- Include a clear key for all line types and symbols.
Even if you prepare your own dielines, we are happy to review and advise to ensure everything is production-ready.
