A dieline is used in printing and packaging as a template for ensuring proper layout of a material that will be die cut as part of the manufacturing process. It is basically needed for sizing and orientation of a package.  It is a diagram with all cut lines, curves, and folds needed when finishing a product package. It will display all the parts of a box package when in a flattened form.

In packaging and printing, dielines are essential as they play a valuable role in producing product packages.  Traditionally, dielines are will be needed in making pocket folders, boxes, brochures, envelopes, and so many more. The dieline is usually not printed on the finished piece but it will be used to determine the accurate layout.

Most times, a business owner could come up to a package designer with an already constructed package requesting a replica of it but with their brand logo on it. The designer will need to deconstruct the box in a flattened form and see the package ‘dieline.’ From this, recreating a replica becomes very easy. That’s basically what the term ‘dieline’ describes—moving on! 

As we’ve already discussed, dielines are used in the printing and packaging industry to determine the structure of a box packaging before producing it. A packaging dieline is a vector created as a template to describe the size, shape, folding configuration, and finishing of a package to be printed.

Some printing companies will ideally not have anything to do with producing a box package without you providing the dieline template. This will help show them exactly what you want them to create for you. This way, a more precise understanding is laid out.

Basically, the uses of dielines include,

• Providing the main template for the design of any packaging.
• Plays a vital role in the die-cutting and construction of a package.
• Ensures accuracy of all the physical properties of the finished product.

So if you’re asking, are dieline templates necessary? The short and simple answer is YES! Dielines are essential to crafting an accurate and perfect finished product package.

In establishing a box package, you’ll need a dieline. Meanwhile, to define dielines, you’ll need to know what it consists of. Dielines are made up of critical physical elements which all define the structure of the final finished product. Since dielines are essential in determining the correct layout of the package, they must be detailed and accurate. 

If you think of a dieline as a canvas, it must highlight some critical parts of the entire artwork. A standard packaging dieline should be made up of the following elements;

Fold lines

The fold lines (marked in GREEN dashed lines) show where the package will be folded when constructing the box. They are the critical lines in a dieline or box template because they will determine the final structure of the package. Without them, there will be a lack of accurate and aligned folding.

Die-cut lines

Also known as cut lines (marked in BLACK). They indicate where the die-cutter will pass through. They play the role of maps and indicate the points that the die-cutting machine will have to pass through.

Bleed lines

Bleed lines (marked in RED lines) indicate the margin or extra space for movement of the substrate when printing. This will help you avoid the uneven edges of the design.  

Perferation Line

Marked in ORANGE line, indicate where the box will be teared off. In general, it can be used for packaging and display as well.

Safe Area

Marked in BLUE dashed line, indicate where main printing content should be in case damaged.

Glue tabs

They are marked with solid orange in the image. The glue tabs show where the adhesives will be applied when constructing the box. After folding through the fold lines, the glue tabs will be left out, and the adhesive will be spread there to hold the whole structure together.

If you are working directly with a manufacturer or a packaging designer, you wouldn’t have to worry about creating a dieline because such a task is the designer’s job.

If you’re lucky enough, the printing company could have an affiliated graphic designer who helps create the dieline template before manufacturing commences. So basically, making the dieline for any packaging is the designer’s job.

If you want to create a dieline or have a unique idea of what you want a package to look like, you will need a working computer and a software design tool such as Adobe Illustrator or the ArtiosCAD. These are the most used tools, although no one is superior to the other.

An excellent start to getting an accurate dieline is to hire a good graphic designer. However, you can also provide the designer with an already produced package. Then the designer can come up with something unique while modifying what you have provided.  

To create a perfect dieline, there are a few things to consider. You will need to consider;

• The weight of your product. The weight of the product will determine the design of the package’s bottom. Light products will can accommodate the tucked bottom while heavier products cannot.
• Will it be peg-hooked or shelved? Will the package have a hole for hanging, or will it be stored on a shelf? It would be best sometimes if would be to create a dieline that would accommodate both options.
• Orientation of your product inside the package. Will you need the product to be oriented in a specific manner? Will you need a window for it shows some parts? Will the product rest on the insides of the box?
• How will the package be delivered? Delivery options will also determine the dieline template. The product designer will need to consider how the products will be delivered and incorporate safety measures to keep the product intact throughout the process.

You’ll need to consider these when creating a dieline. If you can’t handle it alone, discuss it directly with your package designer, and you will be asked about all requirements.