What are the layout requirements for a sticker sheet?

These rules apply to all sticker sheets, regardless of size, material or design. They give you accurate cuts and stickers that separate cleanly.

Spacing

• Between stickers: at least 2 mm (0.075 in) between every cutline on the sheet

• To the sheet edge: no cutline closer than 2 mm (0.075 in) to the outer edge of the sheet

The spacing prevents cuts from interfering with each other, leaves room for machine tolerance, reduces the risk of unintended edge cuts and keeps results consistent between sheets.

Bleed

Bleed is artwork that extends beyond the cutline, so you don't get unwanted white edges. Add 2 mm (0.075 in) outside each cutline.

• The bleed doesn't have to follow the sticker shape, but it looks better if it does

• Don't place the bleed inside the sticker

• Background colours can extend fully into the bleed. If you want the sheet's background colour as the sticker border, leave them out

• Don't put critical elements in the bleed

More in What is bleed?

Cutlines

The cutlines define the peelable shape of each sticker.

• Stroke width: 1 pt

• Line style: solid, fully closed path

• Colour: one spot colour, usually 100% magenta

• Position: centred between the sticker and the bleed

• Corners: rounded corners are more stable. Sharp corners should be over 30°

• Cutlines must not overlap or intersect

• Each sticker needs its own cutline, following its intended shape

More in How to make your own cutlines.

Minimum size

• Each sticker: at least 6 mm (0.24 in). Smaller shapes may not cut or peel well

• Very fine decorative shapes may need more spacing

• Small inner angles and sharp points may not cut cleanly

Common mistakes

• Cutlines closer than 2 mm to each other

• Cutlines placed on the sheet edge

• Artwork that doesn't extend into the bleed

• Shared cutlines between several stickers

• Shapes with details too small to cut

• Overlapping bleed areas, so colours run into the neighboring sticker

Summary

• 2 mm (0.075 in) spacing between stickers and to the sheet edge

• 2 mm (0.075 in) bleed around each sticker

• 1 pt fully closed cutline following each sticker's shape

• Minimum sticker size 6 mm (0.24 in)

See also File setup for sticker sheets.