A dieline is the flat template used to cut, fold and print a custom box. It shows cut lines, fold lines, glue areas, bleed and safe zones. If the dieline is wrong, the printed box can look correct on screen but fail when folded.
Before final artwork, confirm the box size, structure and product fit. The dieline should be built around the real product, not guessed from a screenshot.
What a dieline should show
| Dieline item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cut line | Final outside edge of the box |
| Fold line | Where the paperboard or corrugated board folds |
| Bleed area | Extra artwork beyond the cut line |
| Safe area | Keeps text and logo away from edges |
| Glue flap | Shows where artwork should not interfere |
| Inside and outside panels | Prevents artwork from landing on the wrong side |
What buyers should check
Check the dieline before design work starts. Make sure the product dimensions are correct, opening direction is clear and all panels are labeled. For mailer boxes, confirm whether the inside will be printed. For folding cartons, confirm tuck direction and barcode position.
Send editable files when possible
Editable AI or print-ready PDF files help production teams check lines, fonts and colors. Outline fonts or send the font files. Use CMYK for standard printing and include Pantone references if brand color matching matters.
Related pages: artwork file checklist, custom folding cartons, custom mailer boxes.