How to make a cutline in Adobe Illustrator for a GCC cutting plotter

For a GCC print-and-cut job, create the closed contour in Illustrator, use GreatCut or the GCC Illustrator tools to add AAS registration marks, print the job, and send the contour to the cutter in AAS mode. CreateCutline automates the outside contour before the GCC-specific steps.

What GCC AAS adds

GCC's Automatic-Aligning System reads printed registration marks so the cutter can align the vector contour to the graphic. GreatCut can create contour paths and registration marks from Illustrator and send them to GCC plotters.

CreateCutline replaces the manual contour-building stage. GreatCut still adds AAS marks and controls output.

Manual GCC workflow

1. Create the design in Illustrator.
2. Build one closed outside contour.
3. Apply the required offset and round or simplify the path as needed.
4. Use GreatCut to create the GCC registration marks.
5. Print the artwork and marks without changing scale.
6. Select the artwork, marks, and contour as required by GreatCut.
7. Output in the appropriate Cut with AAS mode.
8. Load the media, detect the marks, and confirm alignment.

Create the contour with CreateCutline

Select the artwork and press Create Cutline. The plug-in produces one closed vector path on a top-level Cutline layer, with the original artwork left untouched. It works with both vector and placed raster artwork.

Next, open GreatCut to add the AAS registration pattern and send the job. If the GCC workflow cuts by colour, map the generated CutContour spot stroke to the desired operation.

Check the GCC job

• Keep the AAS marks black, clean, and unobstructed.
• Leave the required margin around the registration pattern.
• Confirm that only the intended contour is sent to cut.
• Do not scale the print after the marks are generated.
• Test kiss-cut or die-cut force on the actual stock.
• Check the first mark/origin orientation when loading media.

GCC cutline questions

Does CreateCutline add GCC AAS marks?

No. It builds the closed contour. GreatCut or the GCC Illustrator plug-in adds and processes AAS marks.

Can it create one contour around separated artwork?

Yes. That is a core use case: multiple pieces can become one outside cut rather than one cut per object.

Can I still edit the contour in Illustrator?

Yes. It is a normal vector path on its own layer.

Generate the path, then add the AAS workflow

CreateCutline costs $20 once and includes a seven-day free trial.

Download free trial

Buy - $20

Official GCC references

• GCC: contour cutting through GreatCut and AAS
• GCC: creating personalized stickers with Illustrator contours

CreateCutline is independent software and is not affiliated with or endorsed by GCC or Adobe.