Create·Cutline
Buy - $20

How to make a cutline in Adobe Illustrator for HP Latex Print and Cut

Published

For an HP Latex Print and Cut workflow, make one closed vector contour in Illustrator, assign it a cut-path spot colour such as CutContour, and preserve that vector and spot data when exporting. HP FlexiPRINT and CUT then handles registration, job preparation, and output to the printer and cutter.

What the HP workflow uses

HP's production guidance describes drawing a cutting path, creating a spot colour such as CutContour or CutContourKiss, and assigning it to that path. HP FlexiPRINT and CUT supports files that already contain contour lines, while the cutter uses barcode and optical-position registration for print-and-cut alignment.

CreateCutline generates the base CutContour path. If your HP/Flexi setup uses a different prefix or separate kiss-cut and thru-cut names, map or rename the production paths before output.

Manual HP Latex cutline workflow

  1. Build a single closed vector outline around the sticker artwork.
  2. Add the required border with Offset Path.
  3. Clean overlaps, holes, and disconnected contours.
  4. Create the spot colour required by the active Flexi contour setup.
  5. Apply it to the cut-path stroke and remove the fill.
  6. Export the job without flattening the vector or spot data.
  7. Open the job in HP FlexiPRINT and CUT, confirm the contour, and add the registration/barcode workflow used by the shop.

Create the contour with CreateCutline

Select the artwork in Illustrator, choose the offset and smoothing in CreateCutline, then press Create Cutline. The plug-in creates one closed vector path on a Cutline layer with a CutContour spot-colour stroke. It does not alter the print artwork.

Continue in FlexiPRINT and CUT to set media, copies, registration, nesting, blade conditions, and device output. CreateCutline supplies the path, not the hardware instructions.

Verify the HP job

  • Confirm the contour appears as cutting data rather than printable ink.
  • Check the exact spot-colour prefix configured in the RIP.
  • Preserve the path as vector during PDF or EPS export.
  • Confirm barcode and optical-position marks before printing.
  • Test kiss-cut or thru-cut force on the actual media.

HP Latex cutline questions

Is CutContour always the only accepted name?

It is a common default and appears in HP guidance, but Flexi and other RIPs can be configured around specific prefixes. Match the active shop setup.

Does CreateCutline replace FlexiPRINT and CUT?

No. It replaces manual contour construction in Illustrator. Flexi still handles registration, production settings, and output.

Can it create an inside cut?

Yes. A negative offset can move the contour inside the artwork edge. Test the result against the intended bleed and material before production.

A faster contour before the HP production stage

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

Download free trial

Buy - $20

Official HP references

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