Create·Cutline
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How to make a cutline in Adobe Illustrator for Mimaki RasterLink and FineCut

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Mimaki RasterLink print-and-cut files use vector cutting paths identified by a spot-colour name beginning with CutContour. FineCut and RasterLinkTools then handle Mimaki-specific cut layers, registration marks, and output. CreateCutline generates the closed path before that production stage.

What RasterLink recognizes

RasterLink 7 documentation specifies vector objects for cutting and spot-colour paths whose names begin with CutContour. It can also recognize names such as CutContourCut1 or CutContourHalf when a workflow uses several cutting conditions.

CreateCutline produces the standard CutContour path. If your shop uses named variants for kiss cut, half cut, or other tools, duplicate or rename the appropriate production paths after the main contour has been created.

Manual Mimaki cutline workflow

  1. Create or place the print artwork in Illustrator.
  2. Build one closed vector path around the required outside boundary.
  3. Put the path on a separate cut layer.
  4. Create a CMYK spot-colour swatch named CutContour.
  5. Apply the swatch to the path stroke and remove the fill.
  6. Use FineCut or RasterLinkTools to create the Mimaki registration marks and assign the appropriate layers or cut conditions.
  7. Output the job to RasterLink or the Mimaki cutter according to the shop's established workflow.

FineCut can create its own contour from artwork, but that does not guarantee a clean, single outside path around separated artwork. That geometry is the part CreateCutline is designed to handle.

Create the path with CreateCutline

  1. Select the complete sticker artwork in Illustrator.
  2. Open CreateCutline.
  3. Choose automatic or manual offset and smoothing.
  4. Press Create Cutline.

The result is one closed vector path on a top-level Cutline layer, with no fill and a 1 pt overprinting CutContour spot-colour stroke. The artwork itself is not moved, expanded, or flattened.

Continue in FineCut or RasterLinkTools to add registration marks and select the print and cut layers. CreateCutline does not add Mimaki marks or choose machine conditions.

Check the job before production

In RasterLink, confirm that the imported job separates the print data from the cut path. If the contour prints instead of becoming cutting data, verify:

  • the path remained vector;
  • the swatch type is Spot Color;
  • its name begins with CutContour;
  • the PDF or EPS export preserved spot data;
  • the cut layer is included and visible for output; and
  • FineCut or RasterLinkTools is using the intended print/cut layer assignment.

When using multiple cutting conditions, confirm that every named contour maps to the correct tool and pressure. A correct path shape cannot protect a job from a wrong cut-condition mapping.

Mimaki cutline questions

Do I need FineCut if I use CreateCutline?

CreateCutline replaces the repetitive contour-construction work, not the Mimaki output workflow. FineCut or RasterLinkTools may still be used for registration marks, layer assignment, cut conditions, and sending the job.

Can CreateCutline work from a customer PNG?

Yes. The source can be placed raster artwork, while the result is a vector cut path. RasterLink must receive the final vector contour rather than a magenta line baked into the bitmap.

Why does RasterLink not see the path?

The most common causes are a process-colour swatch, a changed spot-colour name, or an export that flattened the vector path. Inspect the separations or spot colour list before output.

Build the contour, then use the Mimaki tools you already know

CreateCutline is a $20 one-time plug-in for Adobe Illustrator, with a seven-day free trial. It creates the cut path; RasterLink and FineCut remain responsible for Mimaki registration and production output.

Download free trial

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Official Mimaki references

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