Published
For a Roland print-and-cut workflow, create a closed vector path in Illustrator and apply a spot-colour stroke named exactly CutContour. Roland VersaWorks uses that case-sensitive spot-colour name to distinguish a cut path from printable artwork.
What VersaWorks expects
Roland's documentation identifies two essential requirements: the cutting line must be vector data, and its stroke must use a spot colour named CutContour. A magenta process-colour line with the same appearance is not equivalent. The swatch type and exact name matter.
The cut path should also be closed and should describe the finished outside edge you want the blade to follow. Registration, copies, media settings, blade force, and the final print-and-cut command remain in VersaWorks and the Roland device.
Create the path manually in Illustrator
- Put the print artwork on its normal artwork layer.
- Create a separate top-level layer for the cutline.
- Build one closed outside contour around the complete sticker.
- Apply the required offset for the border or bleed.
- Open Window > Swatches and create a new spot colour.
- Name the swatch
CutContourwith that exact capitalization. - Remove the path fill and apply the spot colour to its stroke.
- Save the job in a vector format accepted by your VersaWorks setup.
If the design contains separate letters, icons, or islands, the manual method usually needs additional bridging and Pathfinder cleanup before it becomes one usable outside cut.
Create the Roland cutline with CreateCutline
CreateCutline automates the path-building portion:
- Open the artwork in Illustrator.
- Select the objects that belong to the sticker.
- Open the CreateCutline panel and choose the offset.
- Press Create Cutline.
The plug-in creates a top-level Cutline layer, one closed vector path, a spot swatch named CutContour, and a 1 pt overprinting stroke. It leaves the source artwork untouched.
CreateCutline does not replace VersaWorks. Import the finished file into VersaWorks, then use the Roland workflow for placement, copies, registration, media settings, printing, and cutting.
Confirm that VersaWorks found the path
Do not send the job based only on how it looks in Illustrator. In VersaWorks, inspect the job preview and confirm that the contour is displayed as a cutting line. If it appears as printable magenta artwork, check:
- the path is vector, not raster;
- the swatch is a spot colour;
- the swatch name is exactly
CutContour; - capitalization has not changed;
- the export preserved spot colours; and
- the path was not flattened into the image.
If the cut is recognized but does not align with the print, review the Roland registration and calibration procedure. Alignment is separate from creating the contour geometry.
Roland cutline questions
Does the preview colour have to be magenta?
The visible colour helps operators see the path, but VersaWorks recognition is based on vector data and the named spot colour. The exact CutContour spelling is the critical part.
Can a PNG contain the Roland cutline?
No. A PNG can be the source artwork, but the finished cut path must remain vector data. CreateCutline can build a vector cutline from placed raster artwork inside Illustrator.
Does CreateCutline add Roland registration marks?
No. It creates the closed production path. Registration marks and device output belong to the Roland/VersaWorks stage of the workflow.
Make the path once, then finish in VersaWorks
CreateCutline is a $20 one-time purchase with a seven-day full-featured trial. Use it to create the closed CutContour path, then continue through your normal Roland production setup.
Official Roland references
CreateCutline is independent software and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Roland DG or Adobe.