How to prepare my files for stickers? Complete guide for correct printing

If you're going to print stickers, decals or labels at our print shop, it's important that you prepare your files correctly to avoid cutting errors, maintain print quality and ensure that your design comes out exactly as you need it.

Below we explain all the technical requirements, including how the file should be, maximum size, separation, bleed, layers and proper format.

Print area size for stickers with die cut or kiss cut

Important note: at Dushi we do NOT perform complete die cutting (complete piece-by-piece cutting). When we refer to "die cut" here, we mean kiss cut / cut line on sheet.

When your stickers have:

• Die cut
• Kiss cut

The print sheet has a maximum size of:

28 × 38 centimeters (useful print area)

This means you must arrange all designs within that space, respecting:

• Perimeter margin
• Bleed
• Separation between each sticker
• Correct cut line

What format should I send my file for stickers?

✔ Required format:

Adobe Illustrator (.AI)

This format allows:

• Handle independent layers
• Define die cut lines
• Maintain sharp vectors
• Avoid pixel or jagged edge problems
• Ensure the cut comes out clean and precise

We do not accept PNG, JPG or files without curves for stickers with die cut.

Related information:
👉 https://dushi.me/en/what-format-should-i-send-my-file-for-printing/

File structure: separate layers

Your Illustrator file must contain two required layers:

1. Layer 1: Art (your design)

• Everything in CMYK
• Images embedded or correctly linked
• Fonts converted to outlines
• 300 dpi resolution

Related guide:
👉 https://dushi.me/en/how-do-i-prepare-my-pdf-to-print-correctly/

2. Layer 2: Cut line (die cut or kiss cut)

• Must be a continuous vector line
• 100% magenta color or 100% spot color without overprint
• No effects, no shadows, no duplicate strokes
• Do not use masks or open paths

Technical requirements for die cut or kiss cut

✔ Required perimeter bleed of 1 mm

Each sticker must have:

1 mm bleed around the design

This avoids white borders and ensures the cut is perfect.

More about bleed:
👉 https://dushi.me/en/what-are-bleed-margins-and-why-are-they-needed/

✔ Separation between stickers: 3 mm

To be able to die cut correctly, each sticker must have:

3 mm separation between one sticker and another

If this space is not respected, the die cut can break the material or improperly cut nearby designs.

✔ Cut line independent of art

Very important:

• Must go on a separate layer
• Should never touch transparent areas or effects
• Must be a simple stroke (no double line)
• Should not be expanded with exaggerated thickness

How to arrange multiple stickers in the 28 × 38 cm area?

You can arrange as many designs as you want as long as:

• You respect the maximum area 28 × 38 cm
• You leave 3 mm between each sticker
• Your art has 1 mm bleed
• The cut line is clean and closed

💡 Tip: it's better to group stickers by similar sizes for better space utilization.

What should you NOT do when preparing files for stickers?

❌ Send PNG or JPG
❌ Send file without die cut layer
❌ Send pixelated die cut line (doesn't work)
❌ Not leave 3 mm separation
❌ Not add 1 mm bleed
❌ Send designs outside the maximum area

If you do any of these things, your file cannot enter production.

How do I send my file once ready?

You can send it via:

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• WeTransfer
• Email (if file size is small)

Complete guide:
👉 https://dushi.me/en/how-can-i-send-my-files-for-printing/

Conclusion

To print stickers with professional die cutting, your file must include:

✔ Adobe Illustrator format
✔ Maximum size 28 × 38 cm
✔ Art on one layer
✔ Die cut line on another layer
✔ 1 mm bleed
✔ 3 mm separation between stickers
✔ Clean, closed and vector cut lines

With these requirements, your order can enter production without delays or errors.

Ready to print your stickers?

👉 Services page:
https://dushi.me/en/printing-services/sticker-and-label-printing/

👉 Quote online:
https://dushi.me/kb/