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Cut Contour / Plotter Cutting

A practical tutorial for printed labels that must be cut after production: A4 sticker sheets, short-run labels, contour-cut graphics, and roll labels.

Purpose

This guide explains how to prepare printed labels for contour cutting with a plotter or cutting table after printing.

It covers CutContour setup, registration marks, bleed, safe zones, blade compensation, and exports such as HPGL, G-code, SVG, and vendor-oriented formats.

CutContourHPGL G-codeGraphtec SummaSilhouette A4 sheetsStickers
Print then cut workflow Print first, cut second Print file Cut contour Plotter Registration marks keep print and cut aligned

1. Choose the cutting workflow

WorkflowUse whenOutput
A4 sticker sheetYou print on OKI C651/C844, Pro9541/Pro9542, or another sheet printer, then cut afterwards.Print PDF + HPGL/G-code/SVG cut file.
Roll printed labelsYou print roll labels on OKI Pro1040/Pro1050 or Epson ColorWorks, then cut or finish.Roll print job + contour path for cutter/finisher.
Object-based cutOnly specific objects should be cut, not the whole label boundary.CutContour objects exported as paths.
Label boundary cutEach label should be cut around its outer shape.Template or label outline used as cut path.

2. Prepare artwork with bleed and safe zones

The print must extend beyond the cut line if the design has a background color or image. Important text must stay inside the safe area.

  • Cut line: final shape of the label.
  • Bleed: artwork extends outside the cut line.
  • Safe area: text and barcode stay inside this area.
  • Quiet zones: barcodes must not be cut too close.
Common mistake: placing the cut line directly on the edge of printed color creates visible white edges after cutting.
Bleed cut safe area Bleed, cut, safe area Bleed Cut line Safe area Label

3. Create or mark the CutContour path

Use the label boundary

Best for simple rectangular, rounded, circular, or template-driven labels.

Use a dedicated CutContour object

Create a vector shape named or marked as CutContour when the cut differs from the artwork.

Keep cut paths vector-based

Avoid extracting cutter paths from noisy raster images unless cleanup is performed.

Lock the cut layer

After positioning, lock the contour layer so print artwork edits do not move it accidentally.

4. Add registration marks

Registration marks on A4 sheet A4 sheet with registration marks

Registration marks allow the cutter camera or operator alignment process to match the printed sheet or roll to the cut file.

  • Use marks supported by the target plotter or cutting software.
  • Keep marks outside the final label cut area.
  • Do not scale the print after generating the cut file.
  • Use the same origin and page size for print and cut exports.

5. Select the export format

FormatBest forNotes
HPGL / PLTMany vinyl cutters and plotters.Common for Graphtec/Summa-style workflows, depending on model/software.
G-codeCNC tables, drag knife workflows, custom cutters.Requires correct units, origin, feed speed, and machine safety checks.
SVGIntermediate vector workflow.Useful for checking or importing into cutting software.
JSONAutomation and downstream integration.Useful for Label Server, QA, or custom plugins.
Vendor presetsGraphtec, Summa, Silhouette-style workflows.Preset must be tested on the real cutter.

6. Export from Label Studio Creator

Use the cut contour export after the artwork has passed print preflight.

  • Open File > Export > Cut Contour.
  • Choose contour source: label boundary or CutContour objects.
  • Select format: HPGL, G-code, SVG, JSON, or preset.
  • Enable registration marks when the workflow needs print-and-cut alignment.
  • Set blade compensation/kerf only after a physical cutter test.
Cut export workflow Cut export Label Contour HPGL Print and cut exports must share the same scale, origin, and media size.

7. Run a physical cutter test

Do not cut the full batch first. Use a small sheet or a short roll segment to validate alignment, pressure, speed, blade offset, and path direction.
CheckPass condition
ScaleCut path matches printed artwork size exactly.
OriginCut starts in the expected corner or registration origin.
RegistrationContour follows the print without visible offset.
Blade pressureSticker cuts cleanly without cutting through backing paper unless intended.
Corner qualityNo tearing, hooks, or overcut marks on small radii.
WeedingWaste material removes cleanly.

8. Blade compensation and kerf

Cutters have physical blade behavior. Compensation should be based on test results, not guesswork.

  • Kerf: material removed by the cutting tool.
  • Blade offset: distance between blade tip and rotation center.
  • Overcut: extra travel to close corners cleanly.
  • Speed/force: adjusted by material thickness and adhesive.
Blade compensation Blade behavior Blade offset

9. Recommended print-and-cut workflow

Print and cut production workflow DesignBleed + safe PreflightPrint + contour Print testOne sheet/strip Cut testAlign + force BatchPrint/cut Only batch after both print and cut tests are approved.

10. Final checklist

Artwork

Bleed, safe area, barcode quiet zone, and cut path checked.

Registration

Marks placed correctly and not scaled after export.

Cut file

Correct format, origin, units, preset, and contour source selected.

Physical test

Small print-and-cut test approved before full batch.

Prepared for Label Studio Creator. Cutter settings must be validated on the exact plotter, blade, material, adhesive, and backing paper used in production.