Additional colors, also known as process colors, are specialized colors used in graphic design and printing that go beyond the standard CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model. While CMYK colors are created by blending these four basic inks during the printing process, additional colors offer more versatility and precision by introducing predefined or custom color options. One common type of additional color is the spot color, which is used to assign specific, pre-mixed colors to design elements. Other types of additional colors may include specialty inks such as metallics, fluorescents, or varnishes, as well as technical colors used for print instructions, such as cutlines or white ink layers.

What is a Spot Color?

A spot color in graphic design software is a special color setting used to define specific elements within a design for precise printing purposes. Unlike standard colors that are part of the CMYK or RGB color models, a spot color is assigned a unique identifier, often through a standardized color library like the Pantone Matching System (PMS). 

What Can Be Marked as Spot Color? 

When preparing a design for printing and cutting, spot colors can be assigned to specific design elements to signal different production processes. Here are some common designations for spot colors and their purposes: 

• Cutlines: Spot colors can define the cutting path, usually represented as a thin, magenta or custom color line, named specifically (e.g., “CutContour”) to allow cutting software like VersaWorks or RasterLink to recognize and execute precise cuts. 

• White Ink Underlay: When printing on transparent or colored materials, a spot color can indicate where white ink should be applied as a base layer to maintain print opacity and vibrancy. 

• Varnish or Special Finishes: Spot colors can also be used to mark areas for varnish, gloss, or matte finishes, giving stickers unique textures and effects. 

• Embossing or Foil Stamping: In designs that incorporate specialty printing techniques, spot colors can highlight elements intended for embossing or metallic foil applications. 

Swatches and Spot Colors in Design Software

Swatches are collections of specific color data that help maintain consistency when using spot colors. In software like CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, and others: 

• You can create custom swatches for spot colors, ensuring the exact same color is used throughout your design. 

• Properly named swatches (e.g., “CutContour” or “WhiteUnderlay”) help automate the production workflow by allowing software to detect specific actions tied to those colors. 

• Programs like VersaWorks and RasterLink rely on these spot color swatches to accurately interpret cutlines and print layers, which is essential for seamless integration with cutting and printing hardware. 

What is a Cutline?

A cutting line is a precisely marked contour indicating where a material — such as a sticker — should be cut to achieve the final size requested by the client. Cutting lines are typically represented as thin lines placed at the corners of the design, serving as guides for cutting machines. 

Why Are Cutting Lines So Important? 

In the printing process, materials are rarely produced in their final size right away. Especially for smaller items like stickers, designs are first printed on larger sheets that hold multiple copies simultaneously. Only then are the sheets cut down to the desired dimensions. 

The Benefits of Using Cutting Lines: 

• Cutting Precision: Cutting machines can accurately trim each sticker to the correct format, minimizing the risk of misalignment or errors. 

• Consistency of the Final Product: Cutting lines help avoid situations where important graphic or textual elements are accidentally cut off or where the design is trimmed in the wrong place. 

• Production Efficiency: They streamline the process of mass-cutting larger sheets, which is particularly crucial in bulk production, where speed and precision are key. 

Without cutting lines in the graphic design, printers may produce incorrectly cut stickers, which could negatively impact the quality and appearance of the finished prints. Therefore, the use of cutting lines is not only a technical requirement for print shops but also a crucial element in ensuring client satisfaction and achieving a professional look for printed materials.

The Importance of Cutlines in Spot Color

A cutline is essential for achieving precise and professional results in printed projects, and its proper use often relies on utilizing spot color. The cutline is a precisely defined path that indicates where a design—such as a sticker, label, or any other printed material—should be cut. To enable automatic recognition by cutting software, the cutline is created as a separate layer, assigned a specific name, and given a dedicated spot color. This approach ensures that when the design file is uploaded to software like Versa (or any other professional tool), the system can accurately detect the cutline and automatically queue the cutting task, streamlining the entire production process.

Why Is the Outline Preview in Sticker Builder Important?

The outline preview in Sticker Builder allows customers to see exactly where the sticker will be cut and what the final product will look like, significantly enhancing their awareness of the end result. Thanks to this feature, there is no need to prepare additional proofs, as the sticker designer always has access to a realistic visualization of the finished product. Additionally, Sticker Builder clearly displays the full dimensions of the sticker, including the outline area, which makes project planning much easier. This solution enables the creation of aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted stickers while ensuring that their appearance remains intact after cutting.