Dieline

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A dieline is used in graphic design as a placeholder for assisting in the proper layout of a document that will be diecut as part of the finishing process. It is usually placed into the graphic's computer file as a separate layer for sizing and orientation purposes. A dieline is usually not printed on the final piece but is used to determine correct layout.

Dielines are traditionally used when designing:

Envelopes
Pocket folders
Packaging

Since specific dimensions must be maintained.

There are guidelines to creating a proper dieline, such as:

1pt. solid lines setting the exact diecutting area
Dashed lines may be used when showing folding or scoring marks
Color of dieline should be set as a spot color usually a bright noticeable color so it will be recognized as a non-printing color
The stroke used should be set to overprint, as to ensure the line shows up over the underlying colors and does not knock-out the color underneath
Layer name should have "dieline" in it
Maintain vector format, if possible