Dieline file formats: SVG, PDF, DXF, PNG and JPG

Vector files

Vector files keep lines sharp at any size and keep the true scale.

• PDF: a 1:1 page with named layers for cut, crease and bleed. Opens in Illustrator, Acrobat and most print workflows.
• SVG: scalable paths grouped by layer, for Illustrator, Affinity, Inkscape and Figma.
• DXF: line work in millimetres for CAD software and digital cutting tables.

Image files

PNG and JPG are picture proofs. Use 300 DPI for print-quality proofs and 72 DPI for email. PNG can have a transparent background; JPG cannot. WebP and TIFF are available for web use and image-heavy print workflows.

Which file for which person

If you are not sure, send each person the format they work in:

• Packaging printer or converter: PDF (and DXF if they ask for CAD).
• Graphic designer: SVG or PDF.
• Digital cutting table or sample maker: DXF.
• Client approval or team chat: PNG.

Layers and colours

PW Studio vector exports keep cut, crease, perforation and bleed on separate, named layers. PDF and DXF use the industry convention of magenta for cut and cyan for crease, so they drop straight into printer workflows. SVG can use either the industry or the studio colours.

Why no .ai file

The .ai format is Adobe’s own. Renaming another format to .ai would be misleading and can break in Illustrator. The PDF export opens directly in Illustrator with its layers, which is what most printers ask for.

Common questions