I'm creating a brochure that needs to have a place to insert a business card. How do I show the cut lines for the slits (one in each corner to hold the card in place) for the printer? I don't want the lines to actually print. I remember learning that there's a specific value to use, but can't think of what it is - 20% black?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Create it with the Registration ink. BE SURE TO MARK IT and tell your print vendor before printing commences.

It depends on what program you are using. InDesign and Illustrator both have features to have object non printing. You can also place the slits into a separate top most layer and label the layer to reflect the die cut.

At my shop we usually indicated the die-cut slits as a separate bright color like a bright green or magenta or cyan (something that doesn't interfere with the image and is clearly visible as a die-cut). Then we select the slits and make them non-printing. Like JDawg said make sure your printer knows about the die-cut and they know where the die cut is supposed to be. Don't assume because you make the slits and select non printing that they will automatically know that they are supposed to die-cut and also there is always a fee for die-cutting.

Also, check with your printer to see if they have a template for you to use because you can usually cut your cost a lot if they have a premade die-cut template to use instead of them having to make a custom template.

Thanks for the help! Unfortunately, I won't have any communication with the printer as we're developing the brochure for a client who is then taking the files and getting them printed on their own.

FYI, I'm using InDesign though I'm not as familiar with it as I was with Quark - how do I designate objects as nonprinting?

thanks again!

I make a new swatch, 100% magenta cyan whatever, and name it Die Line. Go to the attributes pallette and select overprint stroke. That way when the printer rips the file it won't knockout any image below it. You don't necessarily need to select nonprinting, the printer can turn the Die Line color off during the rip. But, the option is in the attributes pallette as well.

exactly what jem said

Using "registration" will cause the object to *print* on all plates. Jem is absolutely right with the die line method.

It's always a good idea to include any special instruction for your files. You can add a plain .txt or place noptes outside the art in the native file. If you are using a PDF you can add notes or comments to it to help make sure the printer is aware of the non printing parts.

Create your own six-pocket case using one letter or A4 sized piece of paper. Holds up to 24 business cards or about 6 credit cards.
You can stuff more than 4 business cards into each pocket, but if you do that in all the pockets it gets pretty tight. About 4 cards in each of the 6 pockets is still reasonably convenient and easy to put in/take out, etc.

If you have a small clip pen, you could attach the pen along the 'spine' of the case when you're done folding, if you wish.

Standard Zip-A3E slitting blades can slit products as narrow as 1” wide is especially important for graphics that bleed across the fold line of the card

i have used earlier Zip-A3E slitting blades and task usually become easy using it

Thanks for sharing the information it was quiet useful