At a glance
- Let the sheet dry before cutting.
- Keep marks visible through successive cuts.
- Measure a first card before repeating the cuts.
Choose the tool and prepare the sheet
A guillotine with a stop helps repeat a dimension; a knife with a metal ruler and cutting mat follows marks. In both cases, use a tool suited to the thickness and follow its manual, especially the cutting capacity.
Let the print dry and check scale before removing margins. A clean cut does not fix a sheet shrunk during printing. A worn blade or moving sheet can tear edges even with correctly positioned marks.
Preserve references while cutting
Identify long lines and the separation order before cutting. If the first cut removes all outer marks, later cuts become harder to position. Keep a reliable stop or reference until the last card.
Start with strips when the template allows, then separate the cards. With a knife, controlled multiple passes may be preferable to excessive pressure depending on tool and media; keep hands clear of the blade path.
Check one card before the whole sheet
Measure the first card’s width and height. Compare opposite sides to detect a squareness problem. Check that cutting leaves content centred and that edges do not delaminate.
Questions about this guide
Can I cut several sheets together?
Only within the tool’s capacity and conditions. Thick sheets can slip or produce uneven edges; start with one sheet to validate.
Why do edges tear?
Check blade condition, sheet restraint, drying and tool capacity. Change one factor at a time on scrap media.
Sources
Manufacturer limits apply to the media and feed paths stated in each document. A documentary match is not a physical test of our cardstock.
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