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# Shape Cut: add a black cut shape to your print file

## What Shape Cut is

Some Print Providers need a **solid black version of your design** in the print file. Their cutting machine reads that black shape to know where to cut. This is common for multi-layer products such as acrylic plaques, standees and ornaments.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/0/8/5/6085dc2a7293d800/monosnap-469c2003-bfdc-45ac-bf_x89i9p.png)

Shape Cut creates that black shape of the design automatically, from the layer you apply it to. If the buyer picks a different clipart, the black shape automatically changes to match.
**The black shape only appears in the final print file. Buyers never see it on the mockup or live preview.**

Before Shape Cut, you had two slow options:
* **Cliparts:** upload a black version of every clipart, then build a layer and a condition for each one. With 100 cliparts, that is 100 extra layers and 100 conditions to manage.
* **Photo upload:** wait for the order, then manually edit the design to draw the black shape around whatever the buyer uploaded.

| With Shape Cut, you set it once on the layer, and it works for every clipart and every uploaded photo.

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## How to set it up

1. Go to **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > select the Layer > click its pencil icon to edit > Print Effects** in the editor toolbar. If the existing layout opens directly, click **Layouts** to return to the layout picker.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/upload-1/plugin/-/4/f/9/3/4f9341b80ae70800/01-print-effects-layouts_1sx1woa.png)

2. In **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects**, choose a layout: **1×2**, **1×3**, **1×4**, **2×1**, or **2×3**. The numbers represent rows × columns. For example, **1×2** places two cells side by side, while **2×1** stacks them vertically.

|| The layout applies to the Layers in the same template. Use the layout required by your print provider; you cannot give each Layer a different layout within that template.

3. In **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects > select a layout**, choose **Cut**. Click the grid cells where you want the black cut shape to appear. A scissors icon marks a cell with the Cut effect. Check the shape-cut count below the grid.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/upload-1/plugin/-/4/f/9/3/4f9341b80ae70800/02-cut-cells-apply-layout_1lusauh.png)

| **Cut** creates the black cut shape described in this article. **Emboss** is a separate effect in the same panel; choose **Cut** for these instructions.

4. In **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects > select a layout**, click **Apply layout**. Then click **Save & Close** at the top of the Artwork editor to save your changes.

|| Effect layers are production guides for your print provider and appear in the Order Design. Check the generated print file before fulfillment; the storefront mockup and live preview do not show the black cut shape.

###### Use a custom layout

1. Go to **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects > Layouts > Customize**. If the layout picker is already open, click **Customize** directly.

2. In **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects > Customize**, set **Rows** and **Columns**. Choose **Cut**, then click the cells where you want the black shape to appear.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/upload-1/plugin/-/4/f/9/3/4f9341b80ae70800/03-custom-layout-rows-columns_11bvg7e.png)

3. In **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects > Customize**, click **Apply layout**, then **Save & Close** in the Artwork editor.

###### Change an existing layout

Go to **Teeinblue Portal > Artworks > open an Artwork > edit the Layer > Print Effects > Layouts** to return to the layout picker. Choose the required layout, select **Cut** and its cells, then click **Apply layout > Save & Close**.

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## Notes

*  **The black shape always sits on top.** In the print file, the cut shape is rendered above every other layer. This is what cutting machines expect.
*  **It won't show on your mockup.** If you preview the campaign and don't see a black shape, that is correct. Check the print file from a real order instead.
*  **One layout per template.** You can't mix different layouts inside the same artwork template.
*  **Check with your print provider first.** Not every provider needs a cut shape, and some want a specific layout. You should always inquire your providers' requirements first.
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## Frequently asked questions

###### Does the buyer see the black shape?
No. Mockup and live preview show the normal design only.

###### What if the buyer changes the clipart?
The black shape updates automatically to match whatever they picked.

###### Which layers support Shape Cut?
At the moment, Teeinblue supports Clipart layers and Photo Upload layers.