What are Die-Cut Stickers? | 2025 Guide
Simply put, “die-cut” means a sticker that is cut around the shape of your design. In other words, most stickers come in standard shapes (i.e. circle, square, or rectangle), whereas die-cut stickers are completely customizable to your artwork.
Brands use “die-cut” for various purposes. In most instances, it’s to show off brand identity (i.e. through a logo sticker). However, packaging can also come in these customizable cuts (i.e. die-cut boxes).
Origins of Die-Cut
Die-cutting began in the shoe industry in the mid-1800s. More specifically, it allowed holes to be punched into shoes manually to create individual sole patterns. Most were made using leather and die-cutting allowed shoemakers cost-effective mass production.
Today, die-cutting has found a variety of uses across many industries. However, in regards to cannabis, it’s often used to create unique packaging and stickers. As you’ll see, these customization elements are a great way to get customers more involved in your brand.
What are the Benefits of Die-Cut Stickers?
On the surface, die-cut stickers give more emphasis to your brand. Whether you die-cut a logo or a mascot, these stickers effectively allow brand elements to stand out to customers.
However, on a deeper level, die-cut stickers can be used for customer retention. One of the elements customers take away from cannabis products is the unboxing experience. Naturally, you need high-quality packaging that gives customers an interactive feeling. But if you match this interaction with free stickers representing your brand, you’re taking the unboxing experience one step further.
- 61% of shoppers feel greater excitement about receiving a package when the packaging features branded designs.
- In 2022, 59% of packaging included branding elements.
- 52% of buyers state that high-quality premium packaging motivates them to make repeat purchases.
- Personalized packaging can boost consumer loyalty by up to 40%.
Naturally, you’ll want to place more of your efforts on the packaging design itself. However, if you throw in some personalized die-cut stickers to match, it will only elevate you amongst the competition.
Difference Between Die-Cut vs Kiss-Cut Stickers
In short, kiss-cut stickers are only cut through the vinyl. However, the paper backing stays in a standard shape (i.e. a square). Some brands use this to add an extra style to the sticker design. Still, such efforts aren’t 100% necessary as the main feature of both die-cut and kiss-cut is the sticker itself.
How to Order Custom Die-Cut Stickers
If you’re a business and want to outsource these stickers, the process is super simple. At Custom 420, we offer wholesale stickers at an exceptional value in various materials (such as matte, gloss, and specialty foil). On top of that, we can print die-cut stickers with Raised Spot UV.
Furthermore, we have an in-house design team that can assist in your sticker design if you’re not sure of the direction you want to take.
We invite you to check out our Cannabis Packaging Design Services page to learn more about this process. If you decide to work with us, we will print all stickers in-house and ship them directly to you. If you have questions about the process, please reach out to us through our contact forum.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to use Canva to design a die-cut sticker, you’ll want to take the following steps:
1. Design your sticker directly on the application.
2. Export the design, ensuring you follow the border and bleed requirements of your cutting machine.
3. Upload the design to your cutting machine.
4. Load the printable vinyl sheets.
5. Start the machine to cut your stickers.
A die-cut sticker can be waterproof, depending on the material used. Vinyl is one of the most commonly used materials for stickers and is water-proof.
Yes, you can use a Cricut machine to make a die-cut sticker. In fact, this is one of its primary functions. Simply look for the “die cut” option in Cricut Design Space to develop your sticker design.