Custom overlays typically display layout information that cannot be represented by standard trim, bleed, and safety guides.
Examples include:
Packaging templates such as dielines or cut and crease layouts
Die cut or shaped artwork boundaries
Fold lines and panel layouts for folded documents
Hole punch or binder margins
Hardware or finishing areas such as pole pockets or eyelets
Gutter margins or live areas in multi-page layouts
Custom overlays are usually created as reusable templates for common layout or production requirements.
They are used when artwork must align with templates, folds, cut shapes, or finishing constraints.
These overlays can be reused across many similar jobs.
Layout or production requirement | Example product types |
Packaging templates (dielines or cut and crease layouts) | folding cartons, tuck end boxes, product sleeves, blister cards |
Die cut or shaped artwork boundaries | bottle labels, cosmetic labels, die cut stickers, shaped product labels |
Fold lines and panel layouts | tri fold leaflets, gatefold brochures, Z fold leaflets, roll fold leaflets |
Gutter margins or page layout zones | magazines, catalogues, booklets, manuals |
Hardware or finishing safe areas | roll up banners, exhibition stands, retail display graphics, window graphics |
Hole punch or binder margins | manuals, reports, catalogues |
For simple straight edge products, use Expected size guides instead of custom overlays.
Expected size guides automatically display:
trim
bleed
safe area
This is the recommended option for:
posters
flyers
simple brochures
business cards
other straight edge print items
Custom overlays should only be used when standard bleed, trim, and safety guides are not sufficient.
