Die-Cut Decal Order Process & Design Options
Our die-cut decal ordering system guides you through design creation, file upload, and order completion. Choose between designing online or uploading your print-ready artwork files. All orders include digital proof approval before production begins.
Design from Scratch
Our online design tool provides access to thousands of clipart images, fonts, and design elements for creating original designs.
Upload a File
Simply upload images from your computer, add text, and arrange elements to create your personalized decal. Alternatively, upload your own print-ready artwork files for professional reproduction on vinyl material.
Payment
All die-cut decal orders require payment before production begins. We accept major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Check payments are also accepted and must be received before your decals enter production.
Live Order Tracking
Track your die-cut decal order through every production stage with our Live Order Tracking system. You'll receive a unique tracking number via email after order placement, allowing you to monitor progress from design approval through delivery. Access real-time updates by clicking the tracking link in your confirmation email.
Die-Cut Decal Production & Turnaround Times
Our flexible production schedule offers turnaround options from 1 to 5 business days for die-cut decals. Production time begins after file upload completion and proof approval. Choose the timeline that best fits your project needs and budget.
Production Timing Guidelines
- Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST begin production the next business day.
- Production time does not include shipping time.
- Turnaround begins after file upload completion and proof approval.
- Rush production may be available for certain orders.
1 Business Day Priority Turnaround
Emergency decal production for tight deadlines. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST are processed the following business day. Same-day rush options may be available in special circumstances - contact customer service for availability. Production time does not include shipping duration.
2 Business Days Express Turnaround
Accelerated manufacturing for time-sensitive custom decal projects. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST begin production the next business day. Express turnaround provides an ideal balance between speed and cost for most urgent die-cut decal needs.
3 Business Days Standard Turnaround
Our most popular production timeline offering fast turnaround at no additional cost. Standard production provides sufficient time for quality control while maintaining quick delivery for most custom decal applications. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST start production the following business day.
5 Business Days Saver Turnaround
Cost-effective production option for non-urgent custom decal orders. Saver timeline reduces overall project costs while ensuring the same quality manufacturing standards. Perfect for large quantity orders or projects with flexible deadlines.
Die-Cut Process for Decals
Die-cutting means cutting through both the vinyl decal material and the paper backing simultaneously. Think of this process like using a cookie cutter - your die-cut decals are individually shaped to match your design outline with no surrounding material. Each decal separates completely from the backing for easy application.
This cutting method works especially well for logos, text, and complex shapes where you want the decal edge to follow your design precisely. Die-cut decals create a professional appearance because there's no visible border or excess material around your graphics.
Note: Back Slit (Crack and Peel) backing option is available only with Standard and Permanent vinyl material selections. This feature makes individual decal removal easier for applications requiring single-decal placement.
Die-Cut Decal Artwork Requirements
Proper artwork preparation ensures your die-cut decals print with sharp detail and cut accurately. We accept various file formats, with vector files providing the best results for clean edges and scalability. Follow these guidelines for optimal die-cut decal production.
Preferred Files for Printing
Adobe Illustrator EPS (Encapsulated Post Script) and PDF files work best for die-cut decals. These vector formats maintain sharp edges at any size and provide precise cutting paths. Maximum file size accepted is 100 MB. Convert all fonts to outlines or curves to ensure proper font rendering.
Additional Files Accepted
We also accept high-resolution JPG, TIFF, and PNG files for die-cut decal printing. These raster formats work well for photographic elements but may show pixelation when enlarged significantly. Ensure your raster files have sufficient resolution for your intended decal size.
Custom Die-Cut Decal Artwork File Tips
Set up your artwork proportionate to your final decal size for best results. Convert all text to outlines to prevent font substitution issues. Include bleed only if necessary for your design. Never flatten or merge layers in PSD files. Clearly indicate cut lines for all die-cut decal products to ensure accurate cutting paths.
For die-cut decals requiring transfer tape application, use simple and open fonts with all text at least 1/2" tall. Maintain minimum 1/8" spacing between characters and design elements. Main strokes and line weights should be minimum 1/8" wide. Transfer cut pricing includes 8 standard picks with maximum 40 picks per square foot
Disclaimers:
- Transfer cut price includes 8 standard picks with a Maximum of 40 picks per sq. foot.
- Additional picks are $0.02 to $0.04 per pick depending on difficulty/intricacy.
- Intricately cut decals will be custom quoted based on difficulty and time required to pick.
Vector Art
Vector art consists of lines and curves that are mathematically defined objects. When viewing art in key line mode you can see the points or vectors when connecting your lines and curves. They can also be seen when using the pen tool or editing the points along a path. Vector art is ideal for type and drawn shapes because they can be enlarged to any size while maintaining crisp outlines and details without sacrificing quality. The distance between the vectors is calculated mathematically and is not dependent upon resolution.
Raster Art
Raster images consist of colored squares, called pixels. They are created by combining a series of various colored pixels. Digital photographs are made up of pixels. If you view a raster image at 200% or more you are able to see the individual pixels that make up the image. Raster images are dependent upon resolution so image enlargement is limited by the individual size at which the file was created. If a file is produced at a size that is larger than its resolution will allow, the quality will decrease. Printing a low resolution file will result in pixelation. Individual pixels are large enough to be easily discernable. Increasing the resolution will not solve this problem is there are not enough pixels to begin with. The program will add more pixels based upon the estimation of their location and will then assign their neighboring pixels's color value. This may cause an image to look muddy.
If submitting these files, please follow the guidelines below:
- 100% scale (full size output) at 100 dpi
- 50% scale at 200 dpi or higher
- 25% scale at 300 dpi or higher
- 10% scale at 600-1200 dpi recommended
Custom Decal Design Services
If you are not able to provide us with a good quality image, we do have a vectorizing/recreating service available. Most logos or images can be recreated for as little as $15; however images with more detail are subject to quoting prior to vectorizing the image. Please contact a sales representative for more details.
This service needs to be paid for in advance of us printing your order. We will keep your recreated vector artwork on file for you to use on all future orders.
Releasing the recreated vector artwork to you for personal use can be done for an additional cost.
Shipping Your Die-Cut Decals
We offer multiple shipping options for die-cut decals to meet various timeline and budget requirements. Shipping time is separate from production time, so factor both into your total delivery timeline. Choose the shipping method that best fits your project deadline.
- You can expect your Decals.com order to arrive within 2 - 4 business days (after production time) to 90% of the United States.
- Unless otherwise specified, at the time of ordering, your custom vinyl decals will ship via UPS Ground.
- If you have any questions about shipping rates or rush production, please contact our friendly Customer Service Representatives at (320) 391-5250 prior to ordering.
- You will receive a tracking number once your package has shipped.
- To read more about our shipping information visit our shipping policy page.
Die-Cut Decal Shipping Methods
Standard ground shipping provides cost-effective delivery for most vinyl decal orders. Express shipping options are available for time-sensitive projects requiring faster delivery. International shipping is available to most global destinations with appropriate customs documentation.
- Economy (5-15 Days)
- Standard (3-5 Business Days)
- Three Day (3 Business Days)
- Two Day (2 Business Days)
- Overnight (1 Business Day)
Important Economy Shipping Notes:
- If choosing economy shipping, please include additional postal information such as your P.O. Box in the "Address Two" field on the checkout page to help ensure delivery.
- Using economy shipping can also add an additional 5 - 10 days, depending on where the package is being shipped to.
Domestic & International Vinyl Decal Shipping
- Decals.com ships throughout the United States and Internationally.
- All international shipments must have shipping labels as well as customs documentation provided by the customers. We will only accept international shipping labels from the following carriers, USPS and UPS.
- Contact a Customer Service Representative at (320) 391-5250 for more information.
How to Apply Die-Cut Decals
Decals are a great way to add a unique touch to many spaces and surfaces. Whether you plan to display your new decal on your car, laptop, living-room wall, or anywhere else, proper installation is crucial for creating a strong bond that lasts long and looks great. That's why we've put together this guide that teaches you how to apply decals in just six easy steps.