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Print-and-cut is a process that combines full-color printing with precise contour cutting. First, a design or graphic is printed using a print-and-cut machine onto a chosen media such as vinyl, sticker paper, label stock, or heat-transfer film. After the image is printed, the machine then follows a defined path around the artwork to cut out the shapes. This creates clean, professional results without the need for manual trimming.

This method is widely used to produce custom stickers, decals, labels, signage, heat-transfer apparel graphics, window and vehicle decals, and other personalized products. By using digital cutting paths, the process eliminates the need for traditional die-cutting tools, making it faster, more flexible, and more cost-effective for custom shapes and short production runs.

In short, print-and-cut is the combination of printing your artwork and then cutting it into the exact shape you want, giving you high-quality, custom-shaped products with ease. Check out our buyer’s guide to learn how to get started with print-and-cut.

To start a print-and-cut business, you’ll need an all-in-one printer/cutter or a combination of a separate printer and vinyl cutter. These machines allow you to print full-color designs and then cut around them with accuracy.

You will also need design software to create artwork and set up cut paths. Programs like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or similar tools let you design graphics and outline the shapes the cutter will follow. Along with software, you’ll need the right media for your products, such as printable vinyl, sticker sheets, label stock, or heat-transfer media. Ink, cutting blades, and basic finishing tools like weeding tools or a heat press may also be necessary depending on what you offer.

Beyond equipment, it helps to understand the workflow from designing to printing, cutting, and finishing each piece. Knowing how to load materials correctly, align prints with cut paths, and prepare the final product is an important part of delivering quality results. Good organization, consistent supplies, and a smooth production process make it easier to take on customer orders and grow your business.

A print-and-cut setup gives you the flexibility to offer a wide range of products such as stickers, decals, labels, apparel transfers, small signs, and more, making it a strong option for starting a creative or custom-product business. Check out our buyer’s guide to learn how to get started with print-and-cut.

The Roland BN2 series are great machines for sticker and decal production! The Roland BN2 printers are compact yet powerful print-and-cut solution perfect for your small business or craft room. Learn the difference between a perf cut and contour cut and how to use the BN2’s perf cut and cut contour features for clean, professional results.

The below video explains how perf cuts create perforated lines that make stickers easy to pop out, while cut contours deliver precision cuts around your design. You’ll learn how to set up your artwork in Flexi Designer software, including how to add a white ink underlay for printing on clear or transparent vinyl.

After designing, the tutorial shows how to export your project into VersaWorks for printing and cutting, covering key settings like:

• Media width detection
• Print quality options
• Cut force adjustments
• White ink layering
• Job queue management

You’ll also get best practices for sticker design, including why it’s important to round corners and avoid complex paths for smoother, cleaner cuts.