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What Does Die-Cut Mean?

Die-cut vinyl record

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Die-Cutting: Vinyl Records

When it comes to vinyl records, the term die-cut refers to a distinctive design feature where part of the album cover or sleeve is cut away to form shapes, patterns, or windows. This allows elements of the inner sleeve, vinyl label, or artwork beneath to be visible, adding a layer of creative depth to the packaging.

Led Zeppelin
'Physical Graffiti' by Led Zeppelin features die-cut windows on the building, which display the title of the album.

Company Sleeves

A die-cut sleeve on a record can also be functional and is often employed for 7" and 12” singles where it is released in a ‘company sleeve’ which has a cut-out hole in the centre to display the record label. With company sleeves, this is useful as the sleeve is unlikely to display any details specific to that record, and therefore the record itself needs to be visible.

Picture Discs

The die-cut feature is also handy for picture discs, as it can allow the entire picture on the disc to be visible while it is stored in a sleeve. It is also safer than storing picture discs in PVC sleeves (which they often come in) as PVC can damage records.


For picture discs that don’t already have a cardboard sleeve, we add our own ‘picture disc’ plain sleeves, which have a large die-cut hole in the front so that the disc can be displayed tastefully.

Die-Cutting: Across Industries

More broadly, die-cutting is a manufacturing method used to create specific shapes, designs, or patterns in materials such as paper, cardboard, fabric, or plastic. It involves using a die—a sharp, metal template designed for the required shape—pressed or stamped into the material to cut it.

Which Industries Use Die-Cutting?

This technique is widely used across different industries. In packaging, for example, die-cutting is commonly employed to create boxes, bags, or detailed cut-outs that improve branding or showcase products, like window features in packaging. In stationery, it’s used to add unique shapes or patterns to greeting cards, invitations, or business cards. Craft projects also benefit from die-cutting, with machines allowing for personalised creations in scrapbooking, custom decals, and decorative designs.


The process is essential in signage production, too, where precision-cut vinyl lettering and shapes are widely used for commercial signs and stickers. In the label industry, die-cutting is key to producing neat, uniform shapes for stickers or adhesive labels, often used for branding or product packaging.

Why is Die-Cutting Useful?

One of the biggest advantages of die-cutting is its ability to produce consistent, high-quality results, whether for decorative or functional purposes. It’s particularly efficient in high-volume production, ensuring not only precision but also enhancing the overall visual appeal of a wide range of products and materials.

Die-Cut Sleeves at Atlas Records

After The Fire - Laser Love
This die-cut 7" sleeve by After The Fire features a zigzag-shaped cut, which displays the bold orange disc underneath. The lack of paper labels on the record adds to the striking effect.
Bandstand - Family
We love the creativity behind this album by Family. The sleeve is die-cut in the shape of a Bush TV22 television set and also features a transparent plastic panel which acts as the glass of the screen.
Boston - Don
This Boston album is a great example of a picture disc that was originally released in a cardboard sleeve rather than PVC. Most of the front is die-cut in order to display the record.
Small Faces - Ogdens
This die-cut sleeve was brilliant to see the first time we came across it. It was designed for Small Faces' album as a parody of a brand of tinned tobacco called 'Ogen's Nut-brown Flake.'
The Rolling Stones - Some Girls
An iconic example of a die-cut sleeve by The Rolling Stones. The very first version of this design featured the faces of celebrities, which was withdrawn and adjusted after some celebrities took legal action due to the use of their likeness without permission.

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