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.

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




