Cut Lines around 3D text.

[ConnerSmith2595]

So, I have searched and searched and can't seem to find a video or anything on this. I have done all of the proper steps to getting the text to 3D. Next step is getting the cut lines. This is where I cant figure out what to do, I can get the cut lines, but, they just go around the letters and not the 3D effect like I need it to. It needs to be cut out with a drop shadow I guess you could say.  I need to make 100 stickers for a local snowmobile club and I cannot for the life of me figure it out. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Fairly new to all this so bear with me. Thanks in advance.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Copy the artwork.

Paste in Place

Object > Expand appearance

Object > Path > Outline strokes

Pathfinder panel: "Add"

At this step you might need to use Effect > Path > Offset path

THis will later need to be exapnded in order to work as a cut path.

[ConnerSmith2595]

It worked for the most part. It outlined just the outside edge. I need to be able to outline/cut the inside white out of the letters such as "D' and "e".

[Monika Gause]

Well, yes.

Without having an example of what exactly needs to look how exactly this is about as far as it can get.

[Luke Jennings]

You will want to include bleed in the letters and shadow, to allow for slight movement in the diecutting. The outline for the die should be in a spot color, named "Dieline" on a separate layer, so it can be turned off for printing, make it .5pt wide. You will also want to talk to your printer, sometimes the inside of letters are left intact.