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Damien_83
Inspiring
November 12, 2020
Answered

CutContour with Photoshop

  • November 12, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 6710 views

Hello,

I'd like to export a .pdf file with a vector path for cutting named "CutContour".

Is it possible to do this without using Illustrator?

Thank you for your help.

    Correct answer Stephen Marsh

    Thank you for your help Stephen,

     

    I did try to save a .pdf photoshop first, but when I open it in Illustrator, the vector path is lost.

    When exporting to .pdf, Photoshop suggests me to keep "Annotations", "Alpha Layers", 'Direct Tone", "Layers" but not "Vector Tracks".

     

    Can you tell me how it is possible to make a Photoshop .pdf that contains the vector file?


     

    One can apply the path as a vector clipping mask to a solid-fill layer created specifically for this purpose (perhaps with a fill of  0%) and then save as a layered PDF.

     

    Opening the Photoshop PDF in Illustrator and looking at the expanded layers panel, you will be able to isolate the path and release the clipping mask, as well as removing any other "fluff" so that you are only left with the image and the vector path. You can then stroke the vector path in your "CutContour" spot colour.

     

    There will be pros/cons with whatever method you decide to use. I have not looked into what would provide the smoothest or automated workflow. As I mentioned earlier, I'm assuming that if you have to do a lot of this you'll need to find some form of automation, either in Photoshop+Illustrator or perhaps in Acrobat Pro (with or without add-on software).

     

    In addition to Illustrator, here's a method using InDesign (more for decals/stickers than other uses):

     

    https://youtu.be/46mo7gBNPJI?si=w4brt5a0MlO5FQNK

     

     

    3 replies

    G
    Gleeful_Charm9459
    Participant
    March 26, 2025

    Yes absolutely there are multiple programs for this.  Probably the easiest is the web based app cutcontour dot com.  Takes like three clicks and nothing to install.

    L
    LightningPlugins
    Participating Frequently
    December 22, 2023

    As Stephen mentioned, you can send the paths to Illustrator and then make tweaks there to apply the proper color swatches and clean things up.
    There is a plug-in that enables the CutContour export directly from Photoshop here: https://lightningplugins.com
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uibv2_kpKCM

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 14, 2020

      If you are trying to do what I think you are, then no.

       

      It is not the path name, it is that the vector path is stroked in a spot colour named 'CutContour".

       

      Spot colours in Photoshop are raster channels.

      D
      Damien_83Author
      Inspiring
      November 14, 2020

      I then understand that Photoshop cannot give a named color to a vector path, and that I could not directly create a .pdf for production.


      Is it possible, at least, to export for illustrator a vector path and the pixel image at the same time?

       

      Currently, I have to rework the client's file in 3 steps: export the vectorial drawing in .ai then the image and finally assemble the two in the illustrator.

      D
      Damien_83Author
      Inspiring
      November 15, 2020

       

      Last-minute thought:

       

      As an alternative to exporting the path from Photoshop and then combining with the raster file, it is possible to save as a Photoshop PDF and retain the vector file, then open up the PDF* in Illustrator to access the path.

       

      *Using Illustrator as a PDF editor is generally frowned upon, however, it may streamline this specific workflow without the commonly cited issues.

       


      Thank you for your help Stephen,

       

      I did try to save a .pdf photoshop first, but when I open it in Illustrator, the vector path is lost.

      When exporting to .pdf, Photoshop suggests me to keep "Annotations", "Alpha Layers", 'Direct Tone", "Layers" but not "Vector Tracks".

       

      Can you tell me how it is possible to make a Photoshop .pdf that contains the vector file?

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