# Trim

> Trim is the intended finished boundary of printed work after excess material is cut away.

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/trim
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Artwork

## What it means in packaging

On shaped packaging, the cut contour defines the finished blank rather than a simple page rectangle. The trim boundary separates retained artwork from bleed. A PDF page size alone may not describe the actual die-cut shape.

## A practical example

A circular label is cut along its circular boundary even though its PDF page can be rectangular.

## What to check

Identify the actual finished contour, not just the artboard or crop marks, before sizing and exporting the artwork.

## Use it in your project

- [Print checks and production exports](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/print-checks-and-exports)
- [How to check a dieline](https://dielinemaker.com/blog/how-to-check-a-dieline)

## Related terms

- [Cut line](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/cut-line) — A cut line indicates a path where material is intended to be cut through, such as a package outline or window.
- [Bleed](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/bleed) — Bleed is artwork extended beyond the intended cut boundary so small cutting variations do not expose an unprinted edge.
- [PDF](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/pdf) — PDF is a document format used to exchange fixed-layout pages containing artwork, text and production information.

## Related

- [Packaging glossary](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary)