Make a layered name template

This guide is Part 2 of our series on creating your own personalizable Cuttle templates.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn to design a two-layer star name template:

A top layer you can personalize by just typing a name
A backer that automatically adds guides to help align and glue the name

You will also learn to use Auto-Layout to organize your Cut file, create a visual preview for your design, and configure your template’s Read Me.

1. Start a New Project

Go to My Projects and click the + to start a new blank project.
Rename your project (e.g., “Star with Name”).

2. Create the Backer Shape

Add a Star shape from the Create panel.
Resize it to around 3 inches.
Apply the Rounded Corners modifier to soften the edges.
Set the stroke color to red to make it a cut.
Rename this Component Backer Shape.

3. Add a Name with Fit-Within Text

Create a new Component called Name.
Drag a Fit Within text shape from the Create panel and center it.
Resize it to about 2.5 inches wide to sit comfortably on the star.
Enter a name to preview.
Set scaling to Grow so the text fills available space.
Choose a font like Retro Angela.

4. Create the Backer

Create a new component called Backer.
Add both Backer Shape and Name components into it.

5. Weld the Text for Cutting

In the Name component, select the text and click Show More Options under font
Connect the letters by selecting connect → dots and letters.
Weld the letters by selecting welding → everything.

6. Extract & Move the name Parameter

Click the three dots next to the text parameter and choose Extract as Project Parameter.
Note: The video shows the parameter being extracted in two steps. The Cuttle Editor has since been updated to include the option to Extract as Project Parameter in a single step.

7. Add Alignment Guide (Inset Score)

Add another instance of the Name component inside the Backer component.
Apply the Contract (Inset) modifier to shrink the text slightly (~0.03 inches).
Set the stroke color to blue (used for scoring).
Apply the Remove Holes modifier to eliminate small inner cutouts.

8. Create a Visual Preview

Create a new component called Preview.
Add the Backer Shape with a brown fill.
Add the Name component on top with a light pink fill, to show users a preview of the finished design.

9. Create a Cut Component with Auto-Layout

Create another component called Cut.
Search for Auto Layout in the Create panel and drag it onto the canvas.
In the pieces section, add the Backer and Name components.
Click the Play icon to confirm.

10. Set Up the Read Me (Template UI)

Open the Read Me tab.
Add the Preview component to show a preview of the final design.
Add the Cut component. This is the file you get when you click Download SVG, indicated by the small arrow next to it.

🎁 Examples Using This Pattern

Cheerleading Bow Bag Tag

A Cheer Bow bag tag that you can personalize by simply typing a name. On the backer layer, the name is automatically welded to provide a solid base to glue the name piece. You can also add an optional inset score line to help you align the name.

"Look What I Made" Magnet

A “Look What I Made” fridge magnet that you can instantly personalize by typing any name. This template lets you choose your own font as well as a variety of backer shapes (flower, heart, rounded rectangle, etc).

The name is automatically sized to fit, and dots on i’s are automatically connected. It generates a backer with a spot for placing the name. You can also customize the engraved “Look what _ made” text.