# Make a layered name template

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc61BK-d-Q8)

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 C**omponent** `Backer Shape`.

### 3\. **Add a Name with Fit-Within Text**

-   Create a new C**omponent** 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**` **c**omponent 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**](https://cuttle.xyz/@cuttle/Cheerleading-Bow-Bag-Tag-AGFHuEcmYn2o)

![](https://content.cuttle.xyz/learn/make-a-layered-name-template/a70dcc5894065d858bfc8e4eb455f38a12fca02e1765e8deffe18d3bc877bac8.gif)

A [Cheer Bow bag tag](https://cuttle.xyz/@cuttle/Cheerleading-Bow-Bag-Tag-AGFHuEcmYn2o) 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**](https://cuttle.xyz/@cuttle/Look-What-I-Made-Magnet-c0LfacP6yfYL)

![](https://content.cuttle.xyz/learn/make-a-layered-name-template/09dfd9fb9ed874de4c8b78040358c60623d7406a300338eb3ce30043cf2b58c8.gif)

A [“Look What I Made” fridge magnet](https://cuttle.xyz/@cuttle/Look-What-I-Made-Magnet-c0LfacP6yfYL) 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.