Abstract: A method for stitching a plurality of mask regions including the steps of (1) defining cut regions on the mask regions, wherein the cut regions adjoin the edges of the mask regions to be stitched, (2) implementing a first set of design rules in the cut regions, and (3) implementing a second set of design rules outside of the cut regions. The mask regions can be formed on a single reticle or on a plurality of separate reticles. In one embodiment, the first set of design rules specifies that trace patterns in the cut regions have widths greater than trace patterns outside of the cut regions. In another embodiment, the first set of design rules specifies that trace patterns in the cut regions have a minimum spacing greater than trace patterns outside of the cut regions. In yet another embodiment, the first set of design rules specifies that trace patterns can be formed entirely within the cut regions.