A method is disclosed for forming semiconductor packages by a process of punching and cutting the packages from a panel of integrated circuits. During an encapsulation process for encapsulating the packages in a molding compound, portions of the panel may be left free of molding compound. Portions of the panel left free of molding compound may subsequently be punched from the panel. These punched areas may define chamfers, notches or a variety of other curvilinear, rectilinear or irregular shapes in the outer edges of the finished semiconductor package. After the panel is punched, the integrated circuits may be singulated. By punching areas from the panel, and then cutting along straight edges, a simple, effective and cost efficient method is disclosed for obtaining finished semiconductor packages of a variety of desired shapes.