A method for converting a flat substrate (W) in a station (3) for converting a flat substrate (W) that includes a rotary cutting unit (9) and at least one rotary deformation unit (7, 8) positioned upstream of the rotary cutting unit (9) in the direction of movement (L) of the flat substrate (W), the method including: determining the conversion parameters of the flat substrate (W), such as the deformation layout and cutting layout; choosing a sleeve (13) carrying a form for carrying out the deformation depending on the deformation layout; mounting the sleeve (13) on a mandrel (12) in the rotary deformation unit (7, 8); choosing the cutting tools (91, 92) depending on the cutting layout; mounting the cutting tools (91, 92) in the rotary cutting unit (9); and starting the conversion of the flat substrate (W).