Abstract Recent improvements in Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutter technology manufacturing capability have led to denser, stronger diamond structures with much greater durability. The step change has made it possible to implement complex geometry PDC cutters on a much wider scale. This paper demonstrates the development of application-specific shape PDC cutters over the past decade, which provide greater drilling efficiency in various rock formations without sacrificing durability, benefiting the drilling industry. Over a 10-year period, a range of new complex geometry cutters that are more efficient and durable were developed and designed for greater drilling performance. Detailed research focused on improved rock failure mechanics. Analytical and experimental methods were used to optimize for greater impact strength to withstand breakage under high loading conditions. Pressurized single-cutter tests simulating downhole conditions were performed, measuring both axial and shearing forces on multiple new geometries with various rock types. Finally, these were complemented with full-scale drill bit tests prior to field testing in challenging applications globally. Single-cutter laboratory test results demonstrated that optimizing the diamond table geometry can improve performance with different rock formations. In many cases, lower forces and torque were measured while drilling, indicating greater drilling efficiency. In other examples, specifically enhanced geometry provided increased robustness. Under high loading conditions, the engineered geometry absorbed higher impacts without loss of structural integrity. The evaluation of five specific cutter geometries based on their drilling efficiency and durability illustrated that each provided individual benefits in certain rock types. Some were better suited for clastic carbonate-type formations, while others provided greater durability in harder interbedded limestones and conglomerates. A review of each of the five geometries will be presented, demonstrating their advantages. Standard round PDC cutters have dominated for almost 50 years, with thousands of bit iterations providing incremental advancements for the drilling industry. This research and development clearly show the benefits of novel PDC geometries and how they provide far greater drilling performance. The intricate process outlined is beneficial to the industry.