Resources
Artwork Guidelines
Everything you need to know about preparing print-ready artwork for your custom packaging. Follow these guidelines to ensure your files are production-ready and avoid delays.
01
File Format
Submit your artwork as a vector-based PDF (preferred), AI (Adobe Illustrator), or EPS file. Vector formats ensure your lines, text, and graphics print crisp and clean at any size. Avoid submitting JPG, PNG, or other raster-only formats as your primary artwork file.
02
Colour Mode — CMYK, Not RGB
All artwork must be created in CMYK colour mode. RGB is designed for screens, not print. If you submit artwork in RGB, it will need to be converted, which can cause significant colour shifts — especially with bright colours like reds, oranges, and greens. For exact brand colour matching, use Pantone Solid Coated references.
03
Image Resolution
All raster images must be 300 DPI at 100% of the final printed size. Low-resolution images will appear blurry or pixelated when printed. Acceptable formats include TIFF, PSD, EPS, or high-quality JPEG. Vector artwork does not have a DPI requirement.
04
Dieline (Structural Template)
When you place your order, we will provide a dieline template — the structural blueprint of your packaging. Your artwork must be placed directly onto this template. Do not rotate, resize, or alter the dieline. The structural drawing layer contains spot colours for cut and crease lines engineered to work with our production workflow.
05
Bleed
Extend all background colours, images, and graphics 3mm past the cut line. This is called the bleed area. During production, paper can shift by tiny amounts when being cut — if your artwork stops exactly at the trim line, you may end up with visible white edges on your finished box.
06
Safe Zone
Keep all important content — text, logos, barcodes, and critical graphics — at least 6mm inside the cut line. This safe zone protects your content from being trimmed off or obscured by folding during production.
07
Glue Flaps & Bottom Folds
Avoid placing artwork on glue flaps or bottom fold panels. These areas are hidden after assembly and any artwork placed here will not be visible on the finished carton.
08
Fonts
Convert all text to outlines before submitting your artwork. The minimum recommended font size is 8pt for standard text. For reverse or knockout text, use a minimum of 10pt.
09
Inside vs. Outside Printing
If your packaging requires printing on both the inside and outside, place the interior and exterior artwork on separate artboards clearly labelled Inside Print and Outside Print.
10
Special Finishes
If your packaging includes special finishes such as foil stamping, spot UV coating, embossing, or debossing, these must be indicated on separate layers in your artwork file.
Quick-Reference Checklist
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common artwork issues that cause production delays.
🎨
RGB Instead of CMYK
Colours designed in RGB will shift when converted to CMYK for print. Always work in CMYK from the start.
🔬
Low-Resolution Images
Images below 300 DPI at final size will print blurry. Screen-resolution graphics (72 DPI) are not suitable for packaging.
✏️
Fonts Not Outlined
If fonts are not converted to outlines, they may substitute or reflow on the printer's system, changing your design.
✂️
Missing Bleed
Artwork that stops exactly at the trim line risks showing white edges on the finished product. Always extend to the bleed area.
👀
Text Too Close to Edges
Important text or logos placed outside the safe zone may be cut off or obscured by folds.
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Sending JPG Instead of PDF
JPG files are compressed and not suitable as production artwork. Submit vector-based PDF, AI, or EPS files.
Need Help With Your Artwork?
Not sure if your files are print-ready? Submit your quote and our team will review your artwork at no charge.
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