Artwork guidelines, in plain English.
Use these as preparation guidance before your print file is reviewed. Don't have print-ready files? Send what you have — layout support, proofing and any design work can be discussed in your quotation.
The Basics
What we need from you.
| Best formats | AI, PDF, EPS (vector). High-res PSD/TIFF accepted if text is rasterized at 300dpi. |
|---|---|
| Color mode | CMYK only. RGB files get converted and colors will shift — we'll flag it, not guess. |
| Pantone colors | Note your Pantone (PMS) codes for critical brand colors. State the color reference and approval method required for your project. |
| Resolution | Rasterized images and photos at 300dpi at final size. |
| Fonts | Convert all fonts to outlines/curves before sending. |
Dielines & Bleed
The dieline is the map. Don't paint over the roads.
Use the confirmed dieline for your box — the template showing where it cuts, creases and folds. Discuss dieline preparation, proof requirements and any design charges with your quotation.
How to read a dieline
- Red dashed outline — the cut line; your bleed must extend 3mm past it
- Inner dashed frame — the safe zone; keep all text and logos inside it
- Solid red lines — creases: the panel seams your box folds along
- Colored shapes — your artwork panels, mapped to each face of the box
| Keep the dieline layer separate | Place artwork on its own layer; never flatten or delete the dieline layer. |
|---|---|
| Bleed | Extend background images 3mm past every cut line. White edges on a premium box are a preventable tragedy. |
| Safe margin | Keep logos and text 3mm inside fold lines — creases and panels can shift a millimeter in production. |
| Panel mapping | Art for the inside of the box goes on the panels marked \"reverse\"; we confirm orientation before printing. |
| Fold awareness | Dark solid colors crossing a fold will show a lighter crease line — design across folds intentionally or not at all. |
Small Rules, Big Consequences
Five details that separate clean print from reprint.
- Rich black vs K-only black — Large black areas: C40 M30 Y30 K100. Small black text: K100 only (avoids registration ghosting).
- Minimum text size — 6pt positive, 7pt reversed-out (white on dark). Below that, registration wobble wins.
- Fine lines — Minimum 0.25pt, and never in multi-color registration (use single color or overprint).
- Barcodes — Use a scannable size, K-only artwork and a plain background. State any required barcode verification in the project brief.
- Gradient banding — Long subtle gradients can band on large solids; we'll warn you and suggest adjusted curves.
No Designer? No Problem.
Your logo on a napkin is a starting point.
Send your logo, brand colors and a rough idea — screenshots of packaging you like count. Layout support, mockups and revision steps can be agreed around the confirmed dieline and project scope.
Design support, revisions and any charges are confirmed for your project.
What Happens Next
- 1. Send — Email or WeTransfer to [email protected], or share a download link
- 2. Preflight — Format, color, bleed, dieline and barcode reviewed before production
- 3. Fix list — If something's wrong you get a specific list, not \"file rejected\". We can fix most issues for you
- 4. Digital proof — You approve a 3D proof (and optionally a printed sample) before anything runs
Have files ready — or just an idea?
Both work. Send us what you have and we'll take it from there, with design requirements reviewed for your project.
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