Packaging Guidelines for Artwork
Having a beautifully-designed packaging box means manufacturers can deliver their branding message more effectively. However, it is possible only when their packaging firm follows all packaging guidelines for artwork. Therefore, a packaging firm needs experts who know how to complete the artwork with all the expertise required for packaging.
So, to address this issue, we have gathered all the information you can consider as artwork guidelines.
Lines & Dielines
Make sure all your thin lines or strokes measure about a minimum of 0.25pt or 0.003″ in thickness. You need to ensure you do not flatten the given dieline template.
File Format
Send the file in a print-ready format so that no conversion is needed. You may get an example of how to supply your artwork when asked for it. Below are the three formats that support easy conversion of your files. Send one copy of the art originally generated by the software and the other in one of these formats:
Adobe Illustrator (AI) Format: This file format enables us to fully control your artwork and prevents your work from flattening.
PDF Format: This file format allows your vector artwork to stay editable while some of your artwork can be flattened.
Note: Review the file after converting it into a PDF to see if everything is as per your preference, so the finishing looks the way you want it.
EPS Format: The EPS files allows the vector artwork to be editable in Adobe Illustrator (AI) and similar editing programs.
Placed Images
Make sure all the images are inserted into your files. These images should have the right file extensions like “.tiff, .jpg, .eps, .jpeg” etc., at the end. Add only the layout documents and files supporting your artwork.
Color Details
Please note that low-quality images will lead to pixelated results. We can guarantee close matches to your desired colors. Make sure to mention color matching during order placement. If not mentioned, the files will be printed as they are. We support two color spaces as mentioned below:
CMYK: Set your document color mode to CMYK. Digital Cameras save images in RGB format, so convert them to CMYK before embedding. A suitable print quality together with CMYK generates ideal results. For full-color graphics, digital printing employs four-colored inks— Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and ink (black).
Pantone Colors:
A solid coated Pantone Color will help us match your artwork. Use Pantone Color names instead of the generic ones. To enable us to correctly separate the artwork, it must apply the correct Pantone Color Names (PANTONE ###C), for example, PANTONE 120 C. If you wish to match any labels with the existing pantones, let your customer service representative know beforehand.
Graphic Resolution
For up-to-the-mark results, ensure all the artwork is at least 300ppi to generate the desired outcome. To know if your image graphics are 300ppi, access the link window in Adobe Illustrator and click your desired image. In the details, you will see the PPI information. If it is not there, see more information to ensure it is 300 for the best possible result.
Outline the Fonts
If your artwork contains text, make sure to convert all fonts into outlines or send a copy of the fonts used in your work. Doing so will eliminate any risk of font issues from occurring while printing. If you are confused about converting fonts into outlines, you may reach out to us and seek our help. Please note that converting fonts to outlines will prevent our Art Department from making edits or changes.
If you send your artwork files without a copy of fonts or conversion, your order may not be accepted or, in some cases, delivered late. Unfortunately, in the case of missing fonts, we do not promise the work’s accuracy or top-notch quality.
Cut Off/Bleed
It is recommended to check if the artwork includes bleed. It is a rather complicated term for those not in the graphics but needs to be understood for the uncompromised quality of your artwork.
Barcodes
Make sure the UPC-A type barcodes are approximately 2.2 inches wide i.e., at least 150% size for proper scanning. The height of the bars is not a matter of concern, but ideally, they should be 0.5 inches long.
Placement
The rule outlines, margins, or the non-bleeding copy should be a maximum of 0.125 inches far from cut or crease lines.
Look for Spelling Errors
If you want accurately printed ecommerce packaging, look for spelling errors and correct them before uploading your artwork. It will avoid any embarrassment and save you from the hustle of reprinting the boxes. Even if you are sure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes, it is advisable to thoroughly give it a read to take notice of any minor inconvenience beforehand.
Clarity
If your file has certain areas you wish to display clearly, you need to inform us via email. Otherwise, we will print the colors as displayed.
White Ink
Make a separate layer for white ink areas. When using a clear material, put white ink in areas you want to appear opaque. Doing so will help the experts understand where to print white ink and save time.
Overprinting
Be careful in case of overprinting. The results are favorable when black is printed against any background color. However, combinations of other colors may produce differently than expected colors. For example, a combination of yellow and cyan will produce a green overprint.
