01
Use the correct dieline
Build your design on the dieline supplied for the selected product, size and structure.
Artwork & Prepress Support
Custom Packaging Artwork Guidelines
Prepare your artwork around the correct dieline, print method and packaging format. This guide covers the file setup details that help us review your project clearly before proofing and production.
Requirements can vary by product, material, size and print method. Always follow the dieline and submission instructions confirmed for your project.
Artwork structure
Not to scale
Before you begin
Start with four essentials
A clear artwork file begins with the correct structure. These four checks prevent many of the issues that slow down review.
02
Keep artwork editable
Preserve vector elements, organized layers and clearly identified images, fonts and finishes.
03
Prepare for print
Review color mode, image resolution, bleed, safe areas and any process-specific instructions.
04
Approve the right version
Check the product, dimensions, copy, placement and finish callouts shown in the proof before approval.
File preparation guide
Prepare artwork that is easier to review
Packaging artwork combines design with a physical structure. Cut lines, folds, seams, closures and printable areas can change from one format or size to another. Use the sections below as a preparation guide, then follow the project-specific dieline and instructions provided for your order.
On this page
01
Start With the Correct Dieline
Begin with the dieline supplied for the exact packaging format and size under review. Do not reuse a dieline from a similar product unless it has been confirmed for the new project.
- Keep cut, fold, crease and reference lines visible on their original guide layer.
- Do not move, resize or redraw the dieline unless the project instructions specifically require it.
- Build artwork at the scale shown in the dieline.
- Extend backgrounds and edge-to-edge graphics into the marked bleed area.
- Keep logos, text, barcodes and other critical content inside the marked safe area.
- Treat seams, closures, rims and hidden panels as structural areas rather than ordinary artwork space.
02
Set Up Your Artwork File
Keep the file organized so the artwork and production notes can be checked without guessing which elements belong to the final design.
- Use the editable source file or press-ready PDF requested for your project.
- Keep design artwork separate from dieline guides and non-printing notes.
- Use clear layer names for artwork, images, text and any applicable finishing areas.
- Embed or package linked images when requested so they are not missing during review.
- Outline or embed fonts unless the project instructions require editable text.
- Remove unused artwork outside the working area when it could create confusion.
- Use a clear filename and version number, and identify which version is ready for review.
Filename example
Brand_Product_Size_Artwork_V01
03
Prepare Color, Images and Fonts
Screens, materials, inks, coatings and print processes reproduce color differently. Prepare the file for print, but keep the final color expectations tied to the approved proof and confirmed production method.
- Color mode
- Prepare process-color artwork in CMYK unless different project instructions are provided.
- Spot colors
- Name and separate spot colors clearly only when they are included in the confirmed print specification.
- Raster images
- Aim for 300 ppi at final print size where high-resolution raster artwork is required; do not enlarge a small image and assume the added pixels restore detail.
- Logos and line art
- Use vector artwork where possible to keep edges clean at different sizes.
- Fonts
- Outline or embed fonts as instructed, then check that names, legal copy and small text remain readable.
- Color expectations
- Do not use a monitor preview as a guarantee of the printed result. Materials and finishes can affect the appearance of the same color values.
04
Show Specialty Finishes Clearly
If the quotation includes a special finish, show its location separately from the printed artwork. The required setup depends on the finish and production method.
- Foil area
- White ink
- Spot varnish
- Emboss or deboss
- Cutout or window
- Other project-specific finishing areas
05
Review the File Before You Send It
Use this final check to confirm that the file matches the current packaging project and is ready for artwork review.
- The product, size and dieline version match the current project.
- The artwork is built at the scale shown on the dieline.
- Backgrounds extend into the marked bleed area.
- Important content stays inside the marked safe area.
- Cut, fold and reference guides have not been moved.
- Images are linked or embedded as requested and remain clear at final size.
- Fonts are outlined or embedded as instructed.
- Process colors and any confirmed spot colors are identified correctly.
- Applicable finishing areas are separated and named clearly.
- Spelling, contact details, barcodes and legal copy have been checked by the customer.
- The filename and version number identify the file intended for review.
06
What Happens After Artwork Submission
The exact review, proofing, sampling and production steps depend on the product and quotation. A typical project may include the following checkpoints.
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01
Submit
Share the requested artwork file and identify the product, size and project reference.
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02
Preflight
The file is checked against the available dieline and confirmed production details.
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03
Clarify
Any missing files, unclear layers or specification questions are returned for confirmation.
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04
Review the proof
Check placement, copy, dimensions, colors and applicable finish callouts shown for approval.
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05
Approve
Production conditions and the approved artwork version are confirmed according to the quotation.
07
Use the Submission Path Confirmed for Your Project
Artwork may be collected through the applicable product, quotation or follow-up workflow. Accepted formats, file-size limits and the secure submission method are confirmed before upload. If your artwork is not ready, you can still share the product, quantity, destination, timing and current artwork status when requesting a quote.
Request a QuoteArtwork questions
Common Artwork Questions
These answers explain the general preparation route. Project-specific instructions remain tied to the selected packaging and quotation.
Can I request a quote before my artwork is ready?
Yes. Share the product, estimated quantity, destination, timing and current artwork status. The appropriate artwork requirements can be confirmed as the project scope becomes clearer.
Can I use the same artwork for different sizes?
Not automatically. Printable areas, panels and structural details can change by size. Each size should use the dieline confirmed for that product and configuration.
What if I only have a logo or a flat image?
Share the files you have and describe the intended placement. Any artwork preparation or design-support scope must be confirmed separately before it is treated as part of the quotation.
Will the printed color match my screen exactly?
Screen displays and printed materials reproduce color differently. The print method, substrate, coating and finish can all affect appearance, so exact screen-to-print matching should not be assumed.
Should I add crop marks or printer marks myself?
Follow the instructions supplied with the project dieline. Do not add or change production marks unless the submission instructions request them.
Can I send my artwork later?
Yes, when the project workflow allows it. Make the artwork status clear during the inquiry or order process so the missing file remains visible before proofing or production.
Does artwork approval mean production has started?
Approval is one project checkpoint. The production start and timing remain subject to the confirmed quotation, payment, specifications and any other required approvals.
Plan the next step
Have a packaging project in mind?
Share the product, quantity, destination, timing and current artwork status. We can review the available route before pricing and production details are confirmed.