Artwork Guidelines
Color Mode
To ensure your packaging prints exactly as expected, all artwork files should be set to the CMYK color mode rather than RGB. While RGB is ideal for screens and digital displays, CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is the standard for professional printing and ensures color accuracy when your design is transferred to paper or board. Converting files from RGB to CMYK at the last minute can cause unexpected color shifts, dull tones, or mismatched shades. If you’re matching specific brand colors, we also recommend providing Pantone (PMS) references, which help us maintain consistency across different print runs and materials. Always double-check your file’s color settings before submission to avoid delays or reprints due to color discrepancies.
Fonts and Text
To ensure your packaging prints exactly as expected, all artwork files should be set to the CMYK color mode rather than RGB. While RGB is ideal for screens and digital displays, CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is the standard for professional printing and ensures color accuracy when your design is transferred to paper or board. Converting files from RGB to CMYK at the last minute can cause unexpected color shifts, dull tones, or mismatched shades. If you’re matching specific brand colors, we also recommend providing Pantone (PMS) references, which help us maintain consistency across different print runs and materials. Always double-check your file’s color settings before submission to avoid delays or reprints due to color discrepancies.
Resolution
To achieve crisp, professional print quality, all raster images (such as photos or textures) should be set to a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size. Low-resolution images may appear blurry, pixelated, or fuzzy once printed, reducing the overall quality of your packaging. Scaling up small, low-quality images can further degrade their appearance, so it’s always best to start with high-resolution files. For vector artwork, resolution isn’t an issue since vectors can be scaled infinitely without losing clarity. Before sending your artwork, zoom in at 100% to review image sharpness what looks blurry on screen will print blurry in real life.
File Formats
We accept a variety of professional design file formats to ensure smooth production and compatibility with our systems. The most preferred formats are PDF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, or PSD (Photoshop) files. These formats preserve layers, colors, and vector paths accurately. While JPEGs or PNGs can be accepted for previews, they are not recommended for final print files, as they often lack bleed, crop marks, and color data. If your design includes die lines, please make sure they are placed on a separate layer and clearly labeled as “cut” or “fold.” Flattening your artwork layers before submission can also help prevent file corruption or unintended edits during processing.
File Organization
Proper file organization ensures that your artwork is processed quickly and accurately. Each file should be clearly named with your project title, version, and box type (for example: “BrandName_MailerBox_V2.ai”). Avoid using generic file names like “final” or “new design” that can cause confusion. Keep all related assets — such as logos, fonts, and linked images — in one organized folder. If you’re submitting multiple versions or product sizes, place them in clearly labeled subfolders to streamline the review process. Maintaining clean, well-organized files helps prevent production delays and ensures that your design moves smoothly through proofing and printing without any missing elements.
