Guide / Artwork & design / Chapter 5.3
Setting up packaging artwork files.
Good artwork files make printing faster and the result sharper. Here's how to set up a packaging file that's ready to print, whether you're designing it yourself or briefing a designer.
The short answer
Build your artwork on the template for your exact box and print method, at full size. Full-coverage templates, such as offset paperboard, use 10mm bleed and a 10mm safe zone; digital printed boxes need artwork 20mm from fold edges, on the top, front and back only. Print-ready files must be vector: .AI, .EPS or high-resolution vector PDF, with fonts outlined and images embedded. We can't print from JPEG or PNG files, but our studio can check them and quote to convert them. Our team emails a digital proof, typically within 1 business day.
Start with the right size
Packaging artwork is set up at the actual size of the box, not scaled down. Ask us for the template for your box style, size and print method, open it in your design software and build your artwork on a separate layer above it.
Check the orientation of every panel before you design. Our dieline chapter explains how to read the cut and fold lines.
Vector or pixels?
Vector artwork
Logos, text, shapes and line art are best as vector artwork. Vectors are made from points and curves rather than pixels, so they stay sharp at any size. For printing, we need .AI, .EPS or high-resolution vector PDF files, with fonts outlined. A PDF isn't automatically vector: if it was exported from a photo or screenshot, it's still pixels inside.
Images and photos
Photos are made of pixels, so they need enough resolution for their printed size. An image that looks fine on screen can print blurry if it's small or compressed. Use the largest, original version you have, embedded in your vector file, and ask our studio if you're unsure whether it's sharp enough.
JPEG and PNG files
We can't accept JPEG or PNG files as print-ready artwork, because they're pixel-based and don't scale without losing quality. If that's all you have, email it to our studio and we'll check it and quote to convert it to a print-ready vector file. See our artwork requirements.
File setup checklist
Run through this before you send artwork.
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Template | Built on the correct template for your product and print method, with the dieline on its own layer |
| Size | Set up at full size, not scaled |
| Bleed | Full-coverage templates: 10mm past the trim line |
| Safe zone and clearance | Full-coverage templates: 10mm inside trim and fold lines. Digital boxes: 20mm from fold edges |
| File format | .AI, .EPS or high-resolution vector PDF, fonts outlined, images embedded |
| Images | Original, high-resolution files, not screenshots |
| Colours | Tell us any colours that must match, such as brand colours |
Colour and print method
How your colours print depends on the print method. Kraft brown and white mailer boxes are digitally printed or screen printed, black kraft boxes are screen printed, shipping cartons are flexo printed and paperboard boxes are offset printed. Screen printing can be matched to Pantone colours, and white ink is available for printing on darker board.
If a colour is important to your brand, tell us when you send your artwork, so we can advise on the best method.
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
You don't need to be a designer. A clear logo file and a note about where you'd like it is enough to start. We'll show you the placement in the digital proof.
Find the original logo file from whoever designed it. It's usually much sharper than a copy from your website.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
Keep one master file per box, with layers for the dieline, artwork and notes. Small changes and reorders become quick and consistent.
Try this: save your files with the box code and a version date in the file name.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Set artwork standards for every agency and designer you work with, including dielines, bleed, safe zones, colours and file naming, and store approved files with your specification.
Lock approved artwork and only change it through a new proof.
Common mistakes
- 1Logos copied from a website. Web images are small and compressed. They often print blurry or pixelated.
- 2Fonts not outlined. If fonts aren't outlined, text can change when the file is opened elsewhere. Outline all fonts before sending.
- 3Artwork not at full size. Scaling up later reduces image quality.
- 4Missing bleed. Backgrounds that stop at the trim line can leave white edges.
Artwork file questions
What file format should I send?
What is a vector file?
Do I need a designer?
What bleed and safe zone do you need?
How long does the proof take?
Keep reading
Ready to print
Ready to send your artwork?
Send us your file and the box you're printing. Our team will check it and email a digital proof, typically within 1 business day.