Design Guidelines for Custom Packaging
Proper file preparation is crucial for achieving the best printing results for your custom packaging. Follow these guidelines to ensure your designs print exactly as intended, with vibrant colors, sharp text, and precise details all while helping us maintain fast production times.
Quick Design Rules
Follow these essential guidelines to ensure your packaging design files are print-ready and will produce the best results.
Accepted File Formats
Submit files in Adobe Illustrator (.ai), PDF, or EPS format. Vector files are strongly preferred for best results.
CMYK Color Mode
Convert all colors to CMYK. RGB colors will be converted automatically, which may cause color shifts.
Convert Text to Outlines
Convert all text to outlines/curves to prevent font substitution and ensure text appears exactly as designed.
High Resolution Images
All raster images should be at least 300 DPI at the final print size to ensure sharp, clear printing.
Include Bleed (0.125")
Add 1/8 inch (0.125") bleed on all sides to prevent white edges after cutting and finishing.
Minimum Line Thickness
Keep all lines at least 0.25pt thick for standard printing and 0.5pt for reverse printing (light on dark).
Detailed Artwork Guidelines
Follow our comprehensive guide to ensure your packaging designs are perfectly prepared for production.
What file formats are accepted?
For optimal printing results, we recommend submitting your artwork in the following formats:
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai) - Our preferred format, as it maintains vector quality and layers
- PDF - Ensure all fonts are embedded or converted to outlines
- EPS - Compatible with most design software
- High-resolution PSD - At least 300 DPI at actual print size (acceptable but not preferred)
Pro Tip: When saving your Adobe Illustrator file, use "Save As" and select "Adobe PDF" with the "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities" option checked.
How should I set up my color profiles?
Color management is crucial for ensuring your printed packaging matches your design intent. Follow these guidelines:
- Use CMYK color mode - All files should be in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode, not RGB
- Convert spot colors - If using Pantone or other spot colors, either keep them as spot colors or convert them to CMYK
- Rich Black - For large black areas, use Rich Black (C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100) instead of plain black (K:100)
- Color consistency - For best results across multiple print runs, use Pantone colors for brand elements
Important: RGB colors will be automatically converted to CMYK during printing, which may result in unexpected color shifts. Always check your colors in CMYK mode before submitting.
Converting RGB to CMYK in Adobe Illustrator
- Open your file in Adobe Illustrator
- Go to File > Document Color Mode
- Select CMYK Color
- Go to Edit > Edit Colors > Convert to CMYK
Keyboard shortcut: Alt+Shift+Ctrl+C (Windows) or Option+Shift+Cmd+C (Mac)
Color Settings for Packaging
- Total ink coverage: Maximum 280%
- Black text: C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100
- Rich Black: C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100
- White text minimum size: 6pt
- Colored text minimum size: 8pt
How should I prepare text and typography?
Text is a critical element of your packaging design. Follow these guidelines to ensure all text prints clearly:
- Convert to outlines - Always convert all text to outlines/curves before submitting
- Minimum size - Keep text at least 6pt for black text and 8pt for colored or reversed text
- Font embedding - If you cannot convert to outlines, ensure all fonts are embedded in the PDF
- Small text - Avoid using very thin fonts at small sizes, as they may not print clearly
Pro Tip: Always keep a copy of your file with live text before converting to outlines, in case you need to make text edits later.
Converting Text to Outlines
In Adobe Illustrator:
- Select all text layers
- Go to Type > Create Outlines
- Or use keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+O (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+O (Mac)
In Adobe InDesign:
- Select all text frames
- Go to Type > Create Outlines
- Or use keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+O (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+O (Mac)
What are the requirements for images and graphics?
High-quality images are essential for professional packaging. Follow these guidelines for optimal results:
- Resolution - All raster images should be at least 300 DPI at final print size
- Linked images - Embed all linked images in your file or include them separately
- Vector graphics - Use vector graphics whenever possible for logos and illustrations
- Image quality - Avoid using low-resolution images from websites or screenshots
Important: Increasing the resolution of a low-quality image in Photoshop will not improve its quality. Always start with high-resolution source images.
Checking Image Resolution
- In Photoshop, go to Image > Image Size
- Check that the resolution is at least 300 pixels/inch
- Ensure dimensions are appropriate for the final print size
Common Image Issues to Avoid
- Pixelation due to low resolution
- Color banding in gradients
- JPEG compression artifacts
- Unintended transparency
- Incorrect scaling of vector graphics
Understanding Dielines
Dielines are the blueprint for your packaging. Understanding the different elements will help you create designs that print and fold correctly.
Dieline illustration placeholder
This image shows the different elements of a packaging dieline including cut lines, fold lines, bleed area, and safety margins.
1Cut Lines
Solid lines that indicate where the packaging will be cut. These define the final shape of your package. Usually shown as solid red or magenta lines in dieline templates.
2Fold/Crease Lines
Dashed or dotted lines that show where the packaging will be folded. These are typically blue in dieline templates and indicate score lines.
3Bleed Area
The area extending 0.125" (3mm) beyond the cut lines. Artwork should extend into this area to prevent white edges after cutting. This compensates for slight variations in the cutting process.
4Safety Margin
The area 0.125" (3mm) inside the cut lines. Keep important text and graphics within this margin to ensure they aren't cut off or too close to the edge in the final product.
Pro Tip: Always place your dieline on a separate layer in your design file and set it to overprint. This ensures it won't interfere with your artwork but will still be visible for production.
Need a Dieline Template?
We offer standard dieline templates for common packaging types, or we can create a custom dieline based on your specific requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
Our packaging experts are ready to help you create the perfect packaging solution for your products. If you have any questions about preparing your artwork files, don't hesitate to reach out.