How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Packaging Printing
Great packaging requires more than a good design.
The artwork also needs to be prepared correctly for production.
A beautiful image taken from a website may look fine on a screen but may not produce a sharp printed result.
Use the Correct Template
Boxes, pouches and bags may use a dieline or printing template.
Always design using the final production template rather than estimating the printable area.
Use High-Quality Artwork
Logos should ideally be provided as vector artwork.
Common professional formats include PDF, AI and EPS.
High-resolution raster artwork can also be used where appropriate.
CMYK vs RGB
Screens display colour using RGB.
Most conventional colour printing uses CMYK.
Because the two colour systems reproduce colour differently, artwork may look slightly different when converted for print.
Include Bleed Where Required
When a design extends all the way to the edge, extra artwork is normally required beyond the final trim line.
This is called bleed.
It prevents unwanted white edges if there are small variations during cutting.
Keep Important Content Inside the Safe Area
Text and logos should remain away from trim lines, folds, seals and other production areas.
On pouches, also consider the zipper, tear notch, gussets and seals.
Convert or Package Fonts
Missing fonts can cause text to change when artwork is opened on another computer.
Depending on the workflow, fonts may need to be outlined or included with the artwork.
Check Small Text
Packaging often contains ingredients, instructions, contact details and other small text.
Make sure everything remains readable at the final printed size.
Pay Attention to Blacks and Fine Lines
Very thin lines or tiny reversed text may not reproduce as expected.
Your printer or designer can help identify potential production issues.
Always Review the Final Proof
Before production, carefully check:
- Spelling
- Phone numbers
- Website
- Barcode
- Product size
- Colours
- Logo position
- Ingredient information
- Regulatory text
- Orientation
A small mistake can become expensive once hundreds or thousands of packages are produced.
Greenii can review supplied artwork and help prepare packaging projects for production.
CTA:
Have packaging artwork ready? Send Greenii your files along with the packaging size and quantity so we can review the project.