Artwork Guidelines | File Setup & Printing Prep
Prepare Your Artwork the Right Way
Your packaging design deserves to print perfectly on the first try. That’s why we’ve built this Artwork Guidelines page—to help you set up your files like a pro, avoid costly printing errors, and achieve stunning, production-ready results every time.
Whether you’re designing custom boxes, retail packaging, or luxury rigid cartons, following these artwork guidelines ensures colour accuracy, crisp graphics, and precise cutting alignment.
Learn more: How to Prepare Your Artwork for Perfect Printing →
1. Accepted File Formats
We accept high-resolution, editable vector formats to ensure sharp, scalable results.
Preferred formats
- .AI (Adobe Illustrator)
- .PDF (Press-ready)
- .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
Also accepted (with conditions)
- .PSD, .TIFF, .INDD (must include linked images + fonts)
- .PNG and .JPG (for previews only, not for final print)
Pro Tip: Always outline fonts and embed images before exporting your final artwork.
2. File Resolution and Colour Mode
Resolution
- Minimum: 300 DPI
- Anything below may appear blurry or pixelated in print.
Colour Mode
- Always work in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).
- RGB is for screens, not print. Colours may shift if converted later.
Tip: Calibrate your monitor and request a digital proof for best colour match.
3. Bleed, Safety, and Cut Lines
Precision matters in packaging. Here’s how to protect your design during cutting and folding.
- Bleed area: Add 0.125 in (3 mm) beyond each edge to ensure full ink coverage.
- Safety margin: Keep important text and logos 0.125 in (3 mm) inside trim lines.
- Cut line: The die-cut or shape outline where the box will be cut.
- Fold lines: Represent creases; avoid placing text directly on folds.
Want to know more about Bleed in Printing →
Artwork Layer Setup Example:
Layer 1: Artwork
Layer 2: Dieline (stroke only, 100% Magenta, non-printing)
Layer 3: Bleed indicator
4. Fonts and Text Handling
- Convert all text to outlines/paths before submitting your file.
- Keep font size above 6 pt for readability.
- Avoid very thin fonts in reverse or metallic print areas.
- Use vector text (not rasterized) for sharper printing.
5. Linked Images and Embedded Elements
- Embed all placed images to prevent missing-link errors.
- Use .TIFF or .PSD formats for high-quality images.
- Avoid compressed .JPGs for final output.
- If you must link external files, provide a packaged folder (with links + fonts).
6. Spot Colours, Foil, and Special Finishes
Special finishes like foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV require unique colour channels.
Create each finish as a separate layer named accordingly:
- “Foil Layer” (100% Magenta, labeled Foil)
- “Spot UV Layer” (100% Cyan, labeled Spot UV)
- “Emboss Layer” (100% Yellow, labeled Emboss)
Important: Set these layers to Overprint Fill to avoid print conflicts. This helps our production team align finishes with precision during your box manufacturing.
7. Using Dielines & Templates
Every box structure has a custom dieline—a blueprint showing folds, cuts, and glue areas.
How to use dielines properly:
1. Open the dieline in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Place your artwork on a new layer above the dieline.
3. Never flatten or merge dieline layers.
4. Use clear labels for each panel (Front, Back, Top, Bottom, Flap).
Need a dieline? Request a custom template from our design team before you start. It’s 100% free with your order.
8. Proofing and Pre-Press Checklist
Before sending your file, verify everything:
Fonts outlined
Bleed and safety zones applied
Spot finishes on separate layers
Images embedded
CMYK colour mode
Dieline included but set to non-printing
We’ll send you a digital proof (PDF) before printing begins. Please check colours, alignment, spelling, and placement carefully—your final approval triggers production.
9. White Ink & Transparent Backgrounds
If printing on kraft, clear, or metallic substrates:
- Define white-ink areas in a separate "White Ink" layer (100% Black, set to Overprint).
- Avoid transparency blending modes—they don't translate to print.
10. Naming & Submitting Files
Use clear, consistent file naming for quick identification.
Submit via:
- Upload link on order page
- Email (under 20 MB)
- Cloud drive link (Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive)
11. Our Free Artwork Review Service
At Buy Packaging Boxes, every file goes through a complimentary pre-press check. Our experts verify bleed, colour setup, resolution, and dieline accuracy before it reaches the press. If adjustments are needed, we’ll notify you and guide you through corrections—so your print job turns out flawless.
12. Artwork Support & Design Assistance
Need help preparing files? Our in-house graphic team can:
- Set up print-ready dielines
- Adjust bleeds and folds
- Convert RGB to CMYK safely
- Prepare metallic/spot UV masks
- Proof for packaging-fit accuracy
📩 Contact Our Artwork Support
Need help setting up your artwork file or checking dieline accuracy? Our packaging experts are ready to assist you with pre-press and file setup.
Ready to Print Your Custom Boxes?
When your artwork follows these guidelines, your packaging prints faster, looks better, and represents your brand with confidence. Upload your print-ready file today—or let our experts review it for free.