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From your screen to the finished box

Packaging artwork guidelines

Better files. Better print.

Get your packaging files ready with confidence. A practical guide to formats, bleed, colours and the final checks before your design goes to press.

Open artwork checklist Ask our artwork team

Not a designer? Send what you have. We will explain what needs preparing.

Clear file requirementsFree artwork reviewProof before production
ARTWORK / PRINT SETUPPDF
Artwork with bleed outside the trim line and an inner safe areaYOUR BRAND
BleedTrimSafe area

Illustration only. Use your approved dieline.

Brand_Product_Size_v03.pdfClear filenames. The right version.
Preferred filePrint-ready PDFAI and EPS also accepted
Image quality300 PPIAt the final printed size
Process colourCMYKKeep agreed spot colours separate
Standard bleed3 mmFollow your supplied dieline

Start with the right template

Good print starts
before you export.

Use the dieline supplied for your exact box size and style. Keep its scale, panel positions, cut lines and folds unchanged, then build artwork on a separate layer.

This guide covers standard setup. Your approved dieline and project instructions take priority. Ask us before exporting if anything is unclear.

Request a dieline for your packaging

01 / File setup

The right format.
Everything included.

Editable files and complete assets help us check your design without missing fonts, links or artwork.

Preferred delivery
PDFAIEPS

Production artwork

Send a print-ready PDF or editable Illustrator / EPS artwork. Keep logos and text as vectors, include bleed and preserve agreed spot colours.

PDF/X settings and colour profiles should match the requirements agreed with our team.

Accepted for review
PSDTIFFINDD

Source files & linked assets

Photoshop, TIFF and InDesign files can be reviewed. Package linked images and fonts you are licensed to share, or outline text in a final copy.

JPG and PNG previews help explain your idea; they do not replace complete production artwork.

A

Images at their final size

Aim for 300 PPI at the size each image will print. Enlarging a small image reduces effective resolution; changing the PPI value alone does not add detail.

B

Fonts that travel with the file

Outline fonts in your final copy and keep an editable original. Check small type with us; text below 6 pt and fine reversed lettering can be difficult to reproduce.

C

No missing links

Embed placed images or provide all linked assets in a packaged folder. Use high-quality originals and avoid screenshots, compressed images and rasterised logos.

02 / Bleed, trim & safe areas

Give your design
a little room.

Cutting and folding have tolerances. Extend backgrounds past the trim and keep essential details comfortably inside it.

Explore the artwork zonesFlat panel example

Artwork extends to the bleed; the finished panel ends at trim; key details stay in the safe area.

Bleed: usually 3 mm outside trim

Extend backgrounds, colours and images beyond the cut edge. Follow the bleed allowance shown on your supplied dieline.

Trim & folds: keep the structure

Trim lines show where the material is cut. Fold lines show creases. Do not resize, redraw or flatten the dieline into your artwork.

Safe area: at least 3 mm inside trim

Keep logos and text clear of cut lines and folds. Some structures need more clearance; always follow the template guidance.

Read our guide to print bleed
A quick size check

What does 3 mm bleed add?

Add 6 mm to a rectangular panel’s width and height. This example is not a full box dieline.

Artwork including bleed106 × 156 mm

03 / Colour & print finishes

A screen glows.
Packaging uses ink.

Plan for the material, printing process and finishes. A bright screen preview cannot guarantee the appearance of the finished print.

CMYK

CMYK for process printing

Prepare process artwork in CMYK using the agreed profile. RGB colours can shift when converted for print, especially vivid screen colours.

If a brand colour is critical, share its Pantone / spot-colour reference and discuss proofing options with us.

Separate every special finish

Foil, spot UV, embossing and debossing need clearly named, separate artwork or layers. Use vector shapes and the spot-colour names requested for your project.

Confirm masks, minimum detail and overprint settings with our team. Do not apply overprint to every object.

Printing on kraft, clear or metallic material?

Ask whether a white-ink base is needed. Supply a separate named white-ink spot plate where specified; ordinary white in CMYK does not create a white-ink plate. Keep transparency effects editable and confirm export settings with our team.

04 / Your final artwork check

A few minutes now.
Fewer surprises later.

Work through this checklist before sharing your final file. It is a self-check, not an automated inspection of your artwork.

0 of 8 checks completeYour progress
0 of 8

Plain-text checklist · no upload required

Artwork preparation checklist

05 / Share, review & approve

Your artwork’s
next three steps.

Include your order or quote reference, the product, dimensions and any finishes so we can match the right file to the right packaging.

01

Send the latest file

If your order page includes an artwork upload link, use it to send your file. You can also email artwork under 20 MB to our team or share a download link for larger files. Check that the link allows us to access your artwork.

Email artwork support →Brand_Product_Size_v03.pdf
02

We check the setup

Our complimentary pre-press review covers file setup, bleed, resolution and dieline alignment. We will explain any changes needed before the artwork can progress.

You remain responsible for the accuracy of text, claims, barcodes and supplied content.

03

Approve your proof

Check the PDF proof for spelling, size, panel orientation, artwork placement and finishes. Production starts after final approval and order confirmation.

A digital proof checks layout; it is not a guarantee of exact printed colour. Discuss a physical or colour proof if needed.

A little extra clarity

Artwork questions,
answered.

Still unsure about a file or finish? Ask us before you spend time redesigning it.

Explore packaging design support
Can I send artwork made in Canva?

Yes, send a PDF Print export for review and include bleed where the design runs to an edge. It still needs to fit your supplied packaging dieline. Small text, colours or special finishes may need further preparation.

What if I only have a JPG, PNG or logo?

Send it with your product details. We will explain whether it is suitable or whether a higher-resolution image, vector logo or editable file is needed. Any additional design work will be confirmed with you.

Do I need a different dieline for each box size?

Use the dieline supplied for the exact size and structure you are ordering. Do not stretch an old template. Ask our team for the correct version before placing artwork.

Is 3 mm bleed right for every project?

Three millimetres is our standard starting point. Some structures and production methods need different allowances, so the supplied dieline and project instructions take priority.

Will my packaging match my screen proof?

Screen colours and printed colours can differ. Material, ink and finishes affect appearance too. Discuss a physical or colour proof if matching is important to your project.

Can you help fix my artwork?

Yes. We offer artwork support for packaging orders and can explain changes needed to bleed, setup, fonts or finish layers. The scope of any additional design work is confirmed in your quote.

Your design. Our practical support.

Not quite print-ready?
Let’s get it there.

Share your artwork or tell us where you are stuck. Our team will help you understand the next step.

Request an artwork review help@buypackagingboxes.co.uk+44 74 5340 5053