1. Do Not Rotate Structural Drawing #
Keep the structural template (CAD dieline) in its original orientation. Rotating the dieline may cause misaligned printing and cutting issues.
2. File Contains Dieline Layer #
Include the structural dieline in your print file. Use Spot Colors for cut and crease lines as specified in the Swatch menu. Do not convert Spot Colors to CMYK, as this may cause these lines to print on your box or label.
3. Add Custom Artwork on a Separate Layer #
Create a new layer in Adobe® Illustrator below the dieline layer for your custom artwork. Ensure all artwork is in CMYK color format and avoid using Pantone or Spot Colors.
4. Black Ink Saturation #
Avoid excessive ink coverage. Do not use 100% Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow together (400% total). Use a “Rich Black” formula: 100% Black, 30% Cyan, 30% Magenta, and 30% Yellow.
5. Rich Black #
For black areas, use 30% Cyan, 30% Magenta, 30% Yellow, and 100% Black. Add a .5pt stroke of 100% Black to prevent overspray.
6. Color Settings #
Convert all artwork to CMYK. Ensure RGB and Pantone colors are converted to CMYK to avoid color discrepancies. Consider ordering a sample box to confirm colors before large production.
7. File Format #
Submit files in PDF format, created with vector-based software like Adobe Illustrator. For two-sided prints, save both sides in a single PDF file with the outside print as page 1 and the inside print as page 2.
8. Fonts & Type #
Use a font size of at least 10pt for Standard and Premium White boxes. For PurePrint Premium™, PurePrint Matte™, and custom labels, use at least 5pt. Avoid thin fonts below recommended sizes to ensure legibility. Convert all text to outlines before submission.
9. Line Weight #
Maintain a minimum stroke weight of .5pt and at least 1pt for reversed-out elements. Avoid printing small trademarks or symbols in reverse, as they may fill in.
10. Bleed #
Ensure a minimum bleed of .25″ (1/4-inch) on all edges, including the glue flap. Contact customer support if your dieline does not include bleed lines.
11. Safe Area #
Keep margins, rule outlines, and copy at least .125″ (1/8th-inch) away from the dieline and scores to avoid unintended cuts.
12. UPC/Barcodes #
Use UPC-A barcodes sized at least 150% (approximately 2.2″ wide). Bar heights should be at least .5″ for optimal scanning.
13. Image Resolution #
Ensure all images are at least 300 dpi at 100% scale. Lower resolutions may result in pixelation and poor print quality.
14. Placed Images #
Embed all images in your PDF file and use appropriate file extensions like “.tiff” or “.eps.” Ensure placed images are in the CMYK color space and scaled at 100% to reduce prepress time.
