Artwork Guidelines for Custom Packaging Printing

Last updated: September 2026

These artwork guidelines cover exactly what a print-ready file needs — accepted formats, resolution, bleed, color mode, and how proofs and approvals work — so your first proof comes back right instead of delayed.

Why Artwork Guidelines Matter

Most print delays trace back to the same handful of file problems: a logo pulled from a website at screen resolution, artwork with no bleed, or a file saved in RGB instead of CMYK. Following these artwork guidelines before you submit a file avoids nearly all of them — and if anything looks off, our team flags it before production, not after.

Accepted File Formats

• PDF (preferred) — vector artwork with fonts embedded or outlined
• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — vector with outlined fonts
• PSD (Photoshop) — at 300 DPI minimum, flattened or with organized layers
• EPS — vector files

Design Requirements

• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum for any raster (photo) elements at final print size
• Color mode: CMYK, not RGB
• Bleed: include 0.125″ (3mm) of bleed on every edge that reaches the cut line
• Safe zone: keep important text and logos at least 0.25″ (6mm) inside the trim edge
• Fonts: outline all fonts, or embed them if submitting PDF

Logo Requirements

For logo printing, vector formats (AI, EPS, PDF) are strongly preferred. High-resolution PNG or JPG (300 DPI minimum at final size) are also accepted, but vector avoids any risk of a blurry or pixelated logo on the finished box.

Proofs & Approvals

Every order includes a free 2D/3D digital mockup for review before production. Production does not begin until you approve the mockup in writing (email). Changes requested after approval may add cost and time, since tooling and print setup are already committed at that point.

Color Matching

Standard printing runs in CMYK. Exact Pantone (PMS) spot-color matching is available where brand color consistency matters — worth requesting upfront if your logo needs to look identical across every run. Final printed color can vary roughly 5–10% from an on-screen proof, since ink behaves differently on different substrates (kraft vs. white board, for example) — a physical sample is the only way to confirm color with certainty before a bulk order.

Free Design Assistance

Basic design help is included at no charge — layout adjustments, typography, and simple graphic edits to fit your artwork to the dieline. Fully original artwork created from scratch may carry a separate design fee, quoted upfront before any work starts.

Your Intellectual Property

You retain full ownership of every design and artwork file you provide. It is used only to produce your order and is not repurposed, reused, or shared for any other purpose.

Artwork Guidelines FAQ

What file format is best for custom packaging artwork? PDF with outlined fonts and embedded bleed is preferred, since it’s the most reliable across design software and print equipment.

Can I submit a JPG or PNG logo? Yes, if it’s 300 DPI or higher at final print size — but a vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF) avoids any resolution risk entirely.

Do you check my file before printing? Yes. Every file is reviewed against these artwork guidelines, and we’ll flag resolution, bleed, or color mode issues before production starts, not after.

What if I don’t have print-ready artwork yet? Free basic design assistance is included — send what you have and our team will help fit it to the dieline.