Dielines and artwork: preparing files for packaging

Start with our dieline

We send a dieline for your exact box size and style, usually as a PDF or Illustrator file. Cut lines and fold lines are on separate layers. Place your artwork on a layer underneath and do not move or edit the dieline itself.

Bleed and safe area

• Bleed: extend background colours and images about 3 mm past the cut lines so no white edges appear when the board is trimmed.
• Safe area: keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside the cut and fold lines so nothing gets clipped or wraps around a corner.

Colour

Set up artwork in CMYK. If your brand uses specific colours, specify Pantone references and we will match them on the proof. Remember that colours printed on kraft come out darker.

Resolution and fonts

Photos and raster images should be at least 300 dpi at the printed size. Convert fonts to outlines or embed them, and send a print ready PDF or Illustrator file.

Check the panels

Fold a printout of the dieline into a little paper box. It is the fastest way to spot artwork that ends up upside down on a flap. Then we send a proper proof for approval before anything prints.