Packaging file prepFile Submission Guides & Checklist

This guide is designed as a reference tool for preparing packaging files for printing step by step. The information assembled is based on input from members of our Prepress staff and Production team. Follow the steps to create files for the best results.

1. Getting Started 2. Preparing the dieline 3. File set up 4. Linked images 5. Using layers 6. Final touches 7. Special Finishing 8. Sample file 9. Sending files

1) Getting Started

Once you’ve received the Approved CAD PDF from your CSR, you’ll want to use this for a foundation to build your art work. We’ve found that the best software for packaging files is Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. Be sure to work in CMYK color mode as RGB mode will cause color and transparency issues.

The Illustration below is a sample dieline for a packaging project. The key elements are the trim line (where it will die cut out), the score lines (where it will fold), the bleed area (extra art outside the trim area) and the glue area knock out (no ink or coating in this area since it will glue).

2) Prep the dieline

Make a spot color in your file call it dieline or die. Set the entire dieline to that color and set it to over print. Do not scale the dieline, as the CAD sample has already been finalized.

trim dieline

glue areaknockout

score (fold) dieline

bleed area

inside ink knockout

Ignore theinside if your

project is one sided

3) File set up

Make sure fi le is in CMYK color mode, not RGB, even for Pantone (spot color) jobs. If possible, set the trim size to be the same as the dieline trim size. Be sure not to include art in the glue area. Be sure to include bleed beyond the trim area. Avoid using 4/c color black for type, especially if the fi le started out as RGB.

4) Linked images

Linked images should be 4c process or black & white. Black & white images can be colorized. Be careful not to use really large fi les. 300dpi 100% of size works best. Be sure to use 8bit images.

5) Using layers

Make sure to set up a layer for each group of components, dieline, type, photos, texture, background, etc. You’ll fi nd it easier to make edits, especially if you want to set transparency to objects. Using layers also makes it cheaper to make corrections. Lock the layers as you fi nish them. Avoid using sublayers, especially for special fi nishes.

6) Final touches

Remove unused and hidden objects, links and colors. Be careful not to create textures as complex vector art, as this my cause slow proofi ng times. Those may be better as rastered art or image fi les. Check your art alignment to the scores. For Pantone (spot color) jobs, be sure all of the elements are Pantone, not 4/color.

7) Special fi nishes

For special fi nishes and tooling: foils, coatings, varnishes, emboss and deboss, please build these as their own layer with their own spot color. Simply create a spot color with the name of the special fi nish. Note- for type that will foil, emboss or spot UV, the type should be outlined. This is to avoid problems when the die tooling is made. These colors should be set to overprint, not “Multiply”.

8) Sample fi le

See the sample fi le below for overall set up. Most boxes are one sided, so you only need to pay attention to the outside. Note the use of layers and color names and knockouts.

9) Sending fi les

The best way to send fi les is to make a “Package” from either InDesign or Illustrator. This will collect everything we need to produce your job, fonts, links, and a press ready PDF. It’s best to send it as a zip. Large fi les may require uploading to our FTP site. Contact your CSR for transfer instructions.

Example layer names

Example color names

rev-

v4, 5

-18