Prepress
Artwork Guidelines for Print-Ready Files
Follow these specs and your job goes straight to plate. Miss one and our prepress team will fix it free of charge — but it costs you a day, so it is worth getting right up front.
- 3 mm
- Bleed required on every panel and flap
- 300 DPI
- Minimum image resolution at final size
- 24 hrs
- Free dieline template turnaround
- $0
- Charge for standard prepress corrections
Specifications
File Requirements at a Glance
These are the same specs our prepress team checks against, in the same order.
| Requirement | Specification | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| File formats | AI, PDF (X-1a), EPS, INDD packaged | Vector files keep type and logos razor sharp |
| Resolution | 300 DPI at final size (min 250 DPI) | Below 250 DPI images look soft once printed |
| Color mode | CMYK for process, Pantone for spot | RGB is converted and colors will shift |
| Bleed | 3 mm / 0.125 in on all sides | Guarantees ink to the trimmed edge |
| Safe zone | 3 mm / 0.125 in inside the trim | Keeps text away from cut and crease tolerance |
| Fonts | Outlined or packaged with the file | Missing fonts cause substitution at prepress |
| Line weight | 0.25 pt minimum | Hairlines can drop out on press |
| Black text | 100% K only | Rich black on small type looks fuzzy |
| Rich black | C60 M40 Y40 K100 | Deep, even solids on large panels |
| Layers | Die line on a separate named layer | Prevents the dieline printing on your box |
Pre-flight
Check This Before You Send Files
Eight checks that catch almost every file we have ever had to send back.
- Artwork built at 100% of final box size
- 3 mm bleed present on every panel and flap
- All text at least 3 mm inside the trim line
- Fonts outlined or supplied with the package
- Images embedded, not linked, at 300 DPI
- Pantone codes specified where color is critical
- Barcodes at least 80% magnification with quiet zone
- Dieline on its own layer, set to non-printing
From dieline to approved proof
- 1
Request your dieline
Tell us the box style and internal dimensions. We send a free layered dieline template within 24 hours.
- 2
Design inside the guides
Place artwork on the art layer, respect bleed and safe zones, and keep the dieline untouched.
- 3
Upload for prepress
Send print-ready PDF plus native files. Our prepress team reviews every file free of charge.
- 4
Approve the proof
You get a digital proof and 3D mockup. Production only starts once you sign off in writing.
FAQ
Artwork Questions
Want Us to Lay It Out for You?
Send your logo and copy — our design team builds the print-ready file free of charge with every order.