Artwork File Guidelines for Custom Packaging

Preferred File Formats

• Adobe Illustrator (.AI) — best. All text outlined, all raster images embedded.
• PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 — flattened, CMYK, 3 mm bleed, embedded fonts.
• CorelDRAW (.CDR) — accepted, save down to X6 for compatibility.
• Photoshop (.PSD) — accepted for continuous-tone artwork, 300 dpi, CMYK, with layer named "Foil" / "Emboss" if needed.

Bleed & Safe Area

• Bleed: 3 mm around all cut lines
• Safe area: 3 mm inside all cut and fold lines for text and logo
• Crop marks: included, offset 3 mm from trim

Color Mode

• CMYK 4-color offset for full-color print
• Pantone Solid Coated for spot color (specify Pantone number in file legend)
• Rich black recipe: C60 M40 Y40 K100 (avoid 100% K only for large solid areas)

Images & Resolution

• Raster image minimum 300 dpi at final print size
• Vector artwork preferred for logos, illustrations and pattern
• Embed all linked images, do not link externally

Fonts

• Outline all fonts before sending (Illustrator: Type → Create Outlines)
• Or send the font files together with the artwork if outlining is not possible

Foil / Embossing / Debossing / Spot UV Layers

• Use a separate spot color named "Foil" (or "Emboss" / "Deboss" / "SpotUV") set to Overprint
• Fill zones 100% solid, no gradient
• Provide a written note stating: gold / silver / rose gold / holographic foil

Barcode & GS1 DataMatrix

• Barcode: EAN-13 / UPC-A / Code 128 as vector, min height 25.93 mm, magnification 80–200%
• GS1 DataMatrix: vector, min cell size 0.375 mm, quiet zone 1 cell around
• Do not resize or distort a rendered barcode image; supply as vector or barcode data

Dieline

• Dieline stroke width 0.25 pt in spot color "Dieline"
• Cut lines: solid
• Fold lines: dashed
• Perforation lines: dotted
• Dieline on a separate layer above artwork, non-printing

File Naming & Delivery

Preferred name: BrandName_ProductName_Qty_Date.ai. Upload via WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox or email the file to Linda Wang at linda@colorprintingpackage.com. Files above 25 MB should use a cloud link.

Buyer-Guide Pages

• Factory Capability
• Quality Control Process
• Sample Process
• MOQ Policy
• Shipping & Packing
• Buyer FAQ