Artwork Guidelines
Welcome to X Custom Boxes and Packaging!
To ensure the highest quality in your custom packaging, it’s essential to provide artwork files that meet our specifications. Properly prepared artwork helps us deliver precise, vibrant, and professional packaging solutions that align with your brand vision.
1. Preferred File Formats
For optimal results, please submit your artwork in the following formats:
- Vector Files: AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, or PDF
- High-Resolution Raster Files: PSD (Adobe Photoshop), TIFF
These formats preserve the quality and scalability of your designs, ensuring crisp and clear printing.
2. Color Mode: CMYK
Ensure your artwork is in CMYK color mode, which is the standard for printing. Files in RGB color mode may result in color discrepancies when printed. Converting your files to CMYK helps maintain color accuracy and consistency across all packaging materials.
3. Resolution Requirements
All images and graphics should have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). This resolution ensures that your designs appear sharp and professional in the final printed product. Lower resolutions may lead to pixelation and reduced image quality.
4. Fonts and Text
To avoid font-related issues:
- Convert all text to outlines/curves before submitting your artwork. Ensure text is legible and appropriately sized; we recommend a minimum font size of 8pt.
This practice prevents font substitution and maintains the integrity of your design.
5. Bleed and Safe Zones
To ensure your design extends to the edge of the packaging without unwanted borders:
- Bleed Area: Extend your artwork 0.125 inches (3mm) beyond the trim line.
- Safe Zone: Keep essential elements (text, logos) at least 0.125 inches (3mm) inside the trim line.
This setup prevents important content from being cut off during the trimming process.
6. Dielines and Templates
Utilize our provided dieline templates to ensure accurate placement of design elements. Each dieline includes:
- Cut Lines: Indicating where the box will be trimmed.
- Fold Lines: Showing where the box will be folded.
- Bleed and Safe Zones: Guiding the extension and placement of artwork.
Please do not alter the dieline dimensions or structure. If you need a specific dieline, contact our support team.
7. Image and Graphic Guidelines
For optimal print quality:
- Embed all images within your artwork file to avoid missing links.
- Use high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI) to ensure clarity.
- Avoid using low-resolution web images, as they may appear pixelated when printed.
8. Special Finishes and Effects
If your design includes special finishes (e.g., embossing, debossing, foil stamping, spot UV):
- Create separate layers for each effect and clearly label them.
- Provide a description of the desired effect and its placement.
This clarity ensures accurate application of special finishes during production.
9. File Submission
Before submitting your artwork:
- Review all guidelines to ensure compliance.
- Include all necessary files, including fonts (if not outlined) and linked images.
- Compress your files into a ZIP folder for easy upload.
Submit your artwork via our website or email it to info@xcustomboxesandpackaging.com
10. Need Assistance?
Our design team at X Custom Boxes and Packaging is here to help! If you have questions or need assistance preparing your artwork:
We’re committed to ensuring your custom packaging meets your expectations.
By adhering to these guidelines, you help us deliver high-quality, custom packaging that effectively represents your brand.
