Dieline Design Tips

1. Document Setup

All files should be in CMYK. In Adoble Illustrator, go to 'Document Color Mode' and select 'CMYK'.

For Pantone or spot colors, convert these to CMYK in your document and let us know which Pantone color code(s) you'll be using.

More info: Differences between CMYK vs RGB vs PMS.

2. Design Best Practices

Bleeds

To ensure there are no unprinted edges in your packaging, please follow these guidelines:

1. All artwork at the edges of fold lines or cut lines should 'bleed' over into the next panel or bleed into the empty space of the dieline.
2. All important artwork or text should be at least 0.125" or 32cm from any fold lines or cut lines.
3. All artwork or graphics that extend beyond the dieline should be extended at least 0.25" or 0.64cm from the edge of the dieline.

More info on bleeds can be found here.

Layers

Your artwork and designs should be on a separate layer than the dieline template layer. Simply create a new layer and place it underneath the dieline template layer. Do not delete the dieline template layer as this is critical for production (these lines won't be printed).

Orientation

Ensure your images and text face the correct way when your packaging is assembled. Refer to this orientation guide for mailer boxes.

Feel free to test it by printing out our design at home, then folding it together!

Labeling your Designs

Please label which designs refer to the exterior and/or interior of your packaging.

3. Images

Embed Images

To ensure we have all your image files for production, please embed all images in the document. In Adobe Illustrator:

1. Click on 'Window' in the menu bar and select 'Links' to bring up the 'Links' window.
2. If you have linked files that are not embedded, click on the file to select it.
3. Click on the top right menu in the 'Links' window and select 'Embed'.
4. Repeat until all images are embedded.

If you choose not to embed your images, please send us all image files used in your design.

Image & Graphic Quality

• Photos are recommended to be at least 300dpi.
• Non-photo content such as graphics and text should be vector-based files (e.g. vectored AI, PDF, or EPS). JPG and PNG graphics/text are not recommended unless they are of photos.

4. Text

Outline Text

Outline all text or vectorize them to ensure we don't run into issues of missing font files for production. In Adobe Illustrator:

• Select your text box(es).
• Click on 'Type' in the menu bar and select 'Create Outlines'.
• Your text should now be outlined and is no longer be editable with the Type Tool.

If you choose not to outline your text, please send us all the font files used in your design.

Text Size

The minimum font size should be 6pt. If your desired design will include text that is smaller than that, let us know and we'll see if it's a feasible design.

5. Saving & Sending

Document Format

Please save your final design in one of the following formats:

• Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
• PDF (.PDF) that is layered and editable in Adoble Illustrator