Commercial Printing

Package Layout Guidelines

The Correct Size Box

Your product shouldn't fit in the box too tightly. A good rule of thumb is to leave 1/8" space in all directions. If you need a template, please let us know.

Color

All colors must be converted to CMYK (four color process printing). Pantone spot colors from the "Pantone Formula Guide SOLID COATED" may also be used. Please note that there is a setup fee for each Pantone spot color used. If you want to print with Pantone colors, please call for a custom quote.

Bleed

Allow 1/8" of ink/graphics past the edges. A "bleed" is needed when ink will be printed to the edge of a box to guard against a white line being unintentionally added to your box. Areas on the box that will be glued, should not have full ink coverage.

Text

Convert all text to outlines or paths before sending to us. This avoids font issues that typically occur when text is viewed on another computer which does not have the same font installed.

Safety Margin

Leave at least 3/16" between text/graphics/pictures and the folds or edges of panels. This alleviates the possibility of the graphics becoming part of the panel fold, or cut off at the edge of the box. The paper can move up to 1/32" during the process of being cut down into a box after printing.

Picture Quality

Images need to be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). This gives good, crisp graphics—anything less shows poor picture quality. Do not take images from the internet! Linked images should be embedded in the file or included when uploading.

Color Matching

Colors you see on your computer monitor or printer cannot be trusted! A commercial printing press uses a completely different system to print colors than what your screen or printer shows. Consequently, the colors will be slightly different. Use them as a guide at best. What looks great on the screen may not translate well when printed. For a true match of colors, consult a Pantone Matching System book. This is the printer's bible.

ZOOM!

Don't be afraid to magnify crucial areas in your artwork, making sure things are where you intend them to be. You'll be surprised to find they aren't as close as you thought.

Maintain Symmetry

Design elements not displayed in a symmetrical fashion look out of balance and detract from the final product. A subtle, yet critical design consideration, symmetry registers subconsciously.

Tips to get the most from your package

Do your homework. Spend time in a retail setting looking at packaging of similar products.
Less is more. The most effective designs are usually quite minimal.
Construct a comprehensive list of product benefits to be edited, ultimately using only the most important points.
Short concise points make the most effective presentation. Rework your points and sentences until they flow well with very few words.
Keep pictures and graphics to a minimum. They should clearly demonstrate what a product does.
Get feedback from colleagues, they can be your best critics, giving you ideas you hadn't considered.
Refine. Refine. Refine.