Digital Artwork Guidelines

    Colors, Patterns, and Images

  • All of your colors should be converted to CMYK.
  • Links should be embedded. In Illustrator: Window>Links>Embed Image(s).
  • For the richest black, we recommend C-60/M-40/Y-40/K-100.
  • Expand appearances in Illustrator whenever effects are used: Object>Expand Appearance.
  • All images should be 300 DPI.
  • Expand all pattern swatches in Illustrator: Select the pattern, Object>Expand>Fill.
  • Our printers can not print white ink. If you have white in your design that you want to show as white, select any of our white board options.

    File Saving

  • All files should be saved as PDFs.
  • Double-sided print files must be saved as a single PDF where page 1 is your outside print and page 2 is your inside print.
  • If you use transparencies, flatten your PDF before uploading.
  • Keep the die line visible and on its own layer when saving.
    • The die line contains Spot Colors for the cut and crease lines and helps your file flow through our system smoothly.

    Fonts and Artwork

  • Artwork should be vectored for best quality printing.
  • Artwork must be extended to a .25-inch bleed. All line art should be 2 pt. or thicker.
  • Fonts must be outlined and 10 pt. or higher.

    Barcodes/QR

  • QR codes should be no smaller than 1"x1".
  • Barcodes should be no smaller than 2.25” wide x .5” tall.


Other Artwork Guidelines

    Flexographic Printing

    Since Flexographic Printing requires a custom quote, we will work with you to make sure your artwork is suitable to have a print plate manufactured. Here are some tips to help with that process:


  • Images must be vectored, linked, full size, 300 DPI and in CMYK.
  • Fonts must be outlined or font files must be provided.
  • Lines and strokes must be 1 pt. thick. (if it’s too thin or small, it will either fill in and show as a blob or fine detail will get lost).
  • Fonts must be larger than 8 pt.
  • Limit the amount of colors when possible. Unlike digital printing, the more colors you have in your design for flexo printing, the more expensive the print plate will be. We will work with you to keep your costs low if the option is there.
  • Art for approval will be sent prior to your order being manufactured.

    Lithographic Printing

    Upon receiving a custom quote for a lithographic order, we will work with you to make sure your artwork is formatted to be printed on a label. Here are some tips to help with that process:


  • Link your graphics and include the links.
  • Include all fonts used in your artwork.
  • Call out Pantone colors.
  • Images should be full size, 300 PPI.
  • Line art scans should be 1200 PPI.
  • Number of colors determines cost.
  • Art for approval will be sent prior to your order being manufactured.