Packaging Artwork Setup & Dieline Preparation Guidelines

Working on a dieline template allows you to be as creative as you want with your packaging design and artwork. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your packaging design is ideal for the packaging production process. If you don’t have a dieline for custom boxes, you can download our free dieline templates.

1. Setting Up Your Artwork File

Preparing Adobe Illustrator for Production

In Adobe Illustrator, navigate to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color. For any Pantone or spot colors in your design, please convert them to CMYK. Kindly provide us with the corresponding Pantone C color code(s) used in your design.

Following are the useful resources:

2. Dieline Alignment

Artwork Orientation Settings

Make sure your images and text face the correct way when your packaging is manufactured. Please follow the orientation guide given below, and feel free to use them to test by printing your designs at home.

3. Artwork Preparation Guidelines

Keep Artwork and Dieline on Separate Layers

Place all artwork and designs on the designated “Artwork” layer. Leave the “Dieline” as it is. Do not delete the “Dieline” layer, as it is essential for production purposes (the dieline itself will not be printed).

Create a Dedicated Layer for Enhancements

For each enhancement (embossing, debossing, spot UV, or foil stamping) in your design, create a separate layer. Clearly indicate the specific areas where each enhancement will be applied on its respective layer.

Set Up Proper Bleed and Safety Margins

Please follow these guidelines to ensure your packaging does not have unprinted edges:

Extend artwork at edges: Ensure all artwork at fold or cut lines bleeds into the next panel or the empty space of the dieline.
Maintain safe margins: Keep important artwork or text at least 0.125″ (0.32cm) away from any fold or cut lines.
Extend beyond the dieline: Extend artwork or graphics that go beyond the dieline by at least 0.25″ (0.64cm) from the dieline edge.

Organize and Name Your Design Files Clearly

Clearly indicate if your packaging has inside vs outside designs.

4. Managing Images in Your Design File

Embedding Linked Images Properly

Open the Links panel: Window > Links.
Select any linked files that are not embedded.
Click the top-right menu in the panel and select Embed.
Repeat for all linked files

Ensuring High-Resolution Images and Graphics

Photos: Minimum resolution 300 dpi.
Graphics/Text: Prefer vector formats (AI, PDF, EPS).
Avoid JPG/PNG for graphics or text unless photographic.

5. Working with Text Elements

Convert Text to Outlines Before Production

Select your text box(es).
Navigate to Type > Create Outlines.
Text will then be converted into vector shapes to prevent font issues.

Setting Appropriate Font Sizes for Print

Minimum font size: 6pt. Inform us if your design uses smaller text.

Multiple Fonts

Outline all fonts to avoid missing font issues.

6. Final File Preparation and Submission

Choosing the Correct File Format

Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
Layered and editable PDF (.pdf) compatible with Illustrator

7. Special Finishes & Spot Colors

For embossing, debossing, foil stamping, or spot UV:

Use a separate, labeled layer.
Specify Pantone or swatch references if required.
Follow any minimum size or coverage restrictions.

8. Final Checklist Before Submission

CMYK color mode used; Pantone codes provided
Artwork on correct layer; dieline untouched
Enhancement layers labeled and separated
Bleeds and safe margins correct
All images embedded; resolution ≥300dpi
Text outlined; minimum font size respected
Physical fold test done (print and fold dieline)
Submission notes included (inside/outside or special finishes)