Artwork Submission Requirements

Flexographic and Digital Artwork Format Submission Requirements

General Guidelines (applies to both flexographic and digital jobs)

  • File formats accepted:

    • Native design files preferred: Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Adobe InDesign (.indd) with packaged fonts and links, or layered PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 files.

    • High-resolution PDFs: PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4. Embed all fonts and convert spot colors correctly.

    • Raster images: TIFF (preferred), PSD, or high-quality PNG for proofs only. Do not submit low-resolution JPEGs for final production.

  • Color specification:

    • Use CMYK for process color work; provide SWOP/GRACoL profile as required by the project. For spot color printing, specify exact Pantone (PMS) numbers and submit as spot color swatches in the file.

    • For combined spot+process jobs, separate spot colors appropriately; do not convert spot colors to CMYK unless instructed.

  • Fonts:

    • Provide fonts or convert text to outlines/paths for final artwork. If fonts are supplied, include both screen and printer/OTF/TTF versions.

  • Bleed and safety:

    • Include 0.125 inch (3.175 mm) bleed beyond the finished edge. For critical die-line areas, confirm if additional bleed is required.

    • Maintain a safety margin of at least 0.125 inch (3.175 mm) inside the finished edge for any critical text or graphics. For small labels, increase safety margin as advised by prepress.

  • Resolution:

    • Supply raster images at 300–600 DPI at final size for photographic images; line art at 1200 DPI where required.

  • File naming:

    • Use descriptive file names including job number, client name, SKU, size, and revision (example: 12345_Client_SKU_Size_RevA.pdf).

  • Proofing:

    • Supply a flattened color proof PDF for reference. For color-critical jobs, request a press proof or digital contract proof and approve before production.

  • Transparency and effects:

    • Flatten transparencies in PDF/X-1a workflows. For PDF/X-4, transparency may be retained if verified for RIP compatibility.

  • Layers:

    • Keep die-lines, varnish/UV/laminate/varnish layers, and braille on separate named layers. Lock or label the die-line layer as “DIELINE” and set it to non-printing in design files where appropriate.

  • Cut/die lines and registration:

    • Provide dielines as vector paths on a separate non-printing layer, stroke-only (no fill), and clearly labeled. Include registration marks where required.

  • Varnish/Coating/Embossing/Foil:

    • Provide separate spot color plates for varnish, tactile varnish, cold foil, or embossing masks; name each spot color (example: VARNISH_SPOT, FOIL_SPOT).

  • Safe file transfer:

    • Use our approved upload/FTP delivery method. If file size exceeds upload limits, provide a compressed ZIP or use an approved transfer service. Include a manifest text file listing contents and fonts.

Flexographic-Specific Requirements

  • Artwork format:

    • Submit vector artwork whenever possible (converted to curves/outlines). Avoid rasterized text or vector stroke-based text. Use Illustrator (.ai) with editable, separated spot colors.

  • Color separations:

    • Supply final artwork with separate spot color channels for each flexo plate. Convert colors to named spot colors (Pantone or customer-specific spot names) and ensure no unintended process color conversions.

  • Trapping:

    • Provide pre-trapped native files or indicate trapping requirements. If trapping is required by prepress, provide clear instructions; otherwise, prepress will apply trapping per house standards.

  • Screen rulings and dot percentages:

    • For typical flexo work, use halftone screen rulings between 150–175 LPI depending on substrate and press capability. Confirm recommended LPI with prepress for specific substrate and pressline.

    • Maximum acceptable tonal range should be discussed for each substrate; avoid fine shadow detail below 2% or highlight dots above 98% where possible.

  • Ink limits:

    • Provide total ink coverage (TAC) limits per substrate (typically 240–300% depending on substrate and varnish). Confirm exact TAC with prepress.

  • Line width and type size:

    • Minimum recommended hairlines: 0.25 pt (0.09 mm) for vector strokes; avoid hairlines thinner than 0.15 pt. Minimum positive type size: 5 pt for solid type; for reverse type, minimum 6–8 pt depending on font and press.