Custom Packaging Artwork Guidelines & Material Specifications

Quick Answer: For custom packaging production, please send editable artwork files in .AI, .PDF, or .EPS format whenever possible. Fonts should be converted to outlines, images should be high resolution, and all background colors or graphics should extend at least 3mm beyond the dieline. If you do not have a dieline yet, send product dimensions, reference photos, material preferences, and quantity so our factory team can review the structure before sampling.

Key File Requirements Before Production

Preferred artwork formats: .AI, .PDF, or .EPS with editable vector content.
Image quality: 300 DPI is recommended for photos, patterns, and product images used in print.
Fonts: Convert all text to outlines or curves before sending final artwork.
Bleed: Add 3mm bleed outside the dieline to reduce white-edge risk after die cutting.
Dieline: Keep cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, and safe zones clear and separated from artwork.
Color: Confirm CMYK, Pantone references, or approved printed samples before mass production.
Material: Paperboard, corrugated board, rigid grayboard, inserts, and finishing should be confirmed before sampling.

1. Artwork & Dieline Requirements

Factory Note: A clear artwork file helps reduce sampling delays. If your team only has a product photo, reference box, or physical sample, send it to our packaging engineers together with product size, target quantity, and destination country. We can review whether a new dieline is needed before quoting.

Visual Reference & Product Information

If you do not have a dieline, please send product dimensions, product weight, current packaging photos, reference structures, and any retail or shipping requirements. These details help us judge whether the package needs a folding carton, rigid box, corrugated box, insert, paper bag, or another structure.

Editable Vector Artwork Files

For mass production, editable vector files are preferred. Please provide .AI, .PDF, or .EPS files when possible. Before sending final artwork, outline all fonts, link or embed high-resolution images, and keep dieline information clearly separated from printable graphics.

Pre-Flight Artwork Checklist

☐ Confirm that all product images, patterns, and background graphics are high resolution, ideally 300 DPI.
☐ Convert all fonts to outlines or curves to avoid font replacement or text movement during file processing.
☐ Extend background color, images, or patterns at least 3mm beyond the dieline.
☐ Keep cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, window openings, and safe zones clearly marked.
☐ Confirm whether dimensions refer to inner size, outer size, or product size.
☐ Provide CMYK values, Pantone references, or a printed reference sample when color matching is important.
☐ Confirm material, paper thickness, surface finish, insert requirement, and packing method before sample approval.

2. Common Artwork Mistakes That Delay Sampling

No 3mm Bleed

Without bleed, small die-cutting movement may create thin white edges on the final box. Extend backgrounds and edge graphics beyond the dieline before sending final artwork.

Fonts Not Outlined

If fonts are not outlined, text may shift or be replaced when the file is opened on another system. Outline fonts before sending production-ready artwork.

Dieline Mixed with Artwork

Cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, and window positions should be clear. If dielines are mixed into artwork without labels, production review may take longer.

No Color Reference

CMYK colors can vary across materials and finishes. If color accuracy matters, provide Pantone references, a printed sample, or an approved proofing method.

3. Paperboard & Material Selection Guide

Standard C1S Ivory Board

300gsm to 400gsm C1S ivory board is commonly used for folding cartons, retail boxes, cosmetics packaging, food sleeves, and lightweight product boxes. It provides a smooth printable surface and efficient production setup.

Duplex Mounted Paperboard

Duplex mounting can be used when a standard single-layer board is not stiff enough. It may improve hand feel and structure strength, but it can also increase material cost, die-cutting pressure, and sampling time.

Triplex Mounted Cardboard

A 3-layer mounted board can be considered for heavier retail sets or gift packaging. Before choosing this option, confirm product weight, box size, opening direction, crease performance, and whether a rigid setup box may be more suitable.

Corrugated Board & Inserts

For heavier products, e-commerce shipping, or export packing, corrugated boxes or custom inserts may offer better protection than thick paperboard alone.

4. Surface Finishing & Sample Approval Notes

Matte & Gloss Lamination

Lamination can help protect the printed surface and reduce scuffing. On some structures, it may also help reduce cracking along crease lines, but the final result should be checked on a physical sample.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping works best when the logo area, line thickness, and registration tolerance are reviewed before production. Very small text or narrow foil areas may require artwork adjustment.

Spot UV

Spot UV can highlight logos or patterns, but alignment with print artwork must be checked carefully. Send a clear finishing layer and mark the spot UV area separately.

Material Scope & Compliance

FSC paper options and other material documents can be checked when applicable. Please confirm the current certificate file, material scope, and production route before order approval.

Production Before Approval Checklist

☐ Final artwork file is editable or print-ready, with fonts outlined and images checked.
☐ Dieline, cut lines, crease lines, glue flaps, and safe zones are confirmed.
☐ Material, paper thickness, flute type, insert material, or mounted board option is confirmed.
☐ Printing method, CMYK or Pantone control, and acceptable color tolerance are confirmed.
☐ Surface finishing layers such as lamination, foil, embossing, or spot UV are clearly marked.
☐ Sample size, product fit, opening direction, barcode position, and packing method are approved.
☐ Master carton quantity, carton marks, destination country, and export packing requirements are reviewed.

Factory Notes for B2B Buyers

Artwork review first: file format, bleed, fonts, image resolution, and dieline layers should be checked before sample production.
Material affects color: the same artwork may look different on ivory board, kraft paper, corrugated board, or laminated surfaces.
Finish affects risk: foil stamping, embossing, spot UV, and window patching may require extra alignment checks.
Sample approval matters: buyers should confirm product fit, opening direction, color reference, finish effect, and packing method before mass production.

Custom Packaging Artwork FAQ

What file formats should I send for custom packaging artwork?

Please send editable .AI, .PDF, or .EPS files whenever possible. If your artwork includes photos, patterns, or product images, make sure they are high resolution and properly linked or embedded. If you only have a logo, product photo, or reference packaging, send those files together with product dimensions so our team can review the next step.

Why do packaging files need 3mm bleed?

Bleed gives the printed background extra space outside the dieline. During die cutting, very small movement can happen. A 3mm bleed helps reduce the risk of thin white edges appearing on the finished packaging.

What happens if fonts are not outlined?

If fonts are not outlined, the text may shift, change style, or be replaced when the file is opened on another computer. Converting fonts to outlines helps keep the artwork appearance stable during pre-press review.

Should I use CMYK or Pantone colors for packaging printing?

CMYK is commonly used for full-color printing, while Pantone is useful when a specific brand color must be controlled more closely. Color can still be affected by paper material, lamination, ink coverage, and viewing conditions, so buyers should confirm the proofing method before mass production.

Can you help if I do not have a dieline?

Yes. Please send product size, product weight, reference photos, target quantity, and packaging goals. Our team can review whether a new dieline is needed and suggest a suitable structure for many custom packaging projects before sampling.

How do I choose between 300gsm, 350gsm, and 400gsm paperboard?

The choice depends on product weight, box size, structure, printing coverage, finishing, and how the packaging will be handled. 300gsm may be enough for lightweight cartons, while larger or heavier products may need thicker board, mounted board, corrugated support, or an insert.

When should I choose lamination, foil stamping, or spot UV?

Lamination is often used to protect the printed surface and adjust gloss level. Foil stamping is suitable for logos or highlight areas, but very small text may be difficult to register. Spot UV can create contrast, but the spot layer should be clearly marked and checked against the print artwork.

What should be confirmed before approving a packaging sample?

Before approving a sample, check size, product fit, opening direction, material feel, print position, color reference, surface finish, insert clearance, barcode position, glue strength, and packing method. These details should be confirmed before mass production starts.