A surprising share of packaging production delays trace back to artwork files, not the print or die-cutting process itself. A logo pulled off a website at 72 DPI, a design built in RGB instead of CMYK, or text placed too close to a fold line all cause the same result: a rejected proof, a revision round, and days added to your timeline. Here is what a manufacturer actually needs from your artwork file to move straight to sampling.
Start From the Die-Line, Not a Blank Canvas
A die-line is the technical drawing that shows exactly how your box unfolds flat before it is cut, scored and glued into shape – every panel, fold line, and glue tab in its exact position and dimension. Never design packaging artwork freehand; always request the die-line template for your specific box structure and size from your manufacturer first, then design directly on top of it in your design software. This ensures your graphics, text and logo land exactly where they should once the box is assembled, rather than wrapping awkwardly around a corner or landing on a glue flap.
Bleed and Safe Zone
Two margins matter on every packaging file:
- Bleed – typically 3mm (0.125″) of your background color or image extended past the cut line, so that any minor variance in die-cutting does not leave a thin white edge where the cut falls slightly outside your artwork.
- Safe zone – typically 3-5mm inside every fold and cut line, where no important text or logo elements should sit, since folding and cutting tolerances can shift by a millimeter or two in production.
Ignoring either of these is the single most common reason a first proof comes back with text that looks cropped or awkwardly close to an edge.
Color Mode: Always CMYK, Never RGB
Packaging is printed using CMYK (or Pantone spot colors), not the RGB color space your screen displays. A file built or exported in RGB will shift color, sometimes significantly, when converted to CMYK for print – blues can turn purple, bright greens can turn dull. Build your file in CMYK from the start, and if a specific brand color needs to match exactly across every print run, specify it as a Pantone (PMS) spot color rather than relying on a CMYK build to get you there consistently. Our CMYK vs Pantone guide covers when each is the right choice.
Resolution and File Format
- Images and logos should be at least 300 DPI at final print size – a logo that looks fine on a website at 72 DPI will look blurry or pixelated when printed at box scale
- Vector formats (AI, EPS, or PDF with vector data) are strongly preferred for logos and line art, since they scale to any size without quality loss
- Submit final files as a layered AI or PDF with fonts outlined (converted to curves) so text does not reflow if the manufacturer does not have your exact font installed
What to Send Your Manufacturer
- The die-line template they provided you, with your design applied on the correct layer
- A flat, print-ready PDF export for proofing
- Pantone color codes for any spot colors, and CMYK values for process colors
- Any special finish call-outs (spot UV, foil, embossing) marked on a separate layer – see our packaging finishes guide for how these are typically indicated
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a JPEG file for packaging printing?
Only as a low-resolution reference for layout intent, not as the final print file. Final artwork should be a layered, editable file (AI or high-resolution layered PDF) so the printer’s prepress team can check and adjust bleed, safe zone and color before plates are made.
What happens if my artwork does not match the die-line?
The manufacturer will typically flag this during file review before production and request a revised file – this is a normal part of the process, but starting from the correct die-line template from day one avoids the extra round trip.
Do I need a graphic designer to prepare packaging artwork?
For anything beyond a simple logo placement, yes – packaging design involves working within structural constraints (fold lines, bleed, glue tabs) that a general graphic designer without packaging experience may not account for.
Caiye Packaging provides die-line templates for every structure we manufacture and reviews every incoming artwork file before production. Contact us to request a template for your box.