When it comes to preparing print-ready files, you have to look out for every aspect of your design. Simplicity and precision are key to preparing print-ready files. If you are not aware of what a print-ready file is, it’s a PDF file that gets used in the printing process. The printing process for product packaging is a bit different as compared to the printing process for simple, straight-cut products.
In this article, we will look into how you can create a print-ready file for your product packaging, and which element you have to consider when designing it.
Define Specific Elements Of Your Product Packaging
Before you start designing your packaging artwork, there are a lot of factors you have to figure out, such as its key properties. Here are the specific elements you have to look for:
Box Type & Style
Before you start designing your print-ready files, it is important to select the box style. There are various box styles available, including two-piece rigid boxes, mailer boxes, display boxes, drawer boxes, cereal boxes, and more. You can also check our box styles and packaging types to select your desired box style.
Packaging Materials
Now, when you have selected the box style, the next step is to select packaging material. The selection of packaging materials depends on the nature of your product. You can select from:
Cardboard: It is a thinner option, perfect for storing lightweight items. It also offers great surface quality for clean, vibrant printing.
Kraft Stock: Kraft paper has a natural brown look and is ideal if you’re going for an eco-friendly, rustic feel. It’s durable and gives your packaging that earthy, handmade vibe.
Corrugated Cardboard: This one’s built for protection. Corrugated cardboard has fluted layers that make it sturdy, which is perfect for shipping or handling heavier items without worrying about damage.
Rigid Stock: Rigid stock is the premium pick. It’s thick, solid, and gives off a high-end, luxurious feel, great for specialty products where presentation matters.
Size & Dimensions
The last and utmost factor is the size of your box. Although you can find the standard size for every box, if you want the exact same size as your product, then you should go for custom sizes. You have to provide the following measurements for your box: Length X Width X Height.
You can also read our blog on how to measure your box product dimensions for better understanding.
Once you have selected and specified box styles, materials, and sizes, the rest of the designing process will become easy. If you are unsure about your selections, you can always reach custom box manufacturers to get help from experts.
Design Your Product Packaging Artwork
When designing your packaging artwork, you have to consider various factors, such as the box die line template. The dieline template you use for your product packaging design matters a lot. Each packaging artwork requires a custom dieline. When you’re working on your box design, placement matters. Since you’ll be designing on a flat, 2D box layout, you’ve got to think ahead about how the box will fold. Some parts of your design might need to be rotated 180 degrees so everything lines up the right way once it’s assembled. Just make sure you’re visualizing how each panel folds, and double-check that your graphics are facing the right direction on every side. It’ll save you a headache later.
If you are looking for a dieline template to work with, you can download it from our dieline template page to speed up the process.
Checklist For Designing Print-Ready Files
When you design your print-ready files for custom boxes, you have to look out for this checklist:
- Use vector graphics for all artwork. Stick to photos only if you need them.
- Set your document to CMYK color mode. It’s the standard for print.
- Use Adobe Illustrator or InDesign for setting up your print files.
- Avoid Photoshop or Canva for packaging design. They’re not ideal for this kind of setup.
Keep layers organized:
- Dieline goes on its separate layer.
- Your CMYK or Pantone design goes on another layer.
- If you’re using foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV, each finish needs its own layer.
- Make sure your design bleeds to the bleed lines. This helps avoid white edges.
- Your background color can cover the whole artboard. Just leave the gluing area white.
When saving your files:
- Save one PDF with all layers included.
- Save separate PDFs for each layer.
- One for dieline only.
- One for CMYK/Pantone design.
- One for each finishing layer (foil, spot UV, etc.).
Just toggle layer visibility on/off as needed when saving.
