How to Prepare Your Artwork for Custom Packaging Printing
Getting your file right before sending it saves time, avoids reprints, and ensures your logo looks sharp on every cup, glass, bowl, and bucket. This guide covers everything — file formats, colour mode, bleed, resolution, and how to send your artwork.
Quick Artwork Checklist
- ✓File format: AI, PDF (embedded fonts), EPS, or PNG/JPG at 300 DPI
- ✓Colour mode: CMYK (not RGB)
- ✓Bleed: 3mm on all sides beyond the print area
- ✓Safe zone: all text and logos at least 5mm inside the trim edge
- ✓Fonts: embedded or converted to outlines/curves
- ✓Resolution: 300 DPI minimum at actual print size
- ✓File name: BrandName_ProductType_ColourCount.pdf
Accepted File Formats
Ranked from best to least preferred for print quality.
| Format | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Illustrator (.AI) | Best | Industry standard. Fully editable vector, perfect print quality at any size. |
| PDF (print-ready, fonts embedded) | Best | Ideal for sharing. Ensure fonts are embedded or text is outlined. |
| EPS | Good | Vector format, compatible with all professional design software. |
| PNG (300 DPI, actual print size) | Acceptable | Acceptable if high-resolution. Transparent background preferred. |
| JPG (300 DPI, actual print size) | Acceptable | No transparent background. Acceptable for full-wrap designs. |
| PNG / JPG from social media (72 DPI) | Not Recommended | Will print blurry. Use original source file or request vector recreation. |
| Word / PowerPoint files | Not Accepted | Cannot be used for print production. Export to PDF or PNG at 300 DPI first. |
Technical Specifications
Use these specs when setting up your design file.
| Specification | Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bleed | 3mm on all sides | Prevents white edges after cutting |
| Safe zone (keep text/logo inside) | 5mm from trim edge | Avoids critical content being cut off |
| Colour mode | CMYK | Not RGB — CMYK matches physical ink |
| Resolution | 300 DPI at print size | 72 DPI social exports will print blurry |
| Font handling | Embed fonts or outline text | Prevents font substitution |
| Max print colours (screen printing) | 1–4 spot colours | More colours = higher cost per piece |
| Full-colour UV printing | Unlimited CMYK colours | Recommended for logos with gradients or photos |
Step-by-Step Preparation
Start with a vector file
Open your logo in Adobe Illustrator or export from your design tool as AI/PDF/EPS. Vector files are made of mathematical paths — they print perfectly at any size, from a 4oz espresso cup to a 3-litre chicken bucket.
Convert to CMYK colour mode
In Illustrator: File → Document Color Mode → CMYK Color. In Photoshop: Image → Mode → CMYK Color. Screen colours (RGB) look more saturated but cannot be reproduced exactly with ink. CMYK gives you predictable printed results.
Add 3mm bleed
Extend your background colour or pattern 3mm beyond the trim line on all sides. When the packaging is cut, the cutter may shift by 1–2mm — bleed ensures no white gap appears at the edge.
Check your safe zone
Move all logos, text, and critical brand elements at least 5mm inside the final trim size. Anything outside this zone risks being trimmed off or too close to the edge to look intentional.
Embed fonts or outline all text
In Illustrator: Select All → Type → Create Outlines. In InDesign: File → Export PDF → Subset fonts when percent of characters used is less than 100%. This ensures your chosen font prints exactly as designed, even if we don't have that font installed.
Save and name your file
Save as PDF (Print preset) or AI. Name your file clearly: e.g. BrewLab_12ozCup_2colour_v1.pdf. This avoids confusion on repeat orders.
Send via WhatsApp or email
WhatsApp (+92 303 4173359) handles files up to 100MB. For larger files, use Google Drive or WeTransfer and share the link. We confirm receipt and review your file within 1 business hour.
RGB vs CMYK — Visual Colour Difference
RGB (Screen)
Used for websites, social media, and screens. Produces vivid, saturated colours that screens can emit but physical inks cannot always replicate. Do not use RGB for print files.
CMYK (Print)
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black). The four inks used in all commercial printing. Colours may appear slightly duller on screen in CMYK mode but will print accurately on packaging.
Pro tip: If your brand has specific Pantone colours, share the Pantone code with us and we will match as closely as possible in CMYK.
Artwork FAQ
What file formats do you accept for custom packaging printing?+
We accept Adobe Illustrator (.AI), PDF with embedded fonts, EPS, and high-resolution PNG or JPG (300 DPI minimum at actual print size). Vector formats (AI, PDF, EPS) produce the sharpest results on curved packaging surfaces.
Do I need to add bleed to my artwork?+
Yes. Add 3mm bleed on all sides of the print area. Bleed ensures that colours extend to the edge of the packaging without a white border appearing if the cut is slightly off-centre.
Should my artwork be in RGB or CMYK?+
Always use CMYK for print. RGB is optimised for screens and displays colours that cannot be reproduced in ink. Converting to CMYK before sending prevents colour surprises in the final printed product.
My logo is only available as a social media export (low resolution). Can you still print it?+
Low-resolution logos (72 DPI social media exports) will print blurry. For orders of 1,000 pieces or more, our design team can recreate your logo in vector at no extra charge. For smaller orders, please try to source the original file from your designer or recreate it in Canva at maximum resolution.
What resolution should my artwork be for packaging printing?+
300 DPI at the actual print size. For example, if your logo prints 10cm wide on a cup, the image file should be at least 1,181 pixels wide (10cm × 300 DPI / 2.54). Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are resolution-independent and always print sharply.
Ready to Send Your Artwork?
WhatsApp us your file — we review it, send a free digital mockup the same day, and ship a printed sample within 1–2 days.