How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Printed Boxes
Updated · Vorex Packaging
To prepare artwork for custom boxes, place your design on the supplier's dieline, extend backgrounds into the bleed, keep text inside the safe zone, set colors in CMYK or named Pantone spot colors, use images at 300 dpi at final size and vector logos, put finishes on separate layers, and export a print-ready PDF.
Step by step
Get the dieline for your exact box
Request a dieline built for your box style and inside dimensions. Do not reuse a template from a different size or style.
Set up your file
Open the dieline in a vector program such as Adobe Illustrator. Keep the dieline on its own locked layer and design on separate layers.
Add bleed and respect the safe zone
Extend backgrounds and images past every cut line into the bleed, and keep text, logos and barcodes inside the safe area away from folds and edges.
Set colors correctly
Convert artwork to CMYK and name any Pantone spot colors. Use the swatch for coated or uncoated stock to match your board.
Check image resolution and logos
Use photos at 300 dpi at their printed size, and supply logos and text as vector artwork or outlined fonts.
Separate finishes
Put foil, spot UV, embossing and other finishes on their own clearly named layers as solid shapes.
Export and review the proof
Export a print-ready PDF, then check the supplier's digital proof carefully before approving.
Start with the dieline
A dieline is the flat template of your box, showing cut lines, folds, glue areas and bleed. Every style and size is different, so ask for the dieline made to your exact dimensions before you start. Vorex provides a dieline for your size, and the design team can help place or adjust your artwork if you do not have a designer.
Look at how each panel will face once folded. The top flap, bottom flap and side panels are often rotated on the flat layout. A quick paper mockup, made by printing the dieline at full size, cutting it out and folding it, catches upside-down text early.
Bleed and safe zones
- Bleed: extend backgrounds and images past each cut line, usually by the amount marked on the dieline, so no white edges appear after cutting.
- Safe zone: keep important text, logos and barcodes inside the margin away from cut and fold lines, where small shifts can crop or bend them.
- Glue areas: avoid placing artwork that needs to be seen on glue flaps, and follow the supplier's notes on keeping glue areas clear of coating.
Color: CMYK and Pantone
Screens show color in RGB, but presses print with ink. Convert your file to CMYK before sending, so you can see and adjust any color shifts. Bright screen greens, blues and oranges often look duller in print.
If a brand color must match exactly, specify it as a named Pantone (PMS) spot color. Choose the coated or uncoated swatch to match your board. Remember that kraft board darkens colors because the brown shows through the ink, and that digital presses may approximate spot colors with process inks.
For large areas of black, a rich black (black plus other inks) looks deeper than black alone, but keep small text in plain black so it stays sharp. Ask your supplier for their preferred rich black values.
Resolution and file types
- Photos and raster images: 300 dpi at the size they will print. Enlarging a low-resolution image does not add detail.
- Logos and icons: supply them as vector artwork, such as AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF, so edges stay crisp at any size.
- Fonts: convert text to outlines or embed fonts in the PDF so nothing substitutes.
- Final file: a high-resolution, print-ready PDF with the dieline included on its own layer is the most common request.
Finishes on separate layers
Foil stamping, spot UV, embossing, debossing and window cut-outs each need their own layer, drawn as solid vector shapes in 100 percent of a named spot color. Label each layer clearly, align it exactly with the printed design, and avoid very fine lines or tiny text in finish areas.
Content checklist
- Brand name, product name and a short description.
- Required information such as net quantity, ingredients, warnings and the business name and address, depending on product and market.
- Barcodes at a scannable size, in dark ink on a light background.
- Website, social handles or QR codes, tested before printing.
- For Canada, bilingual English and French text where required.
Labelling rules vary by product and country, so check current rules for your category.
Review the proof
Before production you will receive a digital proof showing your artwork on the dieline. Read every word, check panel orientation and confirm the dimensions and finishes. Screen colors are only approximate, so ask about a physical sample if color accuracy is critical. Approving the proof means production goes ahead exactly as shown.
