Artwork Standards – Custom Boxes Lab

Ensure your custom packaging stands out with our precise artwork guidelines. Follow our detailed specifications on file formats, text profiles, colors, images, and more to achieve professional, high-quality results that effectively communicate your brand.

8 Steps of Preparing Artwork Files

Follow our 8-step Artwork Process to get better printing results

File Formats

Submit files in Adobe Illustrator (AI) or PDF formats

Color Profiles

Ensure all colors are in the CMYK color space.

Text

Outline all text objects and size them appropriately

Additional Printing

Prepare separate layers for any additional printing elements

Dielines

Keep the provided dieline template unflattened

Lines

Use strokes that are at least 0.25pt thick

Images

Embed and properly size all images

Graphics

Ensure all graphics have a resolution of at least 300 PPI

Make An Impact Through Striking Artwork

At CBL, we are committed to providing the highest level of perfection when it comes to artwork, a service that consistently meets our customer’s requirements. Our quality system ensures effective implementation and continuous improvement, benefiting our customers. This includes meticulous attention to artwork, such as your logo, colors, and fonts, which are crucial for creating impactful packaging. We focus on cost-effective operations while enhancing design elements to reflect your brand identity and resonate with your audience, ensuring both excellent quality and memorable packaging.

File Formats

At Custom Boxes Lab, we accept a variety of file formats to ensure a seamless and hassle-free customization process for your packaging needs. You can submit your design files in the following formats:

  • Adobe Illustrator (AI)
  • Adobe Photoshop (PSD)
  • Adobe InDesign (INDD)
  • Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)
  • Portable Document Format (PDF)
  • Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)
  • CorelDRAW (CDR)
  • High-resolution JPEG (JPEG)
  • TIFF (TIFF)
  • PNG (PNG)

These file formats cover a wide range of design software and ensure that we can work with your artwork effectively. If you have any specific questions or need assistance with file preparation, our experienced design team is always here to help you create the perfect custom packaging for your products.

To save a print-ready PDF in Adobe Illustrator:
  • Open your file.
  • Check and set CMYK color mode.
  • Define bleed if needed.
  • Outline fonts.
  • Embed high-resolution images.
  • Adjust overprint settings.
  • Save as PDF with High-Quality Print” preset.
  • Enable crop marks and bleed settings.
  • Confirm color conversion settings.
  • Run a preflight check for issues.
For personalized help, contact Custom Boxes Lab.
At Custom Boxes Lab, we understand that not everyone has access to Adobe Illustrator for their packaging design needs. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can still create stunning custom packaging designs with our help. Our expert design team can work closely with you to bring your ideas to life, even if you don’t have Adobe Illustrator. We accept a wide range of file formats, so whether you have a sketch, a rough concept, or an image, we can work with it. Just contact us, and we will guide you through the design process, ensuring your packaging is exactly as you envision it, without the need for any specific software.

We recommend that the file size for your custom packaging design should ideally be within the range of 300 DPI (dots per inch) and a maximum of 25MB. This ensures the best quality and print results for your packaging. Larger file sizes may be necessary for intricate or large-scale designs, but it’s always a good practice to consult with our design team for specific requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance on optimizing your design files for the best printing results. We’re here to help you create stunning custom packaging that leaves a lasting impression!

Color Profiles

RGB and CMYK

Custom Boxes Lab provides a diverse array of color options to meet all your design needs. Select RGB for vibrant, eye-catching digital designs or CMYK for accurate, professional printing. Our wide color profiles guarantee that your packaging will clearly and impactfully reflect your brand’s identity and let customers remember you! At Custom Boxes Lab, the possibilities for your packaging are limitless, and make sure your designs diverse clarity and visual appeal.
Certainly! Converting your document to CMYK color mode is an essential step, especially when preparing artwork for printing. Follow these steps to make the conversion:
  • Open Your Document: Begin by opening the document in the graphic design software you’re using. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign are common choices for this purpose.
  • Select the Image: If your document contains images, make sure to select and open them individually, as they may need separate adjustments.
  • Check Color Mode: In most graphic design software, you can check the color mode of your document by going to the “Image” or “File” menu and selecting “Mode.” Ensure it’s currently set to “RGB” or whichever mode it’s in.
  • Convert to CMYK: To convert to CMYK, go back to the “Image” or “File” menu and choose “Mode” again. This time, select “CMYK Color” or “Convert to CMYK.” The software will handle the conversion for you.
  • Review and Adjust: After converting, closely examine your document. Colors may appear differently in CMYK mode than in RGB, so make any necessary adjustments to ensure the desired look is maintained.
  • Save Your Document: Once you’re satisfied with the conversion and adjustments, save your document. It’s essential to save it in a format that supports CMYK color, such as TIFF, PSD, or PDF.
  • Check Printing Guidelines: Before sending your document for printing, double-check the printer’s guidelines or specifications to ensure your document meets its requirements..
By following these steps, you’ll have successfully changed your document to CMYK color mode, making it print-ready for vibrant and accurate color reproduction. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Custom Boxes Lab. We’re here to help you with all your packaging and design needs!

We understand that you may have unique design preferences and printing requirements. While RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color mode is primarily used for digital displays, we recommend using the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color mode for printing. CMYK is the standard color mode for achieving accurate and consistent color results in the printing industry. Converting your design from RGB to CMYK ensures that your printed materials maintain color accuracy and vibrancy. If you have specific color preferences or need assistance with color management, our team of experts can help you achieve the desired results while ensuring the highest quality printing for your custom packaging needs.

At Custom Boxes Lab, we understand the importance of making informed choices when it comes to your packaging design and printing. Opting for 100% K value, or using pure black ink, in your printing can offer several advantages:

Enhanced Contrast and Clarity: Printing in 100% K value ensures deep and rich black tones, which can significantly improve the contrast and clarity of your design. This makes your text and graphics stand out, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your packaging.

Consistency: Using 100% K value helps maintain color consistency throughout the printing process. This is particularly important for branding and ensuring that your packaging looks the same across various print runs.

Cost-Efficiency: Pure black ink is often more cost-effective than using a combination of CMYK inks to create black. This can help reduce printing costs while achieving the desired results.

Reduced Ink Saturation: Pure black ink can minimize ink saturation, which is beneficial for fine details and small text. It prevents bleeding or smudging, resulting in a cleaner and more professional look.

Environmentally Friendly: Using less ink can be more environmentally friendly as it reduces ink consumption, which can be a significant factor in the environmental impact of printing.

Quick Drying: Pure black ink tends to dry faster than a combination of inks. This can speed up the printing process, reducing production time.

Printing in 100% K value offers improved visual aesthetics, consistency, cost-efficiency, and environmental benefits. It’s a choice that can contribute to creating high-quality packaging that leaves a lasting impression on your customers while being mindful of your budget and the environment. At Custom Boxes Lab, we can help you make the right decisions for your packaging needs, including the choice of ink and printing techniques.

Text Profiles

At Custom Boxes Lab, we focus on typography to elevate your packaging design. Our team specializes in crafting text profiles that not only represent your brand but also enhance its visual appeal. We carefully select fonts, sizes, and styles to guarantee your text complements your packaging and resonates with your audience. Trust Custom Boxes Lab to deliver text profiles that make your packaging stand out and effectively communicate your brand’s essence.
The minimum font size we recommend for text on packaging materials is 8 points. However, this can vary depending on the typeface and design elements used. It’s crucial to strike a balance between aesthetics and readability when designing your packaging. If you have specific requirements or concerns about font size, our expert design team can guide you to ensure your packaging meets both your branding goals and industry standards for readability.
To ensure all text is outlined, convert the text to outlines in your design software before printing or sending us your artwork.

Explore Our Additional Printing Options

PMS Colors

At Custom Boxes Lab, we offer a stunning range of PMS color options, ensuring your brand’s colors shine vibrantly on every box.

Spot UV

Elevate your packaging with our Spot UV printing to add a glossy, tactile finish to specific areas, enhancing your custom boxes’ visual and textural appeal.

Inkjet Printing

Our high-quality inkjet printing technology guarantees sharp and vibrant imagery on your custom boxes. From intricate designs to vivid graphics, we ensure your packaging tells your brand’s story effectively.

Varnish

Custom Boxes Lab offers varnish options that protect your packaging while adding a touch of elegance. Choose from matte or glossy varnishes to create a unique texture and finish for your custom boxes.
Yes, you can enhance your packaging with Pantone® Matte & Metallic colors and opt for Spot UV finishes.
Spot UV finishing is available for a wide range of our products; please inquire about specific options for your project.
To include additional printing options, ensure your files are in high-resolution and provide separate layers for each effect like Spot UV.
To prepare files for inside print, provide separate artwork files for both the exterior and interior of the boxes, following our guidelines for accuracy.
At Custom Boxes Lab, we offer meticulously crafted dieline templates to ensure your packaging design fits seamlessly. Our precise templates guide your boxes’ cutting, folding, and assembly, resulting in a flawless final product. By maintaining accuracy, we help you achieve a professional package that aligns perfectly with your design specifications and brand standards.
Each color on a Dieline conveys a unique message; for instance, blue may represent trust, while red symbolizes passion. We can customize colors to match your branding and messaging.
Absolutely! We offer full customization services to adapt the Dieline according to your product’s specifications and design preferences.
Yes, you can merge the Dieline layer with your artwork layer to create a polished and unified design, ensuring your custom packaging looks flawless and professional.

Lines

In custom packaging design, the minimum recommended thickness for strokes and thin lines is typically 0.25 points or 0.003 inches. This ensures that your design remains legible and visually appealing when printed on our packaging materials. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the actual minimum thickness may vary depending on the printing process and the material chosen. We recommend discussing your specific design requirements with our design team for precise guidance tailored to your project.

Images

Choose between RGB and CMYK color spaces and use vector graphics for clear, sharp designs. Avoid low-resolution, blocky visuals; aim for 300 dpi to maintain a polished, seamless look. Ensure your typeface complements your logo and is legible, even in barcode scanning situations. For example, if your logo features an orange juice carton with a glass bottle, Helvetica Neue Bold Extended would be more visible on dark retail shelves than Century Gothic.
To seamlessly integrate your images, simply import them into your design software and position them as needed within your layout. If you require assistance with this, feel free to contact our design experts for guidance.
Certainly! In Adobe Illustrator, you can examine image properties by selecting the image and going to ‘Window’ > ‘Document Info’ > ‘Object.’ There, you’ll find a wealth of information about your image, including PPI and color mode.
To ensure your images are 300 PPI, open the image in your preferred software and check the image resolution or DPI settings. If you need further assistance, our packaging experts can help you confirm the quality of your images.
To confirm that your images are in CMYK, you can open them in Adobe Photoshop or similar software and navigate to ‘Image’ > ‘Mode.’ If ‘CMYK Color’ is selected, your images are in the CMYK color space. If you’re uncertain, reach out to us for guidance on color settings.

Graphics

Our commitment to delivering top-notch custom packaging solutions in the USA is driven by the belief that eye-catching graphics are essential for successful branding and product presentation. Whether it’s designing custom logos, incorporating vibrant colors, or creating intricate patterns, our team of skilled designers ensures that every packaging box tells a unique story. Graphics not only enhance the visual appeal of your product but also convey important information about its contents. We take pride in our ability to transform your vision into captivating packaging, making your products stand out on the shelves and leaving a lasting impression on customers. With Custom Boxes Lab, your packaging becomes a canvas for creativity, branding, and effective communication.

You can choose either image or vector files for your custom packaging design. Images work well if they’re high-resolution (300 PPI) and vector files are great for scalability without loss of quality.
To confirm image quality, zoom in at 100% on your image. If it remains sharp and clear, it’s likely 300 PPI. If it looks pixelated or blurry, it may not meet the required resolution for high-quality printing.

Still Need Further Clarification?

If queries linger in your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We are here to assist you in bringing your project to fruition, and we are delighted to do so! Additionally, we are well-equipped to guide any inquiries you might harbor concerning the intricacies of packaging artwork guidelines.

Crafting Packaging Artistry

Within our creative enclave, a collective of visionaries, craftsmen, and advisors come together in harmonious collaboration. Our shared mission: crafting packaging artistry that seamlessly merges aesthetics and utility. We proudly count among our clientele the titans of technology, purveyors of consumer delights, and the stalwarts of the retail realm.
Drawing from years of seasoned expertise in the realm of packaging design, our journey across the United States has yielded a treasure trove of accolades. A resplendent portfolio proudly showcases our award-winning creations, tailored with meticulous care for some of the most revered names in the nation. Our standing remains unparalleled, as our handiwork garners the spotlight on myriad prestigious platforms.

Join Forces to Create Something Truly Remarkable!

We are dedicated to assisting you in achieving greatness collaboratively. With our team of seasoned designers, packaging specialists, and marketing professionals, we bring a wealth of experience to the table. We’ve navigated the intricacies of the packaging design, packaging development, and product/service marketing processes numerous times, giving us a keen understanding of what succeeds and what doesn’t.