Illustrator PDF or Illustrator .AI format

Files should be submitted on our template as an Adobe Illustrator .PDF or .AI file. Also provide any links (if images are not embedded) and convert all text to outlines. This will make the review process quicker.

Other software used to build PDFs (Canva, Quark, Corel, InDesign) causes issues with file layers and text. Some of these issues might be able to be resolved manually, but will add significant delay to the artwork process. This is not recommended.

Colour space is CMYK

RGB files are not compatible for printing. Automatic conversion of RGB to CMYK will cause unexpected muddying of your vibrant colours.

(see Colours)

Embed any full resolution images

300 dpi or greater: .tif, .psd, .png, .gif, .jpg, .bmp, .svg formats. Linked files can also be acceptable, but some issues may arise. Embed them for best results.

(also see Colours, Raster Images)

(Optional) Additional version with editable text

This is helpful for us to make quick spelling corrections or copy updates.

(also see Text)

All text are converted to outlines

Main file must have all text converted to outlines. If supplementing a file with editable text, please provide all fonts used.

Type is at least 6 pt size

In some cases, type may be as small as 4 pt, but it is not recommended.

Place reverse text over spot colours when printing flexo

White type on 4-colour process background will appear fuzzy. If required, a spot colour outline of at least 0.5 pt will be added for flexo printing if not provided.

Non-printing marks on separate layers

Ensure all template guides and notes are on separate layers from your artwork and white/matte plates.

Special finishes each on separate layers

Ensure flood/spot whites, matte varnishes, etc. are on their own layers. (also see Colours)

Die-line for PSLs

PSL die-line must be on own layer and swatch

Use CMYK and Pantone Solid Coated

Choose CMYK process for digital printing. Otherwise, provided Pantone colours will be substituted. For flexo printing, use the Pantone Solid Coated book if selecting spot colours. Please make sure that Pantone Colours are set to Spot, and not process.

Images in CMYK, Grayscale, or Bitmap

RGB assets are not compatible and significant colour shift would occur if converted.

Special inks and marks use spot colour

Die lines and inks like white, matte varnish should be using a custom spot colour swatch and set to overprint. ‍(also see Layers)

Remove any unused colours

Remove unused swatches from the Swatches panel.

Raster images and gradients

To ensure highest image quality, make sure raster images are 300 ppi or greater.

Images are Embedded or Linked

Embed images if possible. If using linked images, please provide all linked files.

Raster effects are flattened

Flatten all raster effects at 300 dpi or greater. Live effects can change unexpectedly if this is not done.

Avoid gradients to white for flexography

There is a minimum dot size that ink will adhere to printing plates. As a result, there will be a sudden drop to white for these gradients when printed. Safe dot size is >8%.

Barcodes are dark colour on top of light colour

Black or a dark PMS spot colour on white is recommended.

Barcode size is at least 80% scale

This size translates to 25.08 mm bar width, with 2.9 mm and 1.85 mm of white at the left and right quiet zones respectively. Minimum height of the bars is 18.29 mm.

Shrink sleeves use rotated barcodes

Due to deformations in the heat shrinking process a horizontally oriented barcode may not scan properly on some scanners. To avoid this, have the code rotated to read vertically (black bars running horizontally). We also recommend this for PSLs because of the curvature of the can, but it isn't as much of an issue as with shrink sleeves.