Artwork Resources

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.

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

(see Colours)

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)

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

(also see Text)

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

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

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.

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

Ensure flood/spot whites, matte varnishes, etc. are on their own layers.

(also see Colours)

PSL die-line must be on own layer and swatch.

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.

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

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

(also see Layers)

Remove unused swatches from the Swatches panel.

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

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

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

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%.

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

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.

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.