Best for logos, line artwork, editable packaging and cut paths. Usually requires professional design software.
Artwork and printing resources
Prepare files that printers can actually use.
A practical guide to file types, resolution, bleed, cut paths, colour modes, packaging materials and the checks that should happen before artwork reaches production.
Good print files reduce:
- Blurry or pixelated results
- White edges after cutting
- Missing fonts and linked images
- Unexpected colour shifts
- Printer delays and rework
File formats
Vector, raster and production documents are not interchangeable.
Use the format that matches the job. A logo should ideally remain vector. A detailed photograph can remain raster. A final print document should package the correct size, bleed and production information.
Useful for clean logos and web graphics. Confirm that fonts and effects survive the printer workflow.
Can contain vector, raster, bleed, crop marks and multiple pages. A PDF is only print-ready when exported correctly.
Useful for photo-based artwork, textures and editable effects. Keep full resolution and embedded assets.
Good for logos and artwork with transparency. Not automatically suitable for large print if dimensions are small.
Suitable for photographs and previews. Repeated saving lowers quality and it does not support transparency.
Common for high-resolution print images. Files are larger but compression can remain lossless.
Excellent for websites and previews, but not usually the first choice for supplying print artwork.
Vector versus raster
Vector artwork is built from mathematical paths and can be enlarged without becoming pixelated. Raster artwork is built from pixels and has a fixed usable size. Converting a small JPG into an AI or PDF file does not make it genuinely vector.
Bleed, cut line and safe area
Three boundaries, three different purposes.
The cut line is the intended finished edge. Bleed extends backgrounds and images beyond that line so minor cutting movement does not leave white edges. The safe area sits inside the cut line and keeps important text, logos and barcodes away from trimming, seams and folds.
Bleed area
Extend background artwork past the final edge. Common requirements are around 2–5 mm, but always follow the printer template.
Cut line
The exact contour where the product, sticker or label is intended to be cut.
Safe area
Keep essential information inside this boundary so it remains readable after production tolerances.
Cut paths: when a printer requests a named spot colour such as CutContour, the cutting path normally needs to remain a clean vector stroke on its own top layer. Do not rasterise it or add effects unless the supplier specifically asks for that.
Colour modes
RGB makes light. CMYK puts ink on material.
RGB combines red, green and blue light and is designed for screens. It can display very bright colours that ordinary process printing cannot reproduce. CMYK combines cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks and is the usual starting point for commercial print.
A printer may use additional white ink, spot colours, metallic layers or expanded-gamut inks. Always ask for the supplier's colour profile and setup instructions when colour accuracy matters.
Why colours change
Converting RGB artwork to CMYK reduces colours that sit outside the printable gamut. Neon blues, greens and pinks often become duller. Screens are also illuminated, while printed material reflects ambient light.
Resolution and image quality
DPI only means something at the final printed size.
A 300 DPI image at 50 mm wide may become low-resolution when enlarged to 500 mm. Check the physical dimensions and effective resolution together.
300 DPI
A common target for close-viewed packaging, labels and small-format print at the final output size.
Do not upscale blindly
Increasing the DPI number without adding real detail does not repair a small or heavily compressed source image.
Inspect at 100%
Look for jagged edges, compression blocks, blurred text and artificial sharpening before supplying artwork.
| Artwork element | Preferred source | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Logo and typography | Vector AI, EPS, SVG or PDF | Small JPG copied from social media |
| Photographs | High-resolution TIFF, PSD, PNG or JPG | Image enlarged beyond its effective resolution |
| QR codes and barcodes | Vector or high-resolution 1-bit artwork | Blur, distortion, insufficient quiet zone or low contrast |
| Fine legal text | Live or outlined vector text | Rasterised text that becomes soft or unreadable |
Sticker bags
Printed labels applied to blank or stock pouches.
Sticker bags are useful for low quantities, frequent flavour changes and testing a design before committing to a larger direct-print run. The pouch and label are produced separately, then the label is applied to the front, back or both sides.
Advantages
- Lower entry quantities
- Fast artwork changes and short runs
- Different bag colours or finishes can share the same label size
- Labels can be printed locally or on demand
Things to consider
- Application time and alignment
- Adhesive compatibility with the pouch finish
- Edges may remain visible
- Labels must avoid zippers, seals, folds and tear notches
Double-sided sticker bags
Front and back labels can create a near full-pack design without direct printing. Keep both labels the same finished size where possible, use an application guide, and allow enough uncovered pouch around the edges for reliable alignment. The back label commonly carries ingredients, warnings, barcode, batch information and contact details.
Direct printed bags
Artwork is printed into the pouch material before conversion.
Direct print gives a more integrated finish and can cover a larger area of the pouch, but it normally involves higher minimum quantities, longer setup and stricter production templates.
Sticker-applied bag
- Better suited to low or changing quantities
- Labels can be replaced without remaking the pouch
- Quicker for sample runs and many SKUs
- Visible label edge and manual application
Direct printed pouch
- More seamless, retail-style appearance
- Greater design coverage across the pouch
- Usually more economical at larger volumes
- Longer lead time and less flexibility after production
Template accuracy matters: direct-print artwork must account for zipper areas, bottom gussets, side seals, tear notches, hang holes, rounded corners and any unprintable manufacturing zones. Never reuse dimensions from a different supplier without checking.
Vinyl, label and pouch materials
The surface changes how colour, adhesive and finishing behave.
White vinyl / film
An opaque base that supports strong colour and predictable white areas. Available with matte or gloss lamination.
Clear vinyl / film
Allows the pouch to show through. White ink may be needed beneath colour or text to prevent it becoming transparent.
Holographic film
Reflective pattern remains visible wherever white ink is not printed. Artwork needs a planned white-ink layer to control the effect.
Metallic film
Creates silver, gold or chrome effects. As with holographic stock, white ink is used to block metallic shine in selected areas.
Paper and kraft labels
A natural or textured look. They can absorb ink differently and may require protection from moisture, oils or abrasion.
Permanent vs removable adhesive
Permanent adhesives are designed to stay attached. Removable options are easier to lift but may be less suitable for long-term handling.
Matte laminate
Reduces glare and gives a softer finish. Dark colours can show rubbing depending on material and handling.
Gloss laminate
Provides stronger shine and saturation, plus a protective surface that is easier to wipe clean.
Common pouch constructions and appearances
Metallised barrier pouch
Uses a metallic barrier layer to reduce light and moisture transmission. Often referred to broadly as a mylar bag.
Clear pouch or window
Displays the contents but provides less light protection in the clear area. Check product and legal suitability before choosing it.
Kraft-look pouch
Combines a paper-style outer appearance with laminated barrier layers. Not all kraft-look pouches are recyclable.
Holographic pouch
Reflective outer film provides a strong effect but can reduce readability unless text areas have sufficient contrast.
Matte or soft-touch pouch
Premium low-glare finish. Fine dark colours and heavy handling may need additional testing for scuff resistance.
Child-resistant format
Uses a specialised closure or construction. Requirements and certification vary by product and jurisdiction, so supplier evidence must be checked.
Packaging information and compliance
Artwork can organise required information, but it cannot replace legal review.
Mandatory wording changes by product type, destination, age restrictions and local law. The brand owner or seller must confirm exactly what information is required before approval and printing.
Important: Certi.Design can prepare layout and artwork, but does not certify that packaging is legally compliant in every market. Obtain professional legal or regulatory advice where required.
Product identity
Use the exact product or flavour name and avoid misleading claims.
Net quantity
Include the correct measurement and units where required.
Ingredients and allergens
For food or ingestible products, supply an accurate ingredient list and emphasise regulated allergens.
Warnings and age restrictions
Use the exact current wording and minimum type size required in the target market.
Business details
Include the responsible business, importer or contact information where applicable.
Batch and date fields
Leave suitable space for batch, lot, packed-on, expiry or best-before data when needed.
Barcode and QR code
Keep sufficient size, contrast and quiet zone. Test the final printed sample rather than only the screen proof.
Claims and symbols
Do not add recycling, certification, organic, medical or safety claims unless the business has evidence to use them.
Readability
Consider font size, contrast, material reflection, folds, seams and the finished viewing distance.
Changing regulations
Recheck requirements before every reprint, especially when selling into another country or region.
Before uploading
Print artwork preflight checklist.
Run through these checks before sending a file to Certi.Design or directly to a printer. Supplier instructions override general guidance.
Document size
The artboard or page matches the exact printer template and finished size.
Bleed
Backgrounds and images extend beyond every cut edge by the required amount.
Safe area
Logos, text, barcodes and warnings sit away from cut edges, seals and folds.
Colour mode
Artwork uses the requested CMYK profile, spot colours and white-ink layers.
Resolution
Raster images have enough effective resolution at final size.
Fonts
Fonts are supplied, embedded or converted to outlines after spelling is checked.
Linked files
Placed images are embedded or packaged with the source document.
Cut paths
Cut contours are vector, clean, closed and named exactly as the supplier requests.
Transparency and effects
Shadows, blends, overprints and transparencies have been checked in the exported PDF.
Black setup
Small black text and large black backgrounds use the printer-approved black build.
Barcodes and QR codes
Codes are not stretched, blurred, overdecorated or placed without a quiet zone.
Spelling and data
Names, ingredients, warnings, weights, contact details, batch fields and social handles are correct.
File naming
Files clearly identify the project, size, version, side and approval status.
Final proof
The exported production file—not only the editable source—has been opened and visually inspected.
Still unsure whether a file is ready?
Upload the original source artwork, linked images, fonts or brand assets where possible. Explain the required finished size, material, print supplier and deadline. We can then identify the most practical route.