How to prepare a file for printing on ready-made cardboard boxes?
Project dimensions
The design should be prepared according to the selected template available in the calculator after choosing a specific box pattern/size.
Die-cut templates are available in the D&D database and do not need to be attached to the submitted files.
Do not change the proportions, dimensions, or layout of the provided template.
Job preparation
The finished design should be prepared as a multi-page PDF file (single- or double-sided print design).
All essential elements of the design, such as texts, logos, and important graphic elements, should be placed only within the designated safe area, maintaining a distance from the crease lines and the edge of the packaging,
The print area depends on the box construction and is marked on the die-cut template,
Backgrounds and graphics reaching the edge should be prepared with a 2 mm bleed,
The minimum distance of essential elements from the creasing line and edge should be 5 mm,
All texts should be converted to curves.
Color space: CMYK,
Due to the specifics of direct printing on corrugated cardboard, avoid very fine elements, thin lines, and small texts, especially in reverse. The recommended font size is 8 pt.
Note
Due to the specifics of corrugated cardboard and the production tolerances of finished die-cuts, slight shifts of the print in relation to the crease lines and packaging edges may occur. For this reason, it is not recommended to design elements that require perfect alignment with creases, folds, and box edges.
Individual boxes in a batch may slightly differ in dimensions and die-cut layout, which is a natural feature of corrugated cardboard packaging production. This may cause minor differences in print placement between individual copies.
Design template
The shape of the cutting line in the template is for reference only. There may be minor differences in the shape of flaps, locks, glue strips, and other technological elements between the template and the die-cutter used. The dimensions of the finished box, the position of the crease lines, and the print areas remain in accordance with the product specification.
Job preparation
Prepare the design for digital printing. All rules for correct file preparation can be found in the Help section.