Graphic Requirements

If you have made the decision to add graphics to your corrugated packaging and you wish to submit your own artwork, you or your graphic designers will need the following guidelines.

Download and Print the Artwork Guidelines PDF


Graphic requirements for Boxmaster

• Clean up files before transporting. Eliminate all unused graphic elements and colors. Wherever possible delete objects instead of hiding them in a mask or an unused layer. Avoid multiple masks.

• Current software being supported includes the Adobe Creative Suite 4; Illustrator CS4, Photoshop CS4, Indesign CS4; Acrobat 9 Pro and various support software.

• Include all original source image files from Photoshop or other programs, including the original layered Photoshop files. These will be necessary if modifications need to be made or there are problems with the file. Photoshop files should be saved at 100% size at 150 pixels per inch minimum resolution. Image mode should be CMYK.

• Flexo printing on corrugated requires custom trapping and file adjustments. For this reason we would prefer all files be sent as Adobe Illustrator files. Do not use Transparency or other special effects within Illustrator. Identify all colours used in file. Keep all layers in file, do not flatten. Files should be sent at 100% of final size.

• All fonts must be converted to outlines. Various font formats could still generate inconsistencies.

• Try to avoid using typefaces with fine lines and serifs. These tend to fill-in when printed. If used they may require manipulation to facilitate printing. These will be evaluated when a proof of the design is received.
The following minimum requirements apply to all production facilities:

  • - minimum type size: 8 point positive, 10 point reverse
  • - minimum size for ®, © & ™: 3 mm positive, 4 mm reverse.
  • - line thickness: 1 point positive, 3 point reverse.

• Crown Packaging prints line screens from 32-65 lpi. All screen tints, graduated screens and scanned images are subject to dot gain in flexographic printing. It is advised to create your artwork with the screen values and scans as required for the finished image, which will then be adjusted to account for specific press gain. The minimum printable dot is 7%, the maximum is 70%. Screen values over 70% tend to fill-in to solid. Do not pre-screen gradients & tints unless they are part of the design.

• If an approved dieline has been supplied by Crown Creative please ensure that the artwork is created on the PRINT SIDE of the dieline. Most dielines are created showing the INSIDE VIEW. Simply flip the dieline over to work on the print side view.

• Artwork on all regular slotted cartons (RSC) must be kept 10mm from all scores.

• Do not apply any trapping to your job. This will be done according to press specifications.

• If bar codes are required, please place a clearly marked, fake "FOR POSITION ONLY" code on the layout according to Electronic Commerce Council of Canada guidelines. Include the number sequence for each code somewhere in the file. Crown Creative requires the bar code to run with the web (bars pointing in the direction of the lead edge on the dieline). The UPC code minimum size is 160% of nominal size, 200% is recommended. Shipping Container Codes should be a minimum of 62.5% of nominal size, 100% is recommended. Crown Creative will generate a digital master code according to press specifications and place this in the file.

• Additional registration and print production marks may need to be added to the artwork. These will be hidden on minor flaps as much as possible. Crown Creative will apply these as necessary.

• All disk files must be accompanied by a color hard copy of the file on the disk (this can be a reduced proof). Email and internet transfers should include a pdf proof.

• If PDF files are being submitted as artwork do not use any security. All fonts must be outlined.

• Other file formats that are NOT useable: low resolution jpeg's of logos and type, MS Word, Excel & Powerpoint files. Please contact Crown Creative when developing files on a PC computer. Files created in this environment can generate inconsistencies and omissions when converted.

• Files can be supplied on CD's or DVD's. We do not support an ftp site at this time for file transfers. Crown Creative can retrieve digital files from other ftp sites.

• Files can also be emailed by compressing or "stuffing" the file to a maximum size of 8mb and emailed to: graphics@crowncreative.com