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For more experienced artists, offline design can provide additional flexibility and customization. Please read our instructions carefully to ensure your art files render and print properly. If the directions are not followed, it can likely lead to a delay in your order and an unwanted outcome. By submitting your artwork, you assume full responsibility for the content and layout in the file and understand the color will digitally print in CMYK, not the RGB displayed on your screen. Questions? Contact us via online chat, info@boxup.com, or call 812-565-9090
SAVING YOUR FINAL ART FILE
- TURN OFF ALL > Layers > Directions, Dieline, Mask (Bottom Optional on/off)
- Embed All Links > Window > Links > Embed Image(s)
- Outline All Text > Select Text > Type > Create Outlines (save an .ai file for possible edits.)
- Convert All Colors & Links > CMYK
- Save File > Save As > Adobe PDF Preset [High Quality Print]
- Marks and Bleeds > Only check: "Use Document Bleed Settings"
- Downsize Final PDF if over 30 mb > General > Uncheck > "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities" (Keep a backup layered .ai file for edits.)
KEY INFORMATION
> Acceptable image formats: .pdf .psd .jpg .png .ai (All in CMYK)
> If artboard size altered or rotated the file must be placed back on master template for correct position and size for upload. Bleed meets to edge of the artboard bleed. Inside art meets up to gray mask.
> Color values should be CMYK ONLY. Illustrator Color Mode=CMYK Swatches
> Click Swatch > Color Type=Process > Color Mode=CMYK (any colors left as RGB, spot cmyk or lab/book may vary in color results).
> Color will print digitally in CMYK, not the RGB displayed on your screen.
> For best black fill color result we recommend C40/M30/Y30/K100. For best black text or fine strokes use only 100k.
> Minimum text size recommended is 10pt (about1/8"tall) or larger. Smaller text can result in seeping of the ink filling in areas of text. For thin fonts, or light colored text on a darker background, we recommend emboldening with a "stroke" of at least .25pt to 1pt. This also applies to fine lines with the same thin point size.
> Transparency effects in the design such as multiply, overlay, gradient mesh fills, etc it required to open the final PDF in Photoshop to rasterize. Save as PS pdf. See full Artwork Guidelines.
> Remove all overprint settings: Select All Layers > Window > Attributes > Uncheck Overprint Fill and Uncheck Overprint Stroke
> For proper bleed: confirm inside art extends to the gray mask edge and outer edges meets up to the edge of the document bleed.
> Required image resolution: Size is 300dpi. (Check all image links are in CMYK).
> Final Save > TURN OFF ALL > Directions, Dieline, Mask (Bottom Optional on/off) Click OFF 'TURN OFF ALL' before saving as High Quality PDF.
> Recommended final file size: <30 mb. To reduce size: Uncheck > "Preserve for Illustrator Editing Capabilities."
> Zoom in 100%-200% to check quality.
*(SEE FULL ARTWORK GUIDELINES FOR MORE DETAILS.)
If you are concerned about the outcome of your design, we encourage you to order a printed pre-production proof. Ask us how to receive a free* proof! (*Shipping charges apply)
Download your Adobe Creative Cloud art files below. If you prefer a zipped file (44MB) of all template PSDs, please download them here
