Awih » How to prepare artwork for printing

How to prepare files for printing

Files for printing should be prepared according to the printing technique used and the material on which the print will be applied.

Digital printing

– in the form of vector files: Corel Draw (up to version X6) or PDF
– all fonts converted to curves (outlines)
– CMYK color mode
– bitmap graphics at 300 dpi with transparency – CMYK
– vector objects must not be merged with the background if the background is a bitmap

Screen printing (paper/foil):

– in the form of vector files: Corel Draw (up to version X6) or PDF
– all fonts converted to curves (outlines)
– colors according to the Pantone matching system (up to 5 Pantone colors, depending on the type of graphic)
– artwork dimensioned for the specific bag format (respecting the designated print area)
– line thickness: 0.2 mm; for solid color fills (apli): 0.5 mm
– print area for solid color fills reduced by 20%

Screen printing (cotton, drill/twill, fabric):

– in the form of vector files: Corel Draw (up to version X6) or PDF
– all fonts converted to curves (outlines)
– colors according to the Pantone matching system (up to 4 Pantone colors, depending on the type of graphic)
– CMYK
– artwork dimensioned for the specific bag format (respecting the designated print area)
– line thickness: 0.2 mm; for solid color fills (apli): 0.5 mm

Offset printing:

– in the form of vector files: Corel Draw (up to version X6) or PDF
– all fonts converted to curves (outlines)
Color mode:
– CMYK or Pantone (max. 4 Pantone colors)
– PMS-C for coated materials
– PMS-U for uncoated materials (multioffset)
– Bitmaps 300 dpi CMYK
(please convert objects with effects such as gradients or drop shadows into 300 dpi bitmaps.)
– vector objects should not be merged with the background if the background is a bitmap
– 3 mm bleeds, in accordance with our templates

Flexographic printing on paper bags:

– in the form of vector files: Corel Draw (up to version X6) or PDF
– all fonts converted to curves (outlines)
– colors according to the Pantone matching system – up to 4 Pantone colors, or CMYK
– 300 dpi bitmap graphics – CMYK
– vector objects should not be merged with the background if the background is a bitmap

Flexographic printing on plastic bags:

– in the form of vector files: Corel Draw (up to version X6) or PDF
– all fonts converted to curves (outlines)
– colors according to the Pantone matching system – up to 4 Pantone colors, or CMYK
– 300 dpi bitmap graphics – CMYK
– vector objects should not be merged with the background if the background is a bitmap
– 5 mm bleeds (at the top and bottom of the bag)
– 5 mm safety margin from the edge of the bag