How do I know if my artwork is press-ready?

Press-ready artwork must be in CMYK color, under 280% ink density, 300 DPI, correct size per provided keyline, as an editable PDF or Illustrator file. Bleed of at least 3mm is required, all fonts/images must be embedded, and glue tabs must have no ink. Separate files are needed for front and back. If unsure, our team can check your file.

What file types do you accept?

We accept editable PDF files and Adobe Illustrator files. Non-PDF files are not accepted.

What resolution should my artwork be?

All artwork must be supplied at 300 DPI (dots per inch), including any placed images in the document.

How much bleed is required on my artwork?

We require at least 3mm bleed on all cuts, including die lines. This ensures that the design prints right to the edge after trimming.

What if I’m not a designer?

No problem! Pakko offers affordable artwork services, from press-ready checks (free), imposition to our keyline ($150), or full artwork design ($300). Contact us for help.

Can you convert my RGB artwork to CMYK?

Yes, but please be aware that colors may shift when converting from RGB to CMYK. It's always best to create your artwork in CMYK from the start for color accuracy.

What happens if my artwork is not press-ready?

Artwork that is not press-ready may incur an additional fee. Our pre-press team can assist in making your artwork production-ready if needed.

Design Specifications

Pakko's keyline 2 — Pakko's keyline design 2

Artwork Should Be Press Ready

Provided artwork that is not press-ready will incur an additional fee*

Pakko's keyline 1 — Pakko's keyline design 1

Press Ready Art Requirements

Press-ready art requirements ensure that your product meets quality standards while aligning with your distribution deadlines.

At Pakko, we use a PDF workflow and do not accept non-PDF files. All artwork should be submitted as an editable PDF meeting the criteria below.

Artwork Submission Guidelines

In submitting your artwork, our pre-press team will evaluate your artwork for production.
1. All art should be CMYK colour space, and under 280% ink colour density.
2. Art resolution must be at 300 DPI including any placed images in document.
3. Art must be correct size (as per provided keyline).
4. Art should be supplied as an Editable PDF. We also accept Illustrator files.
5. All assets (fonts, links, and database) used should be either embedded in the art or supplied with the art (the keyline layer should remain unchanged and left separate from the remainder of the artwork).
6. Art should have at least 3mm bleed on all cuts including die lines.
7. Back and Front artwork should be provided as separate files.
8. Art requiring glue tabs must have no ink in the tab section(s).
9. If your artwork requires flexo print, please refer to these guidelines. Make sure to select your colours from this chart.

Keyline design guide — Example of a keyline design guide.

See Examples

Not A Designer, No Worries

We offer solution for all types of business for press-ready artwork / designs

Pre-Press

Free

Press-ready check
Digital proof

*Imposed artwork to be supplied by the client following the press-ready guidelines.

Imposition Only

$150

Imposing your existing artwork to Pakko’s keyline
Press-ready check
Digital proof

*Artwork must be supplied by the client following the press-ready guidelines.

Artwork Design

$300

Creating your intended artwork to Pakko’s keyline
Production ready
Digital proof
2 minor revisions (Up to 4 hours)
Design assets

*Content must be provided by client

Disclaimer

While we do everything we can to ensure your artwork is production-ready, it is the sole responsibility of the client to proof the artwork’s content and make sure it is correct.

Pakko's Mark Keyline — Pakko's Mark design

FAQS

Part of our standard procedure is to check if your supplied artwork meets our production guidelines. Our design team will let you know if there is anything missing.

To ensure the maximum print, the rule of thumb is – where possible, use vector images. Otherwise make sure all rasterized images are of 300ppi.

There will be slight differences in colour when the conversion is made, much more noticeable when printed. We advise that the colour intent is already supplied with the artwork in CMYK. Tip* Print the proof with any office/home printer for a closer representation of final colours.

Unfortunately, we cannot print in white. What we can do is ‘knock out (not print anything on)’ areas that require white. Do note, this means that the board colour has to be white in order for the colour to be white.

You are more than welcome to specify the CMYK colours you wish to use on the artwork. If there is a particular colour used for branding, we suggest using Pantone colour to keep consistency on print outcomes.

Depending on the surface that the prints are on, the colours will look different comparatively to when you see the proof on screen. Always be mindful of the colour and substrate of the board the print will be on. We offer printed proofs before production.

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