What Artwork File Formats Do You Accept for Custom Printed Packaging?

For brands preparing to produce custom packaging, the artwork file you submit is the single most important technical input to the printing process. A poorly prepared file — low resolution, wrong color mode, missing bleed, or text not converted to outlines — can cause production delays, unexpected color shifts, and print defects that are only discovered after thousands of boxes have already been manufactured. Professional packaging suppliers invest heavily in pre-press file checking and provide clear, upfront guidance on acceptable file formats to prevent these costly errors.

At Packshion, we accept a range of file formats, but we are explicit about which ones are suitable for production and which ones serve only as visual references. This clarity protects both parties and ensures your packaging prints exactly as designed.

Accepted Production File Formats

For actual production, we require high-resolution, editable vector files. The following formats are ideal:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — Our preferred format. AI files contain fully editable vector artwork that we can scale, adjust, and prepare for plate-making without any loss of quality. All text should be converted to outlines (curves) to avoid font substitution issues.

• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) — A universal vector format that preserves paths, colors, and clipping masks. EPS files are widely compatible and suitable for logos, illustrations, and complex design elements.

• PDF (Portable Document Format) — Print-ready PDF files are accepted when they are exported at high resolution with all fonts embedded and all images at 300DPI or higher. PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standards are preferred for reliable print output.

All vector files must meet these technical specifications:

• Resolution: 300 DPI or higher for any embedded raster images. Vector elements are resolution-independent.

• Color Mode: CMYK. If you provide Pantone spot colors, please specify the PMS codes clearly. RGB files will be converted to CMYK, which may cause color shifts — we will notify you if this conversion is necessary.

• Bleed Area: 3mm bleed on all sides beyond the final trim line. This ensures that printed colors and patterns extend fully to the edge of the box without leaving white borders after die-cutting.

• Text Handling: All text should be converted to outlines (curves) to avoid font substitution. If this is not possible, provide the font files or use standard fonts we can access.

• Dieline Layer: If your file includes a dieline (cut and fold lines), please place it on a separate layer clearly labeled "DIELINE" with a spot color (often magenta) and set to overprint.

Reference-Only File Formats

JPG, PNG, and other raster image files are not suitable for production but are useful for reference. We accept these formats for the following purposes:

• To understand your design intent and overall layout

• To identify brand colors and logo placement

• To assess finishing expectations (e.g., where foil stamping or spot UV should be applied)

If you only have a JPG or PNG of your logo or design, we can often recreate or redraw the design as vector artwork. This is a paid service (unless you qualify for complimentary basic design support with a production order), and the final vector file will be sent to you for approval before production begins.

File Submission Checklist

To ensure your artwork moves through pre-press without delays, please include the following when you submit your files:

• Final production file in AI, EPS, or print-ready PDF format

• All linked images embedded or provided separately

• Pantone color references (if spot colors are used)

• Dieline layer (if available)

• Reference image or mockup (optional but helpful)

• A written description of any special finishing requirements (foil, UV, emboss, etc.)

Our pre-press team will review your files within 12 working hours of receipt and provide a file check report. If any issues are found, we will notify you immediately with specific, actionable corrections. We never proceed to plate-making until we confirm that your files are production-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I only have a JPG logo, no vector file?
A: We can help convert your logo to vector format. Depending on complexity, this may be done free of charge for clients placing a production order. The redrawn logo will be sent for your approval before printing.

Q: Do you accept files from Canva or other online design tools?
A: Canva files are generally not print-ready. However, you can export your design as a PDF (with bleed and CMYK settings) or provide us with the original elements, and our team will rebuild it in professional design software. Please contact us with your specific file situation.

Q: What color profile should I use?
A: For full-color printing, use CMYK with a standard profile such as Coated FOGRA39 (for coated paper) or Uncoated FOGRA29 (for uncoated paper). For spot colors, specify Pantone PMS codes. We will calibrate our presses to match your specified colors as closely as physically possible.

Q: Can I send files via WeTransfer or email?
A: Yes. We accept files via email (up to 20MB), WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or any secure file-sharing service. Please include your order number or inquiry reference in the file name.

Q: Will you check my files before production?
A: Absolutely. Every file we receive goes through a pre-press check. We verify resolution, color mode, bleed, font outlining, and dieline alignment. You will receive a detailed report, and we will work with you to resolve any issues before printing begins.