Comprehensive Guidelines for Creating Packaging Designs Using Dieline Templates

Working on a dieline template allows you to get creative as much as you want to be with your packaging design/artwork. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your packaging design is ideal for the packaging production process. If you do not have a dieline for folding cartons and mailer boxes, to work with you can download them here. Additionally, you can find out what is a dieline template and how to get a packaging dieline.

1. Document Setup

Setting up Adobe Illustrator

In Adobe Illustrator, navigate to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color. For any Pantone or spot colors in your design, please convert them to CMYK. Kindly provide us with the corresponding Pantone C color code(s) used in your design.

Following are the useful resources:

2. Dieline Orientation

Orientation

Make sure your images and text face the correct way when your packaging is manufactured. Please follow the orientation guide given below, and feel free to use them to test by printing your designs at home.

3. Design Best Practices

Separate your Artwork from the Dieline

Place all artwork and designs on the designated “Artwork” layer. Leave the “Dieline” as it is. Do not delete the “Dieline” layer, as it is essential for production purposes (the dieline itself will not be printed).

Add Separate Enhancements Layer

For each enhancement (embossing, debossing, spot UV, or foil stamping) in your design, create a separate layer. Clearly indicate the specific areas where each enhancement will be applied on its respective layer.

Bleeds

Please follow these guidelines to ensure your packaging does not have unprinted edges:

Extend artwork at edges: Ensure all artwork at fold or cut lines bleeds into the next panel or the empty space of the dieline.
Maintain safe margins: Keep important artwork or text at least 0.125″ (0.32cm) away from any fold or cut lines.
Extend beyond the dieline: Extend artwork or graphics that go beyond the dieline by at least 0.25″ (0.64cm) from the dieline edge.

Labeling your Designs

If your packaging has both outside and inside designs, please indicate which of them is which.

4. Images

Embed Images

Please embed all image files in the document so that we have access to all your images for production.

Open the “Links” panel: Click on “Window” in the menu bar and select “Links.”
Select un-embedded files: Click on any linked files that are not currently embedded.
Embed the file: Click on the top right menu within the “Links” panel and select “Embed.”
Repeat for all linked files: Continue this process until all images are embedded.

Image & Graphic Quality

Photos should ideally have a resolution of at least 300dpi.
For non-photo content like graphics and text, it’s preferable to use vector-based files, such as vectored AI, PDF, or EPS formats.
Avoid using JPG and PNG for graphics or text unless they are photographic in nature.

5. Text

Outline Text

To prevent any potential issues with missing font files during production, it’s essential to outline all text or convert them into vectors. In Adobe Illustrator, follow these steps:

Select your text box(es).
Navigate to the ‘Type’ menu in the menu bar.
Choose ‘Create Outlines’.

Your text will then be converted into outlined shapes, ensuring it remains editable as vectors and eliminating any dependency on specific font files.

6. Saving & Sending

Document Format

Please save your finalized design in one of the following formats:

Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
Layered and editable PDF (.pdf) compatible with Adobe Illustrator.