Folding Carton Artwork Setup: How to Prepare Your Print Files
Wrong file format, missing bleed, no dieline — artwork errors cause delays and reprints. Learn how to prepare your folding carton print files correctly. Chengtop Packaging’s artwork guide.
- Understand dielines and bleed
- Know the right file formats for carton printing
- Learn about color modes: CMYK vs. RGB
- Set up your files correctly the first time
- Know what to expect from our artwork team
- Avoid common artwork mistakes
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Description
Bad Artwork = Bad Boxes
Even the best printing can’t fix a bad file. Missing bleed, wrong colors, and no dieline cause reprints, delays, and extra cost.
Here’s how to get it right the first time.
What Is a Dieline?
A dieline is the flat template of your box — it shows:
- Cut lines (where the box is cut)
- Fold lines (where it bends)
- Panel layout (what goes on each side)
We provide the dieline. You design on top of it.
File Setup Checklist
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Requirement
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Standard
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Color mode
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CMYK (not RGB)
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Resolution
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300 DPI minimum
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Bleed
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3mm on all sides
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File format
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PDF (press quality)
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Fonts
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Outlined / converted to curves
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Images
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Embedded, not linked
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Color Modes
RGB — For screens only. Not for printing.
CMYK — For print. Always use this.
If you send RGB files, colors will shift when printed. Bright blues and oranges are especially affected.
Bleed
Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the cut line:
- No bleed — White edges after cutting
- 3mm bleed — Artwork extends past the cut line
- Safe zone — Keep important text 5mm inside the cut line
What We Need From You
- Your design files — AI, PDF, or PSD
- Product dimensions — We’ll make the dieline
- Color requirements — Pantone colors if exact match needed
- Logo files — Vector format (AI/EPS) preferred
Proofing Process
- We create the dieline and send it to you
- You place your artwork on the template
- We send a digital proof for approval
- You approve (or request changes)
- Production begins
Always approve a physical sample before bulk order.
Common Artwork Mistakes
- RGB files — Colors come out wrong
- No bleed — White edges on the box
- Low-resolution images — Blurry print
- Text too close to edge — Gets cut off
- Wrong dieline — Box doesn’t fold correctly
- Missing fonts — Text changes to default font
Ready to Print?
Send us your design files and product dimensions — we’ll handle the rest.
Email: chengtop888@outlook.com
WhatsApp / Phone: +86 15272060604
