That One Costly Mistake No One Warned You About…
You’ve poured months into product development. You’ve sampled ingredients, tweaked formulas, sourced sustainable materials. Your packaging supplier is ready. You hit “send” on your artwork.
Then it comes:
“This file isn’t print-ready. Please revise and resend.”
Suddenly, your timeline shifts. Costs creep up. And that first impression your product packaging was supposed to make? Delayed.
This isn’t a rare scenario—we’ve seen it time and again, especially from startups or even seasoned brands launching new SKUs. The truth is, print-ready artwork is more than just a file format. It’s the backbone of a successful packaging run.
And in an era where your packaging is often your first handshake with the customer, getting that artwork right isn’t just technical—it’s essential.
Why Print-Ready Artwork Matters More Than You Think?
Let’s be blunt: your box can’t be stunning, consistent, or compliant without proper artwork setup.
A poorly prepared file might:
- Distort your brand colours
- Cause print misalignment or blurry resolution
- Lead to dieline errors that ruin layout
- Waste material through reprints
- Delay launches or affects product shelf life (especially with expiry dates)
Conversely, accurate, press-ready artwork means:
- Precise colour control (think Pantone matching for retail consistency)
- Sharp typography and logo placement
- Efficient production and minimal waste
- Predictable costs and delivery timelines
- A polished, professional box that elevates your brand
No matter if you’re creating sleek printed mailer boxes, high-end rigid gift packaging, or eye-catching retail displays—how well your artwork is prepared can make or break the final result. It’s not just about how it looks; it affects your costs, your turnaround, and the way your brand is remembered.
What Does “Print-Ready Artwork” Actually Mean?
It’s more than CMYK and bleed lines (though that matter too).
Here’s what your packaging supplier actually needs:
1. Correct File Format
Always provide artwork in vector-based PDF, ideally exported from Adobe Illustrator. Why?
- Vectors scale cleanly (no pixelation)
- Text remains editable
- Layers can be separated for plate-making
Avoid submitting flattened images or screenshots from Canva or Photoshop unless approved.
Pro Tip: If you’re working in Illustrator, follow Adobe’s guide to saving artwork to avoid common print errors.
2. CMYK Colour Mode
Remember: All commercial printers speak CMYK—not RGB.
If your artwork’s still in RGB (that’s the colour mode used for screens), you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. That electric blue on your monitor? It might come out looking like a dull teal in print.
3. Use high-resolution images—always.
We recommend 300 DPI at the actual size you want it printed. Anything less, and you’re risking a soft, blurry finish—especially noticeable on detailed graphics or fine typography.
4. Outlined Fonts
Embed or outline all fonts so there’s no risk of them changing or defaulting during processing.
5. Dielines (With Bleed)
Your dieline file is your template. It must:
- Include 3mm bleed (to prevent white edges)
- Show cut lines, fold lines, and safe zones
- Be overlaid but clearly labelled (often in magenta or cyan)
Ask your supplier for a pre-approved dieline for the box style (tuck end, crash bottom, mailer, etc.).
6. Linked, Not Embedded Images
Keep images linked externally in your file system. This ensures your supplier can access original quality without compression.
Materials & Print Compatibility: Know Before You Design
This is where years in packaging gives you the inside track. Not every material prints the same way.
Glossy vs Matte Finishes
- Gloss laminate boosts vibrancy but can reflect glare
- Soft-touch matte adds tactile luxury but slightly mutes colour
Kraft Cardboard
- Absorbs ink—great for minimalist, earthy branding
- Avoid overly detailed or light colours (they’ll fade or blur)
Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS)
- Smooth and bright—ideal for retail cosmetics, CBD box design, or luxury confectionery
- Delivers sharp, vivid colours and crisp fonts
Black Card
- Premium, moody aesthetics—but needs white ink base or foil stamping for legibility
Corrugated Substrates
- Perfect for subscription boxes, ecommerce shippers, or protective packaging
- May require flexographic printing (less detail) or litho lamination (for high-res art)
Real Use Cases: When Print Files Made (or Broke) the Brand
1. A Skincare Start-Up’s Launch Woes
They submitted RGB designs with unconverted fonts. Result? Three-week delay, £850 in reproofing costs, and a missed influencer promo window.
2. A CBD Brand Using Spot UV
Because their artwork included rich black and correct vector layering, the Spot UV coating aligned perfectly—producing a luxury finish that retailers raved about.
3. A Subscription Snack Brand
Used kraft mailers with hand-drawn illustrations. By simplifying artwork and sticking to one ink colour, they saved 17% in print costs—without sacrificing style.
This is why we always advise clients: get your artwork reviewed before final submission. A five-minute check can save thousands in print errors and delays.
Tips from the Pressroom: Making Your Artwork Bulletproof
- Always request a print proof (digital or physical) before full production
- Double-check barcode clarity and location—especially for retail packaging
- Know your Pantone to CMYK equivalents
- Leave at least 5mm safe space from cut edges
- Test print your file at home or office scale to review layout
- Talk to your supplier early—don’t wait until the day of submission
And never assume your designer knows packaging setup. Many talented brand designers aren’t trained in prepress standards.
Working with a Packaging Partner vs DIY
Here’s the truth: Not every business has an in-house packaging expert. That’s why suppliers like Healey Packaging offer:
- Free dieline templates
- File review services
- Artwork setup assistance
- Structural consultation (so your design fits the product)
- Material guidance to match your branding and budget
From sustainable packaging to branded boxes for retail, we ensure your packaging looks sharp, performs well, and arrives on time.
Wrapping It Up
Print-ready artwork isn’t a technical detail—it’s your brand’s first impression. Whether you’re selling handcrafted candles, high-end cosmetics, or gourmet food, your box needs to look as good in print as it does on screen.
Get it right the first time, and you’ll build brand trust, avoid costly delays, and create packaging your customers love to unbox.
Need Help Getting Your Artwork Print-Ready?
Let Healey Packaging guide you. We’ve helped hundreds of UK brands launch stunning packaging—without the headaches.
? Request a Free File Review or Dieline Template
