**Download your Art Prep Checklist below**
You’ve nailed the design. Your custom packaging looks incredible on screen. But before you hit send, there’s one crucial step that can make or break your project timeline: artwork preparation.
In our 50 years of manufacturing custom packaging, we’ve seen it all, from minor hiccups to complete project delays, all because of artwork issues that could have been caught early. The good news? Most problems are easily preventable with a solid pre-flight checklist.
Why Artwork Prep Matters
Here’s the reality: even small artwork issues can cost you time and money. A missing font file means your carefully chosen typography gets substituted with something completely different. Artwork positioned incorrectly means your design ends up sideways on the finished box. Low-resolution images result in blurry, unprofessional packaging that doesn’t reflect your brand.
We want your project to move smoothly from design to production. That’s why we’re sharing the same checklist our team uses internally—adapted for designers and brand managers preparing files for custom packaging.
The Most Common Artwork Issues (And How to Avoid Them)
Missing Links and Fonts
The Problem: Your design looks perfect on your screen because you have all the fonts and linked images on your computer. But when you send just the main file, we can’t access those resources.
The Solution: Always package your files. In Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, use the “Package” function to automatically collect all linked images and fonts. If you’re sending a PDF, make sure all fonts are embedded or outlined.
Artwork Over Cuts or Folds
The Problem: Important design elements—like text or logos—placed too close to where the box will be cut, scored, or folded. These elements can get lost in production or end up partially cut off.
The Solution: Work from the template we provide. That template shows you exactly where cuts, scores, and glue flaps will be. Keep critical design elements well within the safe zones marked on the template.
Wrong Orientation
The Problem: Your artwork looks right on the flat template, but once the box is constructed, key elements are upside down or sideways.
The Solution: Visualize the finished box. If we’ve provided a 3D mockup or dieline with orientation notes, follow it closely. When in doubt, ask—we’d rather clarify upfront than reprint. A quick solution we’ve found is to print a reduced version on your office printer, cut and fold to make sure everything is turned the correct way.
Insufficient Bleeds
The Problem: Designs that stop right at the cut line. In production, even slight shifts can leave white edges on your finished packaging.
The Solution: Extend your background colors and images at least 1/8″ beyond the cut line (or whatever bleed amount is specified on the template). This ensures edge-to-edge color coverage.
Your Pre-Press Checklist
Before submitting artwork to your packaging manufacturer, run through these key checks:
Template & Setup
- Files are built on the manufacturer’s template (not modified or scaled)
- Template layer is separate and can be turned off
- Bleeds extend to the marked bleed line
- Artwork orientation matches the finished box construction
Fonts
- Fonts are outlined (converted to paths) OR
- Font files are included in your package OR
- Fonts are embedded in PDFs
Images & Links
- All linked images are included or embedded
- Image resolution is at least 300 DPI at actual size
- Images are in CMYK color mode (not RGB)
Color & Effects
- Files are set up in CMYK color space
- Spot colors are clearly indicated if required
- Transparency effects are flattened
- Special finishes (foils, embossing, etc.) are on separate layers and clearly labeled
File Delivery
- All non-printing elements (guides, notes) are removed or on a separate layer
- Files are properly named and organized
- Any special instructions are included in writing
Templates Are Your Friend
This might be the most important tip: always start with the template provided by your packaging manufacturer. We spend significant time creating these dielines to ensure your artwork fits perfectly and accounts for every cut, fold, and glue flap.
Trying to recreate a template from scratch or modifying the original template dimensions is a recipe for problems. It’s like trying to rewrite a recipe because you think you can improve it—sometimes you get lucky, but often you end up with something that doesn’t quite work.
When in Doubt, Ask
Here’s something we tell every client: there are no silly questions when it comes to artwork prep. A five-minute conversation upfront can save days of back-and-forth revisions.
We’d rather review your files before you finalize them than discover issues after you’ve submitted everything. Most packaging manufacturers (including us) are happy to do a quick pre-flight check or answer questions about file setup.
Get the Full Checklist
Want a printable version of this artwork prep checklist? We’ve created a comprehensive PDF you can keep at your desk or share with your design team.
Download the Artwork Preparation Checklist Here
At NAPCO, we’ve been manufacturing custom packaging since 1977, and we’ve learned that the best projects start with great communication. Proper artwork preparation is part of that. It’s how we ensure your vision becomes reality without delays or surprises.
Have questions about preparing artwork for your next packaging project? Get in touch with our team—we’re here to help.
NAPCO specializes in custom packaging with industry-leading digital capabilities, low minimums, and rapid prototyping. From playing cards to premium spirits packaging, we help brands bring their packaging vision to life.Â
