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Printing Specifications & Artwork Guidelines

Ensure your custom branding looks flawless. Follow these technical requirements, color standards, and proofing workflows for optimal print results.

View Requirements Download Templates
Pre-Flight Check

Quick Submission Checklist

Verify these 5 points before submitting your artwork to avoid production delays.

1

CMYK Color Mode

All artwork must be converted to CMYK. RGB will shift significantly on press.

2

300 DPI Resolution

Images & graphics must be at least 300 DPI at final print size.

3

0.125" Bleed

Extend backgrounds & images 1/8" beyond the trim edge.

4

0.25" Safe Zone

Keep critical text & logos 1/4" away from all cut lines.

5

Outlines & Fonts

Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts. Missing fonts cause delays.

Technical Standards

File & Format Requirements

Accepted formats, resolution standards, and file preparation guidelines for offset, digital, and pad printing.

Accepted File Formats Standard

Format Software Notes
PDF/X-1a Adobe Illustrator, InDesign Preferred format. Flatten transparencies. Embed all fonts.
AI / EPS Adobe Illustrator Must include PDF preview. Vector-only artwork recommended.
TIFF / PNG Photoshop Accepted for raster-only designs. Must be 300 DPI CMYK.
JPEG Any Not recommended. Lossy compression causes banding. Use only for final proofs.
⚠️ Important: Files with missing fonts, low-resolution images, or RGB color profiles will be returned for correction, adding 1-2 days to production time.

Print Technology by Product Reference

Product Category Print Method Max Colors Min Line Weight Registration Tolerance
Paper Coffee Cups Rotary Offset Full 4-Color (CMYK) 0.25 pt ±0.5 mm
PET Cold Cups Pad / Screen Print 1–2 Spot Colors 0.5 pt ±1.0 mm
Takeaway Bowls Litho / Offset Full 4-Color (CMYK) 0.25 pt ±0.5 mm
Paper Sleeves Digital / Offset Full 4-Color (CMYK) 0.2 pt ±0.3 mm
Plastic Lids Flexographic 1–2 Spot Colors 0.75 pt ±1.2 mm
Color Management

Color Guidelines & Matching

How to specify colors, avoid unexpected shifts, and match your brand accurately.

Specifying Colors

Always provide Pantone (PMS) references for spot colors. CMYK conversions may vary by press and substrate.

Rich BlackC:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100
Substrate WhiteUnprinted (use for knockouts)
Cup Source OrangePMS 1655 C / CMYK: 0,70,60,10
🎨 Color Shift Warning: Printing on curved surfaces (cups, bowls) naturally causes slight color variation. We guarantee ±5% tolerance per ISO 12647-2 standards.

Knockout vs. Overprint

TechniqueWhen to UseBest For
KnockoutText or logos on dark/colored backgroundsWhite ink, high contrast branding
OverprintDark elements on light backgroundsSolid shapes, borders, fine lines
Approval Workflow

Proofing & Approval Process

Our 3-step proofing system ensures your artwork is production-ready before printing begins.

1

Digital Soft Proof

Free, automated color simulation sent within 24h of submission. Checks layout, bleed, and safe zones.

2

Digital Hard Proof

High-res color-matched print on calibrated equipment. $25 fee. Approved proofs become the production standard.

3

Wet / Press Proof

Physical print run on actual substrate. Required for PMS spot colors or complex multi-layer designs. $75 fee.

📝 Approval Note: Approved proofs must be returned signed or via email confirmation. Any changes after approval incur re-proofing fees and delay production.
Downloads

Artwork Templates & Tools

Start with pre-sized dielines. All templates include bleed, trim, and safe-zone guides.

📄

Paper Cup Dieline (8–20oz)

AI, PDF, EPS formats. Includes 4C & spot color guides.

Download Template
🥤

PET Cold Cup Wrap

Vector layout for 16oz & 24oz clear cups. Pad print ready.

Download Template
🥣

Takeaway Bowl Layout

12oz & 16oz nested bowls. Litho offset compatible.

Download Template
📖

Artwork Setup Guide (PDF)

Step-by-step checklist for designers. Font, bleed, & color rules.

Download Guide
Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about file submission, color matching, and production timelines.

We accept PSD or PNG exports, but they must be converted to CMYK at 300 DPI before submission. RGB files will be converted automatically, which may cause color shifts. We recommend exporting as PDF/X-1a for best results.

Specify your Pantone (PMS) number in the artwork notes. For offset/digital products, we convert PMS to CMYK. For pad/screen printing, we use exact spot ink matching. A wet proof is recommended for critical color accuracy.

Standard custom printing requires a minimum of 5,000 units per SKU. For digital printing (sleeves & paper cups), the minimum is 1,000 units. Volume discounts apply at 10k, 25k, and 50k tiers.

Digital soft proofs: 24 hours. Digital hard proofs: 2–3 business days + shipping. Wet press proofs: 5–7 business days. Production begins only after signed proof approval.

Once a proof is approved, it becomes the production master. Revisions require a new proof cycle and may incur setup fees. Please review all proofs carefully before signing off.

Ready to Submit Your Artwork?

Upload your files or contact our pre-press team for a free technical review before production.

Upload Artwork Now →