Standardize Custom Printing Specifications

Overview

Consistent artwork preparation reduces production delays, minimizes errors, and ensures your brand colors appear exactly as intended. All custom printing orders must adhere to these standardized specifications before entering the production queue.

Our pre-press team will review every submission. Files that deviate from these guidelines will be returned for correction, which may impact lead times.

File Preparation

Requirement	Specification
Accepted Formats	PDF/X-1a, AI (CS6+), EPS, SVG
Resolution	Minimum 300 DPI at 100% scale
Typography	All fonts must be outlined/converted to paths
Image Mode	CMYK for process printing; Spot/Pantone for solid colors
Layers	Flattened for PDF/X; grouped & named for AI
Naming Convention	`CupSource_BrandName_ProductSize_Date.pdf`

Color & Dieline Guidelines

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3mm Bleed 8mm Seam Zone

Zone	Measurement	Rules
Bleed Area	3mm beyond cut line	Background color/image must extend fully to edge
Safe Zone	5mm inside cut line	Keep logos, text, and critical graphics within this area
Spine/Seam	8mm clear zone	No critical design elements; may wrap slightly during forming
Color Mode	CMYK / Pantone	Max 2–3 spot colors recommended for screen/flexo; CMYK for digital/offset
White Space	Transparent	Use transparent areas where ink should not print (e.g., on white cups)

Print Methods & Material Compatibility

Offset Printing

Best for orders 5,000+ units. Full CMYK or 4/0 color. Sharp detail, consistent color matching, cost-effective at volume.

Digital Printing

Ideal for 500–4,999 units. Variable data capable, fast turnaround, no plate fees. Slightly higher per-unit cost.

Flexography

Optimized for recycled/brown kraft & PLA. 1–2 spot colors. Eco-friendly inks, durable finish.

Silk Screen

Best for vibrant spot colors on dark or textured surfaces. Limited to 1–3 colors per run. High opacity.

Proofing & Approval Workflow

Digital Proof (PDF) → Delivered within 24 hours of file acceptance. Check dieline alignment, color separation, and text accuracy.
Physical Sample (Optional) → Produced for high-volume or complex designs. Requires 3–5 business days and a sample fee (credited to first production order).
Sign-Off → Reply with "APPROVED" or request revisions. Production begins only after written approval.

⚠️ Color tolerance: ±10% CMYK variance is standard due to substrate absorption. Pantone spot colors match within ±5%.

Technical Limitations & Best Practices

Minimum line weight: 0.25mm (thinner lines may break during curing)
Minimum readable text: 8pt for body copy, 12pt for headers
Avoid fine halftones on uncoated/kraft paper; use solid shapes or ≥85% tints
Gradient meshes should be simplified to ≥150 LPI to prevent banding
Transparent overlays require proper trapping setup; we recommend solid fills
Heat-sensitive coatings (e.g., thermochromic) cannot be combined with CMYK on the same zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit raster images like PNG or JPG?

We accept them for low-volume digital runs, but they must be 300 DPI at final print size. Vector formats (AI, PDF, SVG) are strongly recommended for crisp edges and scalable branding.

How do I ensure my brand colors match exactly?

Specify Pantone Solid Coated numbers for spot colors. For CMYK, provide exact values. Note that substrate type affects color absorption, so a physical proof is recommended for critical matches.

What happens if my file doesn't meet specs?

Our pre-press team will run an automated & manual check. If issues are found, we'll send a correction report within 12 hours. Revised files restart the proofing timeline.

Do you offer dieline templates?

Yes. Download our updated dieline pack (AI & PDF) for all standard cup sizes (8oz–20oz) here. Custom sizes require a separate template request.

Ready to Submit Your Artwork?

Upload your files through our portal or email them directly to our pre-press team for a free technical review.

Upload Files & Request Quote