Process Colors
Where artwork uses process printing, color elements can be prepared within the agreed process-color setup. This is commonly used for photographic content, illustrations and other multi-color graphics.
Packaging Artwork Design
Packaging Artwork Prepared for Production
EPACK helps prepare, adapt and review packaging artwork against the approved structure, printing method and finishing requirements. Start with finished artwork, an existing package or brand assets—we help organize it for sampling and production.
Where to Start
Start With the Artwork You Already Have
Packaging artwork projects can begin at very different stages. Some customers already have complete design files. Others have brand assets, an existing package or only the content that needs to appear on the packaging. EPACK can review what you already have and help identify the artwork preparation required for the next project stage.
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I Have Finished Artwork
If your designer has already prepared the packaging artwork, the files can be reviewed against the approved structure and relevant production requirements.
Where needed, the artwork can be adapted to the approved dieline, panel arrangement or specified printing and finishing requirements.
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I Have Brand Assets but No Packaging Layout
You may already have a logo, brand colors, product images, text and visual references without having a finished packaging layout.
These supplied assets can be arranged around the approved packaging structure according to the agreed visual direction and project requirements.
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I Have Existing Packaging
An existing package can provide a useful visual and technical reference.
Artwork can be adapted to new approved dimensions or a revised structural reference, and updated for revised product information or other project requirements without automatically rebuilding the design from the beginning.
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I Have Multiple Products or Versions
Some packaging programs require several related versions using the same structural format.
Once the main layout and production approach are confirmed, related versions can be prepared using the approved structure and customer-supplied content for each product or SKU.
Design on the Structure
Artwork Has to Work on the Actual Packaging
Packaging artwork is different from designing a flat poster, brochure or digital image. The graphics need to work across physical panels, folds, edges, openings and other parts of the approved packaging structure.
A design that looks correct on screen still needs to be evaluated in relation to how the packaging will actually be assembled, viewed and produced.
Panel Layout
Front, back, side and internal panels need to be identified correctly so logos, product information and visual elements appear in the intended locations.
Panel orientation is especially important on structures that fold, wrap, slide or open in more than one direction.
Cut & Fold Relationship
Important text, logos and graphics need appropriate positioning in relation to cutting lines, folds, edges and other structural areas.
Elements placed too close to these areas can create unnecessary production or appearance risks.
Artwork Continuity
Graphics that cross from one panel to another need to be reviewed against the physical construction.
Continuous patterns, images, lines and other visual elements may require careful alignment where they pass across folds or edges.
Inside & Outside Surfaces
Packaging may include more printable areas than the outside panels alone.
Internal printing, liners, trays, sleeves or other printed components need to be clearly identified so artwork is prepared for the correct surface and orientation.
Packaging artwork works best when the visual design and the physical structure are treated as parts of the same project reference.
Artwork Design Scope
From Brand Assets to Packaging Layout
Artwork support can involve adapting an existing design, building a packaging layout from supplied brand assets or revising artwork around a confirmed structural reference. The required scope is defined according to the files already available and the preparation still needed.
Artwork Adaptation
Existing artwork can be adapted to the approved packaging structure without rebuilding the visual concept from the beginning.
This may include:
- Panel repositioning
- Artwork scaling for confirmed dimensions
- Orientation changes
- Graphic alignment
- Layout refinement
- Adaptation to a revised structure
- Preparation for specified production requirements
Packaging Layout
Customer-supplied brand assets and content can be arranged around the approved packaging structure according to the agreed visual direction.
Typical supplied elements may include:
- Logo
- Brand colors
- Product name
- Product information
- Marketing copy
- Product images
- Illustrations
- Required symbols
- Barcodes or QR codes
- Other customer-supplied content
Existing Artwork Revision
Existing packaging artwork can be updated when product, content or branding changes, or when the approved structural reference is revised.
Typical revisions can include:
- New product information
- Updated logo or branding
- Artwork adaptation to approved new dimensions
- Artwork adaptation to a revised dieline
- New product version
- Revised images
- Additional language
- Updated finishing requirements
- Related SKU development
Print & Finish Preparation
Where special finishes form part of the project, their artwork references need to remain clearly separated from the main printed artwork. The required layer preparation is reviewed according to the specified finishing processes.
Explore Print & Finish LayersProject Inputs & Outputs
What You Provide. What We Prepare.
Clear source materials help artwork development move more efficiently, but you do not need to have every file finalized before the first discussion. EPACK can review the available materials and identify what is still required.
Helpful to Provide
Where available:
Artwork & Structure
- Approved dieline
- Existing artwork files
- Packaging references
- Existing printed packaging
Brand Assets
- Logo files
- Brand assets
- Brand color references
- Font references
Product Content
- Product name
- Required packaging copy
- Product photos or illustrations
- Barcodes or QR codes
- Required symbols or marks
Project Requirements
- Finishing requirements
- Market-specific information supplied by the customer
- Target date
If the packaging structure has not yet been confirmed, structural development may need to be completed before final production artwork is prepared.
Artwork Preparation May Include
Depending on the agreed project scope:
Layout & Adaptation
- Packaging layout based on the approved dieline
- Panel arrangement
- Artwork adaptation
- Artwork revisions
Graphics & Content
- Graphic placement
- Image positioning
- Text hierarchy
Color, Bleed & Safe Areas
- Color specification
- Bleed preparation
- Safe-area review
Layers & Production Files
- Print-layer organization
- Special-finish layers
- Production-file preparation
- Approved artwork reference for the next stage
The exact scope is confirmed according to the project and the materials supplied by the customer.
Customer-Supplied Content
EPACK can help position customer-supplied text, product information, barcodes, symbols and other required content within the packaging artwork. The customer should review and confirm the accuracy, suitability and applicable market requirements of supplied content before final artwork approval.
Production-Ready Artwork
Details That Need to Be Right Before Printing
Production artwork needs more than an attractive visual layout. Before files move into sampling or production preparation, relevant technical details need to be reviewed so the artwork corresponds with the approved structure and intended production method.
Correct Dieline
Artwork should be prepared against the approved structural reference. Using an outdated or incorrect dieline can affect panel positions, dimensions, folds, cut areas and finishing locations. For this reason, the structural version should be confirmed before final artwork approval.
Bleed & Safe Areas
Background colors, images and graphics that extend to a cut edge normally require appropriate bleed. Important text, logos and other critical elements should also maintain suitable clearance from cutting, folding and other structural areas.
Image Quality
Images and raster graphics need to be suitable for the intended printed size. A file that appears acceptable at a small size on screen may not provide sufficient detail when enlarged for packaging production.
Color Setup
Artwork color specifications need to correspond with the intended printing method. Depending on the project, this may involve process colors, defined spot-color references or other agreed production specifications.
Fonts & Graphics
Fonts, vector graphics, logos and linked artwork need to be prepared so the intended appearance can be carried into the production file. Missing assets or incompatible file elements can create avoidable differences during file preparation.
Layer Organization
Structural references, printed artwork and special finishing areas should be clearly organized. Separating these elements helps reduce confusion between what should print, what defines the structure and what represents an additional production process.
In Summary
The objective of artwork review is not to redesign every supplied file. It is to identify and resolve relevant artwork issues before the file becomes the approved reference for the next stage.
Print & Finish Layers
Prepare Special Finishes as Clear Production Instructions
A special finish cannot be communicated only by making an area look metallic, glossy or raised on screen. Production needs a clear indication of which areas receive each process. Where the project includes additional finishes, dedicated artwork elements can be prepared or reviewed so their positions correspond with the approved design.
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Foil Stamping
Areas intended for foil should be clearly identified separately from normal printed artwork. The foil layer defines where the finishing process is intended to be applied rather than simply representing a metallic color on screen.
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Spot UV
Spot UV areas should be clearly distinguished from the base artwork. This allows the intended gloss or contrast effect to be positioned against the correct printed elements.
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Embossing & Debossing
Raised or recessed areas need clear artwork references corresponding with their intended position on the packaging. The artwork, structure and finish position need to remain aligned.
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Special Ink or Additional Print Layers
Some projects require additional ink or production layers beyond the main printed artwork. Where applicable, these areas need to be clearly identified so they are not confused with standard artwork elements.
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Multiple Finishes
When several processes appear on the same packaging, their production references need to remain clearly separated. For example, one project may combine printing with foil, Spot UV and embossing, while each process requires its own defined area.
In Summary
Clear finishing layers help translate the intended visual effect into information that can be understood during production preparation.
Explore Coating & Finishing GuidesArtwork Process
From Approved Dieline to Approved Artwork
Artwork development is coordinated around a confirmed structural reference and clear customer review points. This helps keep the structure, visual design and production file aligned as the project moves forward.
- Confirm
Confirm the Structural Reference
Before final artwork preparation, we review the approved dieline and project requirements to verify that the artwork is being prepared against the correct dimensions, panel arrangement and structural version.
- Prepare
Build or Adapt the Artwork
Customer-supplied brand assets, content and graphics are arranged or adapted to the approved structure. Existing artwork may require technical adjustment rather than a new visual concept.
- Review
Check the Artwork Details
The prepared artwork is reviewed against the confirmed project reference before approval. Where adjustments are required, the file can be refined before the customer confirms the final artwork.
- Approve
Confirm the Artwork Reference
Customers review the prepared artwork and confirm its layout, supplied text, product information, graphics and other project-specific details before the file is treated as the approved visual reference.
- Move Forward
Prepare for the Next Stage
Once approved, the artwork becomes the confirmed visual reference that can be carried into the next appropriate project stage.
Color Preparation
Define Color Before Physical Proofing
Color needs to be defined clearly in the artwork before a physical proof or printed sample can provide a useful review reference. Screen appearance alone is not a reliable production specification, so the artwork should communicate the intended color approach according to the project requirements.
Defined Color References
Where a specific brand or spot color is important, a defined color reference can provide a clearer production target than an uncontrolled screen display. The appropriate reference depends on the printing and material requirements of the project.
Artwork Color Specification
Color information should remain clearly identified within the approved artwork so the intended reference can be carried into proofing and production preparation. Where multiple printing or finishing elements are involved, those references should remain distinguishable from one another.
Physical Color Review
Artwork preparation defines the intended color reference, but physical appearance can still be influenced by printing method, material and surface treatment. Where physical color evaluation is required, the appropriate proof or sample should be selected separately according to what the project needs to confirm.
Color Reference
Artwork defines the color instruction. Physical proofing helps evaluate how that instruction appears under the selected production conditions.
Next Project Stage
Move Approved Artwork Into Physical Review
Once the artwork is approved, it can be carried forward with the correct structural and finishing references rather than being visually redesigned simply because the project moves into sampling. Where physical confirmation is still required, those approved references provide the basis for the next review stage.
Structural Reference
Approved Dieline
The current structural reference defines the packaging dimensions, panel positions and orientation used by the approved artwork.
Visual Reference
Approved Artwork
The approved artwork defines the customer-confirmed visual layout, graphics, supplied text and relevant color information for the next project stage.
Finish Reference
Finish References
Where foil, Spot UV, embossing or other specified finishes form part of the project, their approved references remain associated with the artwork as it moves forward.
Approved References Carried Forward
Physical Review
Select the Appropriate Proof or Sample
Once the approved project references are ready, the appropriate proof or sample can be selected according to what still requires physical confirmation. The sample type and review scope should be defined separately according to the needs of the project.
Next Service
Explore Samples & PrototypingFrom Approval to Production Preparation
The next step is not always mass production. Where additional physical confirmation is needed, sampling provides the appropriate bridge between approved artwork and production preparation.
Common Questions
Questions About Packaging Artwork Preparation
Clear answers about starting files, customer-supplied artwork, approved dielines, technical review, finishing layers, color, revisions, approval and what happens after the artwork is confirmed.
Do I need finished packaging artwork before contacting EPACK?
No.
You can contact EPACK with finished artwork, an existing package, brand assets, reference designs or an approved dieline. We can review what is already available and identify what artwork preparation may still be required.
Can EPACK work with artwork created by my own designer?
Yes.
Customer-supplied artwork can be reviewed and adapted against the approved packaging structure and relevant production requirements. Your designer does not need to be replaced simply because EPACK is manufacturing the packaging.
Do I need an approved dieline before preparing final artwork?
For custom packaging, final artwork should normally be based on the confirmed structural reference.
If the structure is still being developed, final artwork preparation may need to wait until the relevant dimensions and panel arrangement are confirmed.
Can EPACK help if I only have a logo and product information?
Depending on the agreed project scope, supplied logos, product information, images, colors and other brand assets can be organized into a packaging layout based on the approved structure.
The required visual direction and available source materials should be reviewed before the scope is confirmed.
Can you review whether my artwork is ready for packaging production?
Yes.
Artwork can be reviewed against relevant packaging production requirements, including the approved dieline, layout, bleed, image quality, color setup, layers and specified finishing areas. The exact review scope depends on the project.
Can foil, Spot UV or embossing areas be prepared separately?
Where these processes form part of the agreed packaging specification, their intended areas should be clearly defined separately from the main printed artwork.
This helps create clear references for the relevant finishing processes.
Will the printed color look exactly like my computer screen?
Not necessarily.
Screen appearance is not a controlled physical print reference. The final appearance can also be influenced by printing method, material, lamination and other production conditions.
Where physical color evaluation is important, an appropriate proof or sample can be selected according to the project requirements.
Can artwork be revised after the first review?
Yes. Artwork revisions can be made where required before final approval.
Once the artwork has been approved and later project stages have begun, additional changes should be reviewed carefully because they may affect samples, finishing references or production preparation.
Can I review the artwork before it moves forward?
Yes. Artwork approval should take place before the file is treated as the approved visual reference for later stages.
The customer should review supplied content, visual layout, product information and other relevant details carefully before approval.
What happens after artwork approval?
The approved artwork can move into the next appropriate project stage. Depending on the project, this may include:
- Digital proofing
- Printed sampling
- Pre-production sampling
- Final specification confirmation
- Production preparation
Prepare Your Packaging Artwork
Need Packaging Artwork Prepared for Production?
Share your existing artwork, brand assets, approved dieline or packaging reference. EPACK can review what you already have and help identify what is needed to prepare the artwork for sampling and production.
Helpful to Include
Share whatever is already available. A complete artwork package is not required before the first discussion.
- Existing artwork files
- Logo and brand assets
- Approved dieline, if available
- Product information
- Product images
- Color references
- Packaging reference
- Finishing requirements
- Related product versions
- Target date