6 KEY POINTS
In order to complete the production of the cassette you have ordered in a short period of time, we need to receive the file with the data created without any defects.
If the data has been created correctly, we can proceed without having to contact you by e-mail about any problems, respond to your inquiries, send corrected data, or reprint the artworks. On the other hand, if the data is incomplete, we often have to wait several days for the corrected files, which may delay the release schedule. Also, additional fees may be incurred depending on the nature of the correction.
To avoid this and ensure a smooth printing process, here are some of the most basic points of file preparation.
① BLEED LINE
Adding additional paint to the design
A “BLEED” is an additional area outside of the design to be printed. For example, if you are printing a black background on white paper, you can also add black fill in the margins around the design so that the blank white paper will not show when the paper is cut. To do so, the design must extend beyond the template’s trim marks. It is recommended that the thickness of the fill area up to the trim mark be at least 3 mm.
② SAFTY LINE
Text, wording and logos within the inner guidelines
As with bleed line, it is necessary to ensure that important logos, text, and other wording are not cut off when cutting. Designs printed on larger sheets of paper are then cut in large batches rather than piece by piece to the finished size. In this process, cutting errors may occur due to subtle movement of the cutting edge and shrinkage of the paper. Since it is very difficult to achieve zero error, we recommend that you do not place text right at the cutting line. Place text within a safety line. A minimum of 3 mm width is recommended between the text and the cut line.
③ OUTLINE
Avoid “Missing Fonts”
When artwork files are opened, there is often a problem with “Missing Fonts” because the text portion of the file is not outlined. If the file is not outlined (rasterized), the particular font will automatically change to a standard font, and the customer will need to resubmit the correct file with outlines before proceeding with print preparation. In some cases, customers may be able to provide font files separately, but we may not be able to install those files. To avoid this problem completely, please make sure to outline your file before saving it. Outlining makes the text part of the file an uneditable image layer, so that it can be printed as designed.
④ EMBED OR LINKED FILES
Avoid “File Not Found”
We offers several templates to help you optimally design your artwork. In order to produce a high quality product, please do not change the document size of the template. There are two ways to place images in illustrator: “Link” and “Embed”. However, very often when designed files are uploaded to a transfer service (Dropbox, WeTrasfer, Google Drive, etc.), the image “link” file is not saved with them. When uploading files, please save the link image files as well. Also, please create embedded and linked images with a resolution of at least 300ppi.
⑤ EDITING LAYER
Separate layers for template and design
We are often asked what file format is best for submission. We prefer “illustrator (.ai)” files with separate layers for both jackets and labels. We accept photoshop (.psd) files as well, however, due to the nature of the printing press, fine logos and text submitted as photoshop files may not be reflected in the direct printing on the label. Please be sure to separate the template layer from the design layer and do not place the design on the template layer. Designs placed on a template layer may not be reflected in the actual printing. In addition to the illustrator file, you may also submit a JPEG, PNG or PDF file as a print sample at the same time to shorten the confirmation process.
⑥ COLOR SETTING AND SIZE
Color setting is “CMYK” and font should be 6pt or more
Please submit your design in “CMYK” color. If your design is in “RGB” color, it will be converted to CMYK, which may change the color of the data. A font size of 6pt or larger is recommended. Also, if the line width of the design is thinner than 0.5pt, it may not be reflected correctly or may not appear at all in the actual printing. Especially for very small letters and delicate logos, direct printing on the body may not be able to faithfully reflect the original design at the same level as printing on paper.
We would appreciate it if you would submit your design data based on these six points. By eliminating email inquiries to customers, data revisions, and re-submissions, we can expedite the printing process and shorten delivery times. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.