How to prepare artwork for label printing.
DTP requirements for LED UV flexo printing in HD 175 lpi quality. A well-prepared file means faster prepress, faithful colours and zero surprises on the label.
Format: PDF at 1:1 scale
Recommended standard: PDF/X-4. One label per page, no printer’s marks in the artwork.
Text converted to outlines
All fonts converted to outlines — eliminates the risk of font substitution and text shifts.
Colours: CMYK + Pantone
Work in the CMYK colour space; additional colours only as correctly named Pantone spot colours. We convert RGB elements automatically, but the shade may shift — better to supply CMYK from the start.
Text black: 100% K
Small text and thin lines in pure black (C0 M0 Y0 K100) with overprint enabled — never in four colours, because coloured fringes will appear in registration. Large black solids are worth reinforcing with an underlay, e.g. C40 + K100.
Bitmaps: minimum 300 dpi
All photos and bitmaps at min. 300 dpi at 1:1 scale. We print at 175 lpi — a lower resolution means visible pixels on the label.
Total ink up to ~300%
Maximum total ink limit (TIL) around 300% — build the darkest areas of the design sensibly, not with four channels at 100%.
Bleed: minimum 3 mm
Extend backgrounds and artwork that reach the edge at least 3 mm beyond the cut line — the label will never have white “flashes” at the edge.
Safe zone: 3 mm
Keep text, logos and codes at least 3 mm inside the cut line — nothing important will be cut off or “stick” to the edge.
Die line as a spot colour
The label shape (die line) as a separate spot colour — e.g. “CutContour” — set to overprint. Do not merge it into the artwork.
Minimum text and lines
Text min. 5 pt; reversed out (light text on a dark background) min. 7 pt and bold. Lines from 0.2 mm, reversed out from 0.3 mm.
White ink and spot varnish
Prepare elements printed in white (clear and metallised materials) and spot varnish as separate layers/spot colours — e.g. “WHITE” and “VARNISH” — with overprint enabled.
Barcodes
EAN at min. 80% of nominal size, in one colour (ideally 100% K) on a light background, with quiet zones preserved. Codes are not screened and not reversed out.
Trapping, flexo distortion and white separation are handled on our side — you do not need to deal with them. After analysing the file we send a soft proof for approval, often the same day.
Not sure about your file? We will check it.
Send your artwork — our technologist will review it for flexo printing and return comments together with a soft proof, usually the same day.