Top 5 Ways to Ensure Your Artwork is Print Ready

At Yerecic Label, our goal is to make the path from concept to finished product as seamless and successful as possible. Supplying print-ready artwork not only helps ensure your label looks its best, it also speeds up the production process. Whether you’re creating your first label or refreshing a familiar design, following these five tips will help us bring your vision to life faster and more efficiently.

 

1. Use the Right File Types and Formats

Submitting high-quality, editable files is the first step toward a smooth production process. We recommend:

  • Native Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files, packaged with all linked graphics and fonts, are preferred.
    • If Adobe Illustrator is not available, other formats are InDesign (.indd) or high-res PDFs.
  • Avoid locked or low-resolution PDFs, as they limit our ability to make essential print adjustments.
  • Acceptable formats for linked files include Photoshop (.psd) or TIFF (.tif) files.
  • Upload large files (over 5MB) using a transfer service like WeTransfer and coordinate with your YL Sales Coordinator if needed.

 

2. Design with Flexographic Printing in Mind

Flexographic (flexo) printing has evolved, but some design best practices still apply:

  • Include Yerecic Label’s Graphic Design Team early in your process, we’ll review your design for elements that may not translate well on press.
  • Avoid Illustrator special effects like glows, transparencies, and drop shadows, as they can print unpredictably. If needed, including them in a Photoshop file is a safer way to build them.
  • Design with industry standards for legal printability and keep label structure in mind.
    • Don’t fret if you miss something, our team does a thorough check to confirm every detail.

 

3. Nail the Color Setup

Color can make or break your label’s impact. To help ensure color accuracy:

  • Design in CMYK mode, as all RGB artwork will be converted, which alters vibrancy.
  • Reference the Pantone Color Bridge® Coated guide, which shows how spot colors convert to CMYK.
  • If you specify Pantone® colors, we’ll match them to the Bridge version for process printing.
  • Be cautious: your computer monitor does not represent print color accurately.
  • Metallic inks will not appear metallic on Epson® Color Matching Proofs.
  • Spot colors automatically convert to process on Epson® Color Matching Proofs, as the printer does not contain actual Pantone colors.

  4. Prioritize Image & Text Clarity

Small details matter, especially with typography and imagery:

  • Raster images should be 300 ppi at 100% size.
  • All text should be created in Illustrator, not Photoshop, to ensure proper trapping.
  • Convert fonts to outlines or include them in your file package.
  • The minimum recommended font size is 6 pt, and bold for reverse text.
  • Avoid thin, dark fonts on light backgrounds – however black text overprinted works well.
  • Follow bleed and rule guidelines:
    • Our standard bleed is 1/16”
    • Feel free to request a die line template with bleed guidelines on it
    • Black rules should be no lower than 0.5 pt
    • White or CMY blend rules should be no lower than 1 pt

 

5. Double Check Before Submission

Proofing and file preparation make all the difference:

  • When reviewing and printing PDF proofs, don’t select “fit to page” or “shrink to fit” when printing your proofs, as this can skew scale.
  • Metallic and Pantone® colors won’t display accurately in proofs; it is best to request printed samples if color is critical.
  • Avoid overprint settings unless instructed, as these can affect print results. Our team can review for overprinting.
  • Send any previously printed samples to help us match expectations.
  • Need help? Don’t hesitate to ask for a pre-flight review by our graphic design team.

 

Submitting print-ready artwork doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these five tips and working closely with our team, you’ll help us bring your label to life exactly as you imagined – on time, on brand, and on point!

 

Need more guidance? Contact us today or reach out to your dedicated Yerecic Label Cell Team. We’re happy to help at every step of the way!