Preparing Your Artwork: Digital Printing

Digital printing is a direct printing technique that can be applied to various materials. Unlike other methods, no printing plates are required. The result is cost-effective, highly detailed prints ideal for smaller quantities.

Setting up Your Artwork for Digital Printing

Work through the checklist to ensure we have everything we need to custom print your boxes.

  1. Obtain an approved die line: Before you start designing, get the correct die line template from us. You will see where the cuts and folds are and know where to bleed the design around the edges.
  2. Send the right file: Files must be from Illustrator or InDesign. Avoid sending JPGs, BMP or TIFF format files.
  3. Note all fonts used in submitted files: Communicate the exact fonts you’re using. Font sizes smaller than 6pt should not be reversed out, as they may fill in on press.
  4. Provide links and supporting images with submitted files: All images used in your document must be sent or embedded.
  5. Submit high-quality graphics: We prefer images created through anchor points because we can resize, stretch and bend them without impacting quality. Photos should be 150-300 dots per inch (DPI). Begin with a high resolution instead of forcing an image to the appropriate DPI. Submitted bitmap line art images must be at 1,200 DPI.
  6. Factor in the material: Some coatings and papers will crack, especially dark colors that bend around corners. If this is a concern, contact Bolt Boxes so we can discuss alternative materials for your job.
  7. Bleed background graphics and colors ¼ inch past cut and crease lines: Slight machine variances sometimes cause artwork along creases, edges and borders to shift marginally.
  8. Don’t flatten your files: Leave the original layers in case we need to make any adjustments.
  9. List all colors in your design: Use CMYK or Pantone colors.

Label Preparation Guidelines for Digital Printing

*Registration: Refers to the precise alignment of different inks during printing. Since machines may move slightly during production, slight variances in registration may occur.

Common Digital Printing Applications

Since design changes can be implemented quickly, digital printing is ideal for creating high-quality sample boxes. It’s also suitable when you require designs that need to be personalized or multiple variations. Since design changes can be implemented quickly and inexpensively, digital printing is a good choice for small orders or boxes that need to be personalized.

What to Do When You Receive Your Structural Samples

Test out your structural sample boxes to see if the design and dimensions fit your product. Your structural samples may arrive fully assembled, but keep in mind that your final production order will be shipped flat unless otherwise specified.

Evaluate the following three F’s while examining samples:

CAD-cut structural samples can vary a bit from final press run boxes. These variances, like edge crush or inconsistencies in material rigidity along score lines, in no way impact the overall quality, fit, form and function.

Custom Digital Printed Boxes Are a Call Away!

We look forward to making your product stand out in eye-catching custom boxes that showcase your brand. For more information about ordering digitally printed custom boxes or submitting artwork, contact us!