The Art of Package Design

THE DESIGN PROCESS
it is imported at 100%. The problem with this is that if you want
to enlarge the image you have to go back to the original larger
image. If you want to use this method, it is done at the final
stage after all corrections have been made.
Check that the file is in 4-color process (CMYK) and not
RGB (Red Green Blue). RGB is used for digital work, websites,
etc. CMYK is used for commercial printing, and some colors
will have slightly different hues. So always work in CMYK and
make sure the final file is CMYK. Check your color pallet and
make sure that all colors and images are converted to CMYK
and not Spot colors. Only use Spot colors when you are requesting
special inks. If you created your file using Pantone colors but
are not printing them as Spot, then convert them to CMYK.
You can also look at your Swatches pallet and delete all unused
colors. This makes the pallet less crowded and confusing.
Check your die line and make sure that everything fits within
the die. Always leave a bit of a margin. All printers will have
preferences on how close to the edge they like to print. Check
with the printer or leave at least an 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm)
margin. Indicate how the box folds - which is the front panel,
back, etc. Is there a window on the box? Make sure that it is indicated
on the die line layer and include dimensions on the box
in a non-printing layer.
Are you using a special varnish or coating? If so, indicate that
in a note to the printer. And if you are using a Spot UV (ultra
violet coating) or varnish, put that on a separate layer. A Spot
UV, is a section of the layout that will have a shinier finish so
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