Graphic Layout Guidelines

Last Updated: 2/2/2006

Every converter has established guidelines to provide you the best possible color packaging. It is critical that you attempt to meet or exceed these guidelines in your graphic design in order to achieve your desired end effect.

PLEASE TALK TO YOUR CONVERTERS SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR THEIR SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AS THE FOLLOWING ARE ONLY EXAMPLES. ALSO TALK TO FOSTER TO GET OUR SPECIFIC FILM & DESIGN GUIDELINES.

Tolerances

Manufacturing tolerances vary from +/- 3/8 to +/- 1/16: cut to print register based on the process. While every converter endeavors to produce perfect packages, the tolerance must be taken into consideration in planning art. This is particularly true where the tolerances are combined with certain graphic designs (see "lines, borders, stripes" below). Large format boxes: Boxes exceeding diecutter limits may need to diecut differently.

Bleed

Minimum 3/8" at manufacturer's joint

Minimum 3/8" outside perimeter of box

Minimum 3/8" below lower body score if bottom of package doesn't print

1" into dust flaps from score line if not full bleed

Mitre 45° onto dust flaps on a "kiss" bleed (where illustration covers entire top panel)

3/8" bleed into dust flaps from all adjacent panels. (This is essential on machine erected boxes and also RSC's which could be folded out-of-square.)

Be cautious on five panel folder style cartons - the non-printing fifth panel will be indicated on the mylar.

All bleed to be shown on artboards/mylars and keyed as such.

Pay special attention to multiple up converting where there are common knives (especially to insure customer approves bleeds into other flaps.)

On auto lock bottoms be careful to knockout ink & coating for glue but not ink for edges that show.

On high end boxes, all flaps must have full bleed with no common knives.

Copy

Keep all "live" copy 1/4" away from all scores and cuts.

Lines, borders, stripes and other graphic devices which go around any box in either direction and are intended to meet will always be problematic. Due to tolerances, these lines may not meet consistently.

Watch positioning of UPC code - will it be obscured when the box is erected? Need to keep all text another 1/4" away from the area indicated.

On reverses a 4-color black needs a stayaway on Y/C/M using the same Pt. size of trap. Type under 9 Pt. and Italic type under 12Pt. that reverse out of color combinations may be visibly "lost" due to minimal color misregistration into type, therefore they should be avoided.

Non-Text Area

This area is mainly indicated on quick lock bottoms and auto bottom cartons to clearly show where bottom flaps overlap and may obscure text or a UPC code.

Coating

Artboards, 1-up mylars and disks must have coating and printing drop-off areas noted - this generally includes areas where the carton gets glued, either in manufacturing or in customer sealing - but other areas such as customer print space may also be included. Particular attention should be paid to auto bottom cartons which require special drop-off areas.

Watch five-panel folder styles as the non-coated fifth panel should be indicated. This panel can be used for coating, etc.

If special coating drop-off areas are required for a specific customer, that should be noted by customer-provided varnish film or on proof provided.