ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
Please review all specifications carefully to ensure a quick and smooth customization process.
Color Specifications
Printing uses the CMYK color model, not RGB.
If you are using Canva:
- Export as: PDF Print
- Select color profile: CMYK
- Do NOT check: Crop marks and bleed
- Flatten PDF
- Include notes
Submitting an RGB file may result in noticeable color differences.
If you are trying to match a Pantone® color:
- Refer to the Pantone Bridging Swatchbook
- Choose a color from the CMYK column
Please note:
A normal printing tolerance of 5%–10% color variation is industry standard. Only rotogravure printing can consistently and reliably achieve Pantone color matching.
Use: 100% Black (K100)
Avoid using rich black or heavy black mixes, as they can cause CMYK printing alignment problems or ink saturation issues.
Template Guide
Dieline templates are available on our Template Downloads Page. Feel free to visit and download.
SAFE ZONE
DO NOT place important texts or images beyond the green dotted area to ensure that elements will not get cut.
TRIM LINE
Magenta dotted line is the actual cut of the final design.
BLEED
Extend the background of your artwork to the edge of this template if you want your artwork to extend to the edge of your final prints. A 1/8″ (3mm) bleed on each side is required.
BORDERS
If your artwork has borders, its thickness should be at least 3/8″ (9mm) from the trim line in order to preserve the symmetry of your design.
Important information includes:
- Barcodes and QR codes
- Nutritional facts panels
- Ingredient lists
- Allergen information
- Compliance warning statements
- Manufacturing and expiration dates
- Batch or lot numbers
Common compliance icons in US and EU markets include:
- USDA Organic
- FDA Compliance
- CE Mark
- UKCA Mark
- EPA Logo
- Recycling symbols
- FSC Certification
Here is the reason:
Heat seal areas are exposed to pressure and temperature.
Zipper areas may wrinkle.
Both can affect readability and scannability.
If your artwork has borders.
It’s thickness should be at least3/8″ (9.5mm) from the trim line in order to preserve the symmetry of your design.
All non-photographic elements should be created in vector format:
- Text
- Lines
- Icons
- Illustrations
Vector graphics ensure sharp and clean printing results.
Your bag design schematic shows the final product 1:1.
It includes all features: zippers, tear notches, hang holes, valves, spouts.
It also shows the finish (gloss, matte, metallized, foil stamping) and feel (like soft-touch matte).
If something isn’t on the schematic, it won’t be on your final bag.
Always double-check every detail.
Once it’s printed, you can’t change it.
Take 2 minutes to proofread, it saves you from costly mistakes.
Before printing, scan the barcodes/QR codes on your design.
Make sure they’re scannable and lead to the right place.
Bar-code Specifications:
- Size: Recommended scale between 80%–120%.
- Do not crop or truncate the barcode.
- Format: Must be provided as vector
- line art. PNG images alone are not acceptable.
QR Codes Specifications:
- Recommended size: 20 × 20 mm
- Recommended color scheme: black code on white background (highest contrast)
Below is an example of a print-ready file for reference:
File Formatting
Please submit a high‑resolution PDF (PDF/X‑1a:2001).
You can also provide your original AI (adobe illustrator) source file.
First, save a backup file.
This step cannot be reversed.
In Adobe Illustrator:
Select > Object > All Text Objects > Type > Create Outlines.
Unembedded images may be missing when the file is opened.
In Adobe Illustrator:
WINDOW → LINKS → Select the image → Choose “Embed Image(s)”
For the best print quality, set all images to 300 PPI.
Remove all printer marks: crop marks, die lines, color bars, registration marks.
Delete or turn off all unused layers.
This keeps your file small and easy to process.
Clear areas need to be clearly defined and include a white separation.
White separation is a dedicated white ink layer used when printing on transparent or metallic materials.
It prevents transparency or metallic show-through and helps colors appear solid.
In most cases, you do not need to create bleed manually, as your manufacturer will set it up during production.
If you do create bleed:
Use a minimum of 1/8 in (3 mm) on all sides.
Proofs
Once your order is placed, a proof will be sent to you by email. Please review it carefully, as you will need to either ACCEPT or REJECT the proof.
If we do not receive your response within 12 hours, your order will automatically move forward to production.
Pouching offers flexible sample options to support your needs at different stages of customization,