Most packaging delays I see are not factory delays — they are artwork delays. A file that is "basically ready" costs three or four email rounds before it can print. Here is what print-ready actually means.
Format and setup
- Vector files preferred: AI (Adobe Illustrator) or PDF/X with fonts converted to outlines. Vector stays sharp at any size and separates cleanly into print plates.
- High-resolution images (300 dpi at final size) embedded if photography is used.
- CMYK color mode (or explicit Pantone numbers), not RGB. RGB files get auto-converted and colors shift.
- One dieline per file, artwork on separate layers if possible.
- Include bleed: artwork extending 3 mm beyond every cut edge.
Content checks before sending
- Text converted to outlines (or fonts attached) — otherwise Chinese factory computers substitute fonts and your layout breaks.
- Minimum text size: 6 pt for legibility on coated stocks; 8 pt on kraft or corrugated.
- Line weight: at least 0.25 pt for printed elements; die lines named and on their own layer.
- Barcodes: ask for a test scan from the factory's proof — barcode contrast and quiet zones fail more often than you'd think.
The three most common rejections
1. RGB screenshots pasted into a layout — pixelated at print size. 2. No bleed — thin white edges on every box. 3. Fonts not outlined — layout reflows, sometimes subtly, sometimes catastrophically.
No designer on hand? Many factories will place your logo and text into a standard dieline for a small fee — worth it over sending broken files. At KUBO Paper every artwork goes through a pre-flight check before plates are made, and we flag issues before charging for anything.
FAQ
Can I just send a Canva or Figma export?
Yes if exported as PDF print-quality with bleed and CMYK, fonts flattened. Check the fine print: Canva's default PDF is often RGB. Ask your factory to pre-flight it either way.
What if my logo is only a JPG?
A low-res JPG logo is the classic bottleneck. Most factories offer vector redraw (rebuilding it in Illustrator) for a modest one-time fee — worth it, since the vector file serves every future package.