To print custom boxes a printer needs three things, in this order: a dieline for your size and style, your artwork placed on that dieline, and your approval of a proof. You only have to supply the artwork and the approval. The dieline can come from the printer, and the proof always does.
Dieline, artwork and proof are different things
| Dieline | Artwork | Proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | The flat structural drawing of the box | Your design, placed on the dieline | The printer’s rendering of exactly what will print |
| Who makes it | The manufacturer, usually at no charge | You, your designer, or our design team | The printer |
| When | Before any artwork | Once the dieline is settled | Before production starts |
What to send for a quote
- The product going in the box, and the box style if you know it
- The inside dimensions (see how to measure a box)
- The quantity
- The material, if you have a preference
- Print and finish ideas, such as full color, foil or a window
- The date you need the boxes
That is enough to quote and to draw your dieline. You do not need artwork yet.
What to send for printing
- A print-ready PDF of your artwork on the dieline (our page on dieline file formats covers what that means)
- Color references for anything that has to match exactly
- Any special areas, such as foil, a window or spot gloss, marked on their own layer
What you do not need
You do not need to draw a dieline, own Illustrator, or know which board grade suits your product. We draw the dieline, our design team can set the artwork up with you at no charge, and we recommend a material based on what is going in the box.
The proof is the step that matters
Before anything prints you get a free digital proof showing your artwork on the dieline, exactly as it will run. Nothing goes to production until you approve it. Check it slowly:
- Spelling, especially on legal and ingredient text
- That the barcode sits flat on a panel and away from every fold
- That the front of the design is on the front panel
- That no dieline or keyline is showing as a printed line
- That colors are marked the way you expect
Production takes 7 to 14 business days after proof approval, depending on the style, print method and finishing.
Send the inside dimensions and the box style, and a specialist replies within one business day. Free design help and no minimum order.
Request a dieline