Templates of bags are available for setting up artwork. They are typically emailed as .pdf files.
Artwork is acceptable in any of the following formats:
- Adobe Illustrator - saved as a vector .ai, .eps, .svg or .pdf file version CC or lower with all fonts included or outlined and any images embedded.
- Quark Xpress - files are accepted if they contain placed art and are to be printed 4 color process.
- Adobe Photoshop - files accepted as black and white art and resolution is 600dpi or higher.
- All artwork is to be submitted as final PMS spot colors, NOT CMYK unless printing 4-Color Process.
On artwork, include rule lines that indicate the center of the Face and Back of the bag.
If printing different copy on each side of bag, indicate which is to print on the front and which is to print on the back of the bag.
Art with multiple colors should contain registration marks.
Full coverage of ink requires artwork to bleed on all necessary sides. Any bleed into the bottom gusset is to be determined by the bottom gusset size and may be altered upon review should it be necessary.
If only the side gussets are full ink coverage, the solid panel of ink will be pulled away from the sides on each edge where it meets the bag faces according to the material type. (see General Printing Terms for more information)
JPEG's and clip art are not considered line art and may incur art recreation charges if no other art is provided.
A preview of the artwork is suggested to be sent so it may be reviewed to enable us to make any recommendations, modifications or answer any questions that there may be regarding artwork.
Always keep a copy of the artwork for your own records, and send only the necessary artwork you want for production. Please eliminate all unnecessary layers, masks, graphis and colors before providing art.
Send a mock up or proof showing color composite of artwork for size, color, copy positioning and any special instructions for artwork.
When sending in black and white art check artwork thoroughly. If black and white color separated artwork is sent, please be sure they include a 4 point trap and submit a composite with the black and white.
Please note the following information regarding traps:
- Traps are needed when different colors touch each other within the artwork unless a color such as black is overprinting a lighter color.
- Traps are created using chokes and spreads to overlap colors and eliminate the unprinted areas from appearing. Colors are placed with the lighter of the colors trapping to the darker colors.
- A 3rd color may appear due to colors trapping to each other. The colors darkness depends on the colors being trapped.
- Traps are to be no less than 4 points.
During the formation of the bag, machine movements can occur side to side and top to bottom.

OTHER GENERAL IMPORTANT ART NOTES - Please note the following recommendations and information:

Do not use grids, squares, borders, outlines or type within 1/2" of the side folds and 1" of the bottom fold.
Please keep any copy that you do not want to appear in the handle area, 1/2" or more from the handle. (Templates are available for handle placements upon request)
The ink laydown of any artwork or color located within the heat-sealed areas of the bag, including the handle area, may be discolored or distorted due to the heat during construction.
As our printing plates can only incorporate one face and one gusset, when the back meets up the front, there will be a slight break in artwork.
Some pin-holing may occur due to heavy ink coverage on plastic film.
Full coverage ink along the heat-sealed edge may weaken the strength of the seal. Additionally, the bottom of one artwork edge may appear on the top of the other during production.
Ink colors can change due to lamination/coating. For example, Coated colors with No coating or Matte Lamination may appear duller or less vibrant; where as Uncoated colors with Lamination or Gloss coating may appear darker. For the best result, we advise referencing colors to match the requested lamination/coating.
We cannot hold art exactly in place on the bottom fold as is due to bag tolerances, movement and folding production.
If a Pantone or custom color match is requested, the Pantone or custom match will be at 80% as per industry standards. This applies to artwork, handles, and other matched areas.
Pantone ink colors may vary from the Pantone swatch books. Color will be affected and may change due to: finishing (lamination/varnishes/coatings), properties of the stock, paper color, or other special characteristics. Please reference Pantone colors to match the requested finishing for best color results.
If printing multiple bag sizes, color may vary slightly from bag size to bag size.
Heavy ink coverage on bags with no lamination may result in some ink rub off. Also, bags with no lamination may show cracking in fold areas.
Hot stamp areas that appear on fold lines may have some cracking or flaking of the art.