Print Data Info

How to create your print data in professional graphic programs – important for a good print result

Dear customers,
If you do not create your print data using our online designer, we kindly ask you to prepare your print data according to the specifications described here. If these are not followed, we unfortunately cannot accept any liability for the print result.

Note on layout programs
You will need a layout program that allows you to define spot colors, such as InDesign, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, Corel Draw, etc. Image editing programs and office programs are not suitable for creating print data for this product!

Possible file formats
We require your print data in PDF/X-3 format or as open files with all linked images and fonts included.

Data from image editing programs
Data created in an image editing program such as Photoshop must be supplied as PSD or TIF files. For these files, please note: reduce to background layer, no alpha channels, no clipping paths. These requirements also apply to Photoshop files placed in a layout program.

TIF files should be saved without compression, and the pixel order must be set to Interleaved.

PDF files must comply with the PDF/X-3:2002 standard. The PDF version must be 1.3 and may not contain transparencies. Transparency reduction must be chosen in such a way that text and vectors are not converted into image data (setting: high quality/resolution; the exact wording may differ between software). Also: no colored pattern cells/tiled patterns, no comments or form fields, no encryption (e.g., password protection), no OPI comments, and no transfer curves. Specify an output intent. In addition to the conditions of the PDF/X-3:2002 standard, all fonts must be converted to outlines, the file may not contain layers (except for 5C files), and the PDF pages may not include rotations. More information on PDF/X-3:2002 can be found at www.pdfx3.org.

Resolution
minimum 300 dpi, ideally 356 dpi

Color
Color mode: CMYK or grayscale, 8 bit/channel
Maximum total ink coverage: 240%
Minimum ink coverage: with less than 10% ink coverage, the color in the print result may appear very faint – for example, 10% yellow looks weaker than 10% cyan.

Font sizes
Avoid font sizes smaller than 6 pt.

Black and gray objects
such as text or lines must always be created in pure black.
Example: Cyan 0%, Magenta 0%, Yellow 0%, Black 60% or Cyan 0%, Magenta 0%, Yellow 0%, Black 100%.

Rich black
For example: Cyan 40%, Magenta 0%, Yellow 0%, Black 100% is not recommended for text and lines, as it can easily lead to registration inaccuracies. For large black areas, a rich black can be achieved by adding other color components. Depending on taste, additional color values can be added until the maximum ink coverage of the product is reached.

Line thickness
Positive lines or stroke weight (white line) must be at least 1 pt (0.4 mm).
Negative lines or stroke weight (outline of line/text is white) must be at least 2 pt (0.7 mm).

Spot color (solid color) “WHITE” in the layout
We also offer the possibility to print transparent foil in 5 colors. This makes sense if you want to retain the metallic look of the can while still displaying areas, text, or lines with intense color. In pure CMYK mode, all elements that appear “white” on the screen will NOT be printed and will therefore appear transparent on the can. ONLY the elements defined with the spot color “White” will be printed as white (not colored) in the printing process. All CMYK elements underlaid with opaque white will not be distorted by the silver of the can and will appear more intense.

If you want 5-color printing (CMYK + spot color opaque white) in your layout, define “White” as a spot/solid color. Do not use white (paper color = 0/0/0/0) but instead 30% cyan (30/0/0/0). “White” is automatically recognized as opaque white in the printing process. Place all elements with the spot color “White” on a separate layer in your layout program and set these elements to “Overprint” (alternatively “Multiply”). The layer with the spot color opaque white “White” must be on top (Layer 1). Even graphic effects such as gradients, drop shadows, transparency, etc. are possible.

To keep CMYK areas, graphic elements, or text underlaid with “Opaque White,” these elements must be placed on a separate layer above the layer with the spot color “White” and must be set to “Knockout” (not overprint).

Additional notes
Graphics, background images, colors, and/or gradients must extend to the trim (bleed), as small production tolerances may occur when cutting your printed product.

Your print data must be created in CMYK color mode (not RGB), otherwise a changed overall visual impression may occur.

Always use high-quality images for your print templates. The resolution should be at least 300 dpi at original size, otherwise your printed product may appear pixelated.

Further information can be found under the menu item Templates.