Buyer guide · Print files
How much bleed and safe area does packaging artwork need?
Bleed and safe area depend on the production dieline, material and converting tolerance; use the supplier’s released geometry rather than a universal number.
Submit project requirements
Checklist
Files and references to prepare
- Dieline geometry
- Tolerance stack-up
- Artwork ownership
- Die-cut tolerance
- Target quantity and SKU allocation
- Approval sample and decision owner
- Required date and Mainland China delivery point
- Change and repeat-order record
Prepress control
Four checks before releasing artwork
Dieline geometry
Verify cut, crease, glue, bleed, safe area, window and finishing layers against the approved physical structure.
Tolerance stack-up
Review how material, printing, die cutting, gluing and packed-product variation combine at final assembly.
Artwork ownership
Freeze approved copy, logos, legal marks, languages and version responsibility before output; production checks do not replace content approval.
Die-cut tolerance
Set measurable cut, crease, nick, stripping and registration tolerances based on structure, material and assembly needs.
Execution method
Four actions from RFQ to production
Use the production dieline
Place artwork only after the final structure and dimensions are confirmed.
Create a preflight report
Flag missing fonts, low-resolution images, colour spaces, overprint and finishing layers.
Approve the right proof
Match proof type to the question being approved: content, structure, colour or finish.
Archive the released package
Keep the final PDF, source assets, version record and approval together.
FAQ
Questions buyers often ask
How much bleed and safe area does packaging artwork need?
Bleed and safe area depend on the production dieline, material and converting tolerance; use the supplier’s released geometry rather than a universal number.
What should be written in the specification?
At minimum, define Dieline geometry, Tolerance stack-up, Artwork ownership, Die-cut tolerance, then link quantity, sample, timing, inspection and the approved revision.
Is a physical sample needed?
A decision involving structure, material, colour, finish, assembly or use performance normally needs a physical sample matched to that question; a screen proof cannot approve everything.
Can the previous standard be reused for a repeat order?
Reuse a controlled standard only when files, material, structure, supply chain and use conditions remain unchanged. Record every change and decide whether resampling or reapproval is required.
Continue building the procurement specification