What application/file format should I use?
We can work with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or EPS files. Our preferred format is Adobe Illustrator and we provide our templates in both Illustrator and Photoshop format. Try to avoid compressed formats (.JPEG/.GIF/Etc.) when creating your artwork.

What About Resolution?
All bitmap imagery should be at least 300 DPI at the size it will be printed. In order to achieve the highest quality possible you may want to increase certain elements' (type, etc.) resolution to 600 DPI or higher.

How should I use the template you provided?
Use the guides in the Photoshop or Illustrator file as a non-printing, separate element or layer in your document and then build your new artwork to fit those guides. Remember to include a 1/8” bleed.

What color space/mode should I use?
Always create your artwork in CMYK colorspace. This helps minimize color shifts that occur in the conversion from RGB to CMYK modes. Also be sure to specify all spot (PMS) colors with a consistent naming convention.

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor?
Even with today's advances in color calibration and color management technology, a RGB transmission color space (your monitor) is quite different than the CMYK reflective (printed piece) counterpart. Referencing the recognized industry standard Pantone Matching System will help maintain color language, but there is no way to use a monitor to truly represent the final product. If color is critical to your project we recommend ordering a Match Print which will represent exactly what you will get. Note that it is not possible to have a Match Print on the disc face artwork.

How well will my job match my color laser/inkjet print?
The pigments used in printing inks are far more consistent than inks used in the wide variety of color laser/inkjet printers on the market today. Most professional laser printers offer software calibration curves to emulate offset printed results. While paper stock, coatings and lamination will also affect color, we do not promote using color laser/inkjet prints as accurate targets for printing. If color is critical to your project we recommend ordering a Match Print which will represent exactly what you will get. Note that it is not possible to have a Match Print on the disc face artwork.

What mix of CMYK should I use for proper black in 4-color CMYK projects?
All solid black graphics or text (over 72 pt) must be "rich black". The CMYK settings should be: C-60, M-40, Y-00, K-100.

Should I create a folded down laser/inkjet printed “dummy”?
We do recommend that you print a copy of your artwork with the die visible, then trim and fold it down to resemble the finished product. This will help you check for proper panel placement and other potential problem areas.

What if I am looking for a particular color for the background or other elements?
In these cases we encourage using a “spot” color (PMS) process for matching color critical projects. These spot colors are made from a single ink instead of being “built” from the process (CMYK) colors.

I don't see a template that I want to use/what other packaging options do you have?
We offer many other packaging and printing options than are represented on by our template library. We also offer custom dies. Please contact us for more information and pricing.

What is the minimum quantity?
Generally the minimum order is 1000 pieces.

Will I always receive the exact quantity I order?
Our policy is that 10% over or under the quantity requested constitutes a completed order. We run 10% more than the requested amount to ensure that even with any replication rejects we can deliver at least the minimum of the quantity you ordered. You will get charged for the actual amount delivered, whether it is over or under.

What about a bleed and placement of text/graphic elements?
Always include plenty of bleed in the package design; extend images, patterns and color fills 1/4” if possible, but a minimum of 1/8” on all trim sides, tuck panels and glue flaps. Keep live matter and text at least 1/16" from all trims, scores (folds) and die cut windows. The allowed exception would be if live matter or text were to be trimmed off as a part of the design.

How should I scan new images?
When scanning, make sure to create images that are at least 300 DPI at the size they will be printed and be sure to scan in the CMYK color space/mode.

What about fonts?
We recommend flattening type (rendering) or creating outlines of type elements whenever possible as this eliminates the need for you to include the typefaces you used in the artwork. If you cannot flatten or outline your type, make sure to include your fonts with the artwork in either TrueType or Postscript format.

Where can I find your standard templates?
People Productions provides many standard templates in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop format.

Should I “link” or “embed” files into my document?
Although it will make the file size bigger, whenever possible we prefer that you embed files into your document, rather than linking so that there is less chance of missing a file that is necessary when processing your artwork.

How should I deliver/organize my artwork files?
You can either burn your artwork files onto a CD-R or DVD-R/DVD+R disc, or transfer your files to our FTP server. If you're delivering multiple files for different parts of your project's packaging please place each piece of artwork inside it's own folder. If that file has linked files/images please include them in a subfolder named “images”. Also, if you cannot flatten or create outlines of your type, please include your fonts (as TrueType or Postscript) in a subfolder called “fonts”. We also encourage you to .zip this folder containing the base file and it’s “images” and “fonts” subfolders.