Production-Ready Artwork: New File Requirements for Printing and Packaging

We will not accept AI-generated artwork, vector files, or CAD designs as final, production-ready artwork, starting now. This rule covers any file you submit to us online for printing or packaging production. It affects logos, labels, box designs, and any other artwork that goes to press.

What counts as production-ready artwork

AI-generated “vector” files and CAD exports often look fine on screen. They don’t hold up once they reach the press.

• The paths aren’t true vector geometry. You can’t scale, cut, or color-separate them.
• The colors use RGB, not CMYK or spot colors. Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini output RGB, and RGB doesn’t translate accurately to print. Colors shift or print incorrectly on press.
• The files often miss bleeds, or the dielines and dimensions don’t match physical tooling.
• CAD files lack the structural accuracy you need for folding, cutting, or assembly.

When we get a file like this, we can’t run it as-is. Our team has to rebuild it in Illustrator, InDesign, or CAD before the job can start, which adds time to your project.

How to submit print-ready files

Build (or rebuild) your final artwork in professional design or CAD software before you send it to us. If we have to correct or recreate a file, we’ll charge additional design or setup fees based on the work involved.

Not sure if your file counts as production-ready artwork? Contact your account rep before your deadline, and we’ll tell you exactly what needs to change before it becomes a delay.

AI is still welcome in your process

We still encourage customers to use AI for brainstorming and developing original concepts. It’s a great tool for exploring ideas early on, long before a file ever reaches a press. Just make sure the final version is built or rebuilt in professional design or CAD software before you submit it to us.