How to create a file with Special Finish

Please find what you need to know to create a correct file for products with Special Finish (gold foil, silver foil, or 2D/3D transparent varnish).

If you need help to modify your file or add the Finishing to your printed design, you can purchase our Design Service and we'll do it for you!

  • Special Finish must be selective with any shape
  • It's recommended not to cover a big part of design in order to get a perfect result
  • The minimum font size is 10 pt
  • The minimum printable line weight and gap between lines is 1 pt
  • Leave a distance of 3 mm between the finish and the margin cut or folded lines to avoid varnish breaking

Download instruction and template to create a print-ready file:

  • All the contents should be vectorial
  • Create a separate layer named "Finishing" for all the elements you want with Special Finish

Screenshot showing the Layers panel with two layers: "Finishing" layer highlighted in orange/red above the "Artwork" layer highlighted in blue.

  • Assign to these contents a spot color also named "Finishing" with 0% Cyan 50% Magenta 100% Yellow 0% Black (you'll get an orange color)

New Swatch dialog with CMYK spot color named Finishing set to 0% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 100% Yellow, 0% Black, displaying an orange preview swatch.

  • Select Overprint fill attribute only for these elements

Screenshot showing Attributes panel with Overprint Fill checkbox enabled for special finish elements in design software.

  • The Special Finish type will be the one selected during the product configuration
  • Insert the other contents on a separate layer named "Artwork"
  • If you want 2D/3D transparent varnish to correspond perfectly to your artwork please make sure the elements on the two layers are exactly in the same position
  • If you select gold or silver foil remember to place the element to get finish in the "Finishing" layer only

Please note that:

  • Generally, we do not provide printing with two special finishes at the same time. Only Luxury Labels allow to choose more than one special finish, without overlapping

  • To create the Finishing artwork you need to use Adobe Illustrator or another vectorial design program

  • More detailed directions are available in the instruction file you can download from the product page

  • Template provided already contains "Finishing" spot color

If you still have any doubts, please contact us. We'll be happy to help!

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