Artwork and Design

We use two main types of pouch printing: Flexographic printing and Rotogravure printing. Digital printing is also available and at small MOQs.

If you need Flexographic printing, you need to understand this is the type where roll stocks are fed into a press. In a Flexo printing machine, there are different parts or a series of printing units. As the roll passes over each printing unit, a single color among the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key) colors gets printed.

Each printing part has its specific function and advantage all of which contribute to the quality of the final print quality. Typically, Flexo printing produces a lower printing quality than the rotogravure printing designs.

But technological advances over the past few months have given Flexo printing a significantly improved print quality.

TedPack accepts digital artwork files in Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator formats, as well as CorelDraw (latest version recommended) and Macromedia Freehand. Since Adobe is the industry standard, it’s preferred whenever possible.

For files under 60 MB, please send them via Dropbox or WeTransfer. For files larger than 60 MB, we recommend mailing them on a CD or DVD. Our system can store up to three versions of your artwork (with some exceptions).

For the best results, please provide a CD with the following:

• Two EPS files (one unconverted)
• One EPS file converted to outlines
• One PDF copy

We will return a digital proof back to you for your signature approval before commencing any production. Please take the time to review it carefully before approving. We go to print from your signed approval of the artwork proof.

Color samples or PMS numbers are essential to ensure identical matching of colors for your design.

For quality printing, we cannot accept images which are not less than 350 dpi (Dot per Inch). Anything below that will affect image quality due to distorted pixels.

Distorted pixels can bring about unprofessional and poor quality images.

Each and every color layer should be present and remain independent. This is required so our printers can gain access to every color layer during printing revisions and adjustments.

Lastly, all the images you send to us must be original images. This helps in avoiding any image distortion and overall quality.

We will need an actual barcode from you. They are essential since we can convert them into numbers.

A Universal Product Code (UPC) will help your product be identified, regardless of the geographical area.

Most UPC codes are made up of 12 digits, where your company code is typically 8 numbers plus your product code of 4 digits.

It will include dimensions so your team can easily use it for their artwork and design application.

When the artwork is completed, you will send it to us again. We will thoroughly look it over to make any changes where needed, correct the distortions and provide you with the final high-quality artwork for approval.

If any edits are required, you simply let our design department know.

Once the artwork is approved, we simply need a finalized PO and a manufacturing authorization. And we are ready to begin the printing process.

• We treat every unique customer with only the utmost respect and professionalism. We will provide you with our template (aka dieline) after listening to your packaging pouch specifications. A die line can be defined as a demarcation line on a template that will inform us how you want your final product.
• You will use the dieline to prepare your bag/pouch design and send it to us as explained above. Please note, our template will be in a PDF format.
• Remember, all artwork files should be sent to us in their original format of either Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.  Additionally, the supportive graphics and all fonts should be in a native format.
• For all the RGB images that will be featured, please ensure they are converted to CMYK. This is because, unanticipated color shifting sometimes happens during the translation process.

Please note that the separation of colors during the gravure printing process will be essential.

• Ensure you provide us with high quality raster image files that will allow for proper printing adjustments. From raster images, we can produce several colors in comparison to vector images.
• If at any point we feel the components provided in the original artwork may produce a poor quality print, we will make suggestions on the best remedy for correction.

• High quality imprints are best produced when images are properly and correctly oriented on the pouches or bags.
• For quality images printing 175-250 lines per inch range are what we strive for. Please keep in mind that 350 dpi is our TIFF and EPS file minimum for accepted image resolution format.

• For quality printing, we require a font size of 6 or greater. We prefer to avoid thin strokes or small serif typefaces.
• Your artwork fonts must include curves, outlines or paths. But to avoid all font type substitution, they should all be converted into vector files.
• The difference between vector and raster images is that vector images are mainly object based while raster images are pixel based.
• We consider Adobe illustrator best for all texts that need to be supplied. We do not accept Photoshop text because they are automatically converted into images using the software. Unfortunately, Photoshop text often produces blurred images.
• In an instance where you are unable to access Adobe Illustrator, we are able to provide the service for a small fee.

• We will convert all texts we receive into outlines

• A customer must supply TedPack with their own unique UPC.
• At our facility, we have machines and tools to help us generate your product barcode. All you have to do is provide us with the digits which are typically 11-12 numbers in sequence.
• During the manufacturing process, the pouches and bags can shrink, and at times these barcode digits get distorted. This is why we position them in a way they will be read vertically by machines.
• Barcodes can be the least attractive part of your product labeling. But, we can help to ensure the barcode is functional and can even enhance your product design.
• Quite often, a black barcode on a white background gives the most appealing combination.
• The minimum acceptable scale for a barcode rests at 85%, and the best scale rests at 100%.
• Every barcode should be designed to start with a special character and end with a special character.
• A barcode printed in dark colors, such as black is more visible. But, if a barcode is to be printed in a dark color, the background color should be a bright one.
• Each and every barcode should adhere to the international standards in size.
• Lastly, every barcode must be in line and parallel.

Eye marks are thin rectangles mostly found on the pouch corners. They are used by a printing machine's eye sensor to “sync” the pouch end point for perfect image printing.

• These eyemarks should and are made of the darkest color that is 100% tint. A 100% black color with a white underneath of 0.5 mm are the best.
• Alternatively, if the background is to be black, then the eyemarks are typically white in color.

• In most cases and for the sake of quality, artwork should always be submitted un-trapped.
• The standard trap ranges at 0.5 mm. However, if a small trap is necessary for the quality of the print, we will typically allow it.

• In an event where a customer orders nearly similar products with similar features, we might consider using the same cylinders, which can help.

• Once you submit your artwork, our graphics department will issue an electronic proof of your PDF files. In any case where there are errors or mistakes, we will work to get the corrections made in a timely manner.
• During the electronic approval of your PDF files, an Epson print proof will be created for easy review. After that, the project plan will be set for release onto cylinders/plates for printmaking.
• While Epson print quality proofs are perfect, the final product may have some slight variations.