Packaging Artwork Checklist: 25 Points Before Sending to Print

Packaging artwork errors cause delays, reprints and wasted materials. A systematic pre-flight checklist reviewed before sending artwork to the factory catches 90% of errors before they become expensive problems. This 25-point checklist covers file preparation, colour specification, regulatory content and final approval steps.

File Preparation (Points 1–8)

1. Correct file format: AI (Adobe Illustrator) or print-ready PDF/X-4 supplied; no PowerPoint or Word files
2. Factory dieline used: Artwork placed on the factory-supplied dieline, not a third-party template
3. Bleed correct: Minimum 3mm bleed beyond all cut lines; background colour extends into bleed area
4. Safe zone respected: All critical content (text, logos) minimum 5mm inside cut line
5. Layers clearly named: Separate layers for print, spot UV, foil, die cut clearly labelled
6. All text outlined or fonts embedded: No live editable text; all text converted to curves in Illustrator or embedded in PDF
7. Images linked and supplied: All placed images embedded or supplied alongside the AI file; no broken links
8. File resolution: All raster images minimum 300dpi at final print size; no upscaled 72dpi web images

Colour and Print (Points 9–15)

9. Colour mode correct: All artwork in CMYK mode; no RGB or Lab colour objects
10. Pantone colours specified correctly: All spot colours identified with correct Pantone reference and C/U suffix matching substrate
11. Black text: Body text smaller than 8pt set in 100% K (black) only; no rich black (C+M+Y+K) on small text
12. Rich black specification: Large black areas set in rich black (C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100); not 100K only which prints grey
13. Spot UV layer correct: Spot UV areas on separate named layer; filled with 100% opaque spot colour named "SpotUV"
14. Foil areas correct: Foil areas on separate named layer; filled with correct spot colour named "HotFoil-Gold" etc.
15. Overprint settings: Check overprint preview; black elements set to overprint; no white elements accidentally set to overprint (which makes them invisible)

Regulatory and Content (Points 16–21)

16. Barcode present and correctly specified: Correct barcode type (UPC-A, EAN-13, FNSKU, DataMatrix), minimum size, mandatory quiet zones
17. Barcode verified: Scan barcode in artwork with a smartphone barcode scanner app before approving
18. Ingredient/INCI list present: For food, cosmetic and personal care products — verify completeness and correct order
19. Net weight/volume statement correct: Correct value, units and placement (lower 30% of principal display panel for US FDA)
20. Warning statements complete: All required warnings for product category and destination market present with correct wording
21. Country of origin: "Made in China" or appropriate statement present if required by destination market

Approval Process (Points 22–25)

22. Internal legal/regulatory review complete: Sign-off from compliance function for regulated product categories
23. Brand guidelines compliance: Logo usage, colour values, typography checked against brand guidelines
24. Physical mock-up reviewed: Print-and-fold mock-up of dieline reviewed for proportions and spatial relationships before digital approval
25. Named approver sign-off: Single named individual has given written approval (email confirmation); not "approved by the team" — one person, one decision
26. Pre-production sample requested: Physical sample ordered before committing to full production run