Design Specifications - Custom Sleeves
Original Sleeve Templates
8 oz
10-20, 10-24, 12-24 oz
Premium Sleeve Template
10-24 oz
Original Sleeves are printed digitally, and have a restricted print area. Full bleed is NOT available for Original Sleeves. If you are looking for full ink coverage, check out our Premium Sleeves and request a quote.
Original Sleeve maximum print space:
10-20/10-24/12-24 oz: 4.1 x 1.9 in
8 oz: 3.7 x 1.9 in
Vector art with type turned to outlines is highly preferred. Our site accepts the following image file types: JPG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, PDF. Other file types must be compressed into a .ZIP file.
CMYK ink options offered. Neon, metallic, and white inks NOT available on Original Sleeves; however, these inks are available on our Premium Sleeves.
Premium Sleeves are printed flexographically. This means full bleed and wrap around designs can be achieved.
TEMPLATE INSTRUCTIONS: Open in Adobe Illustrator in CMYK color mode. Save artwork as .ai or .pdf. Place artwork in layer labeled ARTWORK.
Keep all important text and logos inside the safety zone, outlined in blue. Extend any background art to the bleed line, outlined in red. Purple outline is the trim line. Avoid placing important graphics over the fold line.
GRAPHICS: All logos and artwork must be vector. Any linked graphics must be embedded. If your design includes any raster art (photos, photoshop art), it must be at least 300 ppi. Minimum stroke size: 0.5 pt positive, 1 pt reversed out.
TEXT: Package all fonts or turn type to outlines. Avoid using thin serifs, delicate script, or ornate typefaces for reversed out text at small sizes. Minimum size: 4 pt positive, 6 pt reversed out. Avoid reversed out type across multiple colors.
COLOR CONSIDERATIONS: Each color is printed with its own photopolymer plate on a flexographic press.
6 colors maximum for spot color artwork. Create Spot Color swatches and name as PMS number. If Pantone colors are not known, we will select the nearest match. Raster images or artwork with more than 6 spot colors may be printed in process color (CMYK).
Color on screen may differ from printed result. Consult Pantone’s Solid Coated or Uncoated book for accurate color. The paper stock and finish selected will affect the printed appearance. Gloss finish is available on white paper stock only.
Because inks are translucent, they will print darker on kraft paper and will not appear opaque. An opaque appearance on kraft can be achieved by underprinting white, which requires an additional plate.
Photographic elements typically require process color. Spot colors may be used in addition to process color, as long as the maximum number of colors does not exceed six.
INKS: All standard inks are water-based. This printing method supports white, metallic, and fluorescent inks. Specialty inks and premium colors require custom pricing (i.e. metallic, neon, UV inks). Metallic inks require a gloss finish and are not recommended on kraft.
ADDITIONAL INFO: Each plate prints 4 sleeves at a time, so up to 4 designs can be printed per order (alternating throughout the order). A 17% arc will be applied in pre-press to accommodate the shape of the sleeve. Some distortion may occur, but is corrected once placed on a cup. Sleeve a Message byline and patent number are required on all sleeves, but placement may be altered as needed.
If artwork is not available or does not meet printing requirements, Design Services are available for $50/hr prorated to the half hour. Some artwork may not be suited to flexographic print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if your artwork doesn't adhere to the specifications?
Our in house staff of designers can help perfect your branding or can create something completely new. These design services are billed at $50/hour, prorated to the half hour.
What if I'm not sure if it meets the specifications?
If there’s an issue with your artwork – such as the design running outside of the bleed zone or the resolution being too low to produce a quality print – we’ll let you know before we begin printing your order. Should that be the case, you can either have your designer make the necessary changes to meet the above specifications or we can do it for you for an additional design fee ($50/hour, prorated to the half hour).
Tips and information for sleeve designs
Lighter colors do not print well on our Kraft Corrugated or Kraft Embossed Original Sleeves. If your artwork contains light colors, like yellow, tan, beige, etc, it will print best on our White Corrugated or White Embossed Original sleeves. Don't worry, though, we will always send you a test print photo for approval before printing your order.