What are the art requirements for your fully customized reusable bags?

When your reusable bag project necessitates full color, full bleed customized reusable bags, this is what you need to know about your artwork.

The following information pertains ONLY to our fully customized reusable bags. These bags have a minimum order of 3000 bags and 90-day lead time. If you’re looking for artwork requirements for  our stock custom reusable bags, click here.

Acceptable File Formats for Customized Reusable Bags

Adobe Illustrator

• File color mode must be in CMYK and any placed images in the file must also be CMYK
• All linked images must be sent with the Illustrator file
• Provide layered Photoshop files for any linked images (if available)
• Linked images must be at least 300 dpi resolution at the finished print size
• All fonts must be converted to outlines
• If any colors require a specific PMS/Pantone match, set up with a separate layer for each spot color

Photoshop

• File color mode must be CMYK
• Do not flatten artwork files! Layered Photoshop files are strongly recommended
• Minimum 300 dpi resolution at the finish print size
• All fonts must be rasterized
• If any colors require a specific PMS/Pantone match, set up with a separate layer for each spot color

PDF Files

• PDFs from Microsoft applications are not accepted
• File color mode must be in CMYK and any placed images in the file must also be CMYK
• All linked images must be sent with the PDF file
• Provide layered Photoshop files for any linked images (if available)
• Linked images must be at least 300 dpi resolution at the finished print size
• All fonts must be converted to outlines
• If any colors require a specific PMS/Pantone match, set up with a separate layer for each spot color
• When creating PDF file, choose Acrobat default Press Quality settings (with at least 300 dpi)

Layout Requirements for Customized Reusable Bags

Once you’ve determined your bag size and style, we can provide you with a template for setting up the design. Note that there are different templates for ‘round corners’ and ‘square corners’:

A few notes about setting up your art:

Piping Allowance: The piping is 1/4” – 3/8” depending on the material. Critical elements should be given 1/2”-3/4” allowance to avoid being covered by piping.

Hem Allowance: Extend full-bleed image 1-1/4” past the top edge of bag, to fold over on the inside

Stitch Zone Warning: There will be stitching to secure the handles and a row of hem stitching approximately 1-1/2” from the top of the bag as noted on the template. Placement of hem stitching varies, but typically falls around 1-1/4” from the top.

Placement of Handles: Varies, but typically placed at 1/4” of the bag width from the edge of the bag on each side. Do not place critical images in this area

The images below show mocked up versions of the templates (click to enlarge):

 Color Accuracy for Customized Reusable Bags

• The final printed color is determined by the artwork file(s) submitted.  Because most computer monitors display colors inaccurately, the final printed color may vary from its on-screen appearance
• If a specific color needs to be matched, a Pantone ink color number must be specified, and an extra plate made (additional charges apply)
• If overall color needs to be matched, you must provide a color-correct print for the production facility along with the artwork and order.  International shipping charges will be added to cover the cost of forwarding the color correct print to the facility

 Proofs for Customized Reusable Bags

• A virtual (digital) sample is provided free of charge
• A physical pre-production sample can be ordered for $299 (add 2-3 weeks to total production time)
• Sample bags are available on request to confirm the quality of the material and printing. Samples are random and may not reflect the specific bag size you are ordering

 Plate Charges for Customized Reusable Bags

• 4-color print process requires 5 plates: CMYK + white
• The maximum number of colors (and plates) is 7
• Spot color inks also may be required for color matching, for large solid areas of color, or for small colored text.  Each additional spot color requires a separate plate
• The number of plates needed cannot be determined until the final artwork is submitted and reviewed