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RGB stands for red, green, and blue, the three primary colors of light, and is the color mode used by devices that use light, such as computers and smartphones.
CYMK is the four ink color modes used when printing in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
RGB is a color combination based on the principle that light gets brighter as you add it together, while CMYK is the logic behind actual ink colors that get darker as you add them together.
Please note that if you print out a file that has been worked on using RGB colors, the colors you see on the screen may be completely different from the colors you see on the hard copy.
CYMK especially will also appear darker and darker in print than on monitor.
CMYK? Spot Printing?
The color scheme used for printing is blue, magenta, yellow, and black.
If your package design is colorful, then we recommend getting CMYK printing over spot colors.
This is because the colors will print harmoniously and will be less expensive than spot colors.
Spot Color Printing
CMYK combinations cannot represent all colors, and that's where spot colors come in.
Spot colors make more sense when printing vibrant colors, or when filling a large area with a single color.
They are chosen from within the Pantone color chip.
Differences in Print Color Based on Paper Material
Kraft
The texture of the paper is somewhat visible. With an eco-friendly feel, Kraft is often produced in a clean package with a simple logo rather than fancy printing.
White Paper
While this paper prints with cleaner colors close to their original design, keep in mind that the actual package may still come out a little darker or richer than you think.
Coatings can make your package look more polished and professional.
Coatings reinforce the surface of the box, protecting it from scratches and making it water resistant.
Depending on whether the box is glossy or matte coated, the final produced color may vary slightly.
Matte Coating
One of the most popular post-processing options for packaging, a matte coating tones down the color of the package when printed to create a calming effect.
The matte coating is a clean look that works particularly well with minimalist designs, but it can also tie together colorful cases. We recommend it for products that are looking for a simple, high-end look.
Glossy Coating
This coating is often used on cosmetic cases and high-end packaging because it is brighter and sharper when printed, giving packages a shimmering look that reflects light and creates a more glamourous and attention-grabbing aesthetic.
This coating is used when colors need to be more vivid, but need to be well matched to the brand image or logo to create a stylish package.
Packative Diagram User Guide
Rename Layers
Rename the existing layer to [schematic]. Click the [+] button at the bottom of the layers panel to add a new layer and rename it to [design]. Place the [design] layer below the [schematic] layer and work on it.
Include Image
After importing the image into Illustrator, be sure to embed it. If you do not embed the image, it will remain linked to the user's computer, and the image will not be viewable on other computers.
Create Text Outlines
After completing your design work, be sure to back up the original file and convert all text to outlines (right-click and select "Create Outlines"). If the text is not outlined, the font may not appear correctly on other computers that do not have the same font installed.
After importing the image into Illustrator, be sure to embed it.
If the image is not embedded, it will remain in a 'linked' state and the file may not open correctly on other computers.
After completing your design work, be sure to back up the original file and convert all text to outlines.
This prevents the text from pixelating and ensures the fonts do not get corrupted.
Please save the working file as an Adobe Illustrator file.
In the options, make sure to check Create PDF Compatible File, Include Linked Files, Embed ICC Profiles, and Use Compression.
*If there are no linked files, you do not need to select the "Include Linked Files" option.
The [schematic] layer is intended to show where your design will be placed, so please add your design to the [design] layer according to the layout.
The [guide] layer contains design tips; please do not delete it even if you have already understood its content..
After finishing your work, ensure that all designs are within the [design] layer.
Make sure to check that the design is oriented correctly when the package is folded.
When designing on a flat layout, it's easy to assume that all sides are oriented in one direction.
This can lead to mistakes where some sides appear reversed when the box is assembled.
With the Packative Editor, you can use the 3D preview to check the design direction immediately. However, if you are working with an AI file, make sure to export the design file as an SVG. Then, upload it to the editor and use the 3D preview to verify the image orientation once again.
First, download the Pactive layout and use Illustrator to design the box.
Export the layout and design, and save them as an SVG file without using artboards.
Upload the design layout SVG file to the Pactive Editor, and align it to the center.
Once the layout is uploaded and centered, use the 3D preview to check if the design direction is correct.
Design Requirements
Vector format files are preferred over pixel graphics.
When working with pixel graphics, please use high-resolution images with at least 300dpi.
Lines should be at least 0.5pt thick to be printed visibly.
If you plan to use Pantone colors, please inquire in advance.
Additional costs may apply depending on the use and number of Pantone colors. For pricing details, please contact customer service.
To ensure clear print quality, it is recommended to use font sizes of at least 7pt.
"Creating outlines" helps prevent issues that may arise when opening the file.
Please "embed" any "linked" images and vector sources in the file.
To ensure safety, keep important elements at least 5mm away from the cutting lines and folding edges.
Please work with a 2mm bleed outside the cutting lines. This bleed helps prevent misalignment issues during printing.
Before creating outlines, make a backup file to ensure easy font modifications in the future.
Please send the Adobe Illustrator file for print work.
In the file options, select Create PDF Compatible File, Include Linked Files, Embed ICC Profiles, and Use Compression.
The maximum upload size for the work file is 50MB.
If the file exceeds 50MB, please contact customer service.