Artwork Guidelines

When ordering one of our specialty products or print finishes, it's crucial to set up your design files appropriately. Proper file setup for these print finishes can be complex and should ideally be handled by an experienced designer. If you prefer, you can request the Smart Levels Media Design Department to create your Spot UV design by using our Design Services.

Several products share the same setup process outlined below, including: Spot UV, Embossing, Debossing, and Foiling.

**Step 1: CMYK Files**  

Begin by following the guidelines for setting up regular CMYK files. Please note that some products (such as Premium Black) do not utilize the CMYK color mode - if you're ordering such a product, you can skip this step.  

Export a press-ready PDF file for both the front and back CMYK printing of the card, ensuring these files are named with "Front" and "Back" at the end (for the front and back respectively). Remember, these files should not include any details for the additional print design treatments.  

**Step 2: Define Separations**  

In this step, a black and white file for the separation needs to be created. This can be achieved in several ways using your design program - by setting new layers, defining a new artboard, or creating a separate file.  

The areas requiring treatment (such as spot UV, foil, emboss, etc.) must be indicated with black ink, while areas with no treatment should remain white. It's essential that the black used is CMYK Black only, free from grey shades or other inks.  

For the best outcome and ease of process, creating your design in vector format (such as Illustrator or InDesign) is highly recommended. While it's possible to use a pixel-based format (like Photoshop), it may complicate the process.

K100 Black  

CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 100  

**Step 3: Export Separation**  

Before proceeding, double-check the alignment of the separation with the original CMYK artwork created earlier.  

Export each separation as a press-ready PDF file, adhering to the following naming conventions:

- **Type**  

  **File Name**  

  Example:  

  Spot UV: UV123456-1_Front_UV.pdf  

  Embossing: EMBOSS123456-1_Front_EMBOSS.pdf  

  Debossing: DEBOSS123456-1_Front_DEBOSS.pdf  

  Foiling: FOIL_(color)123456-1_Front_FOIL_Gold.pdf

Each treatment requires its own separation file. For example, if you're setting up two orders for Spot UV, ensure you have a corresponding UV file for each order. When handling multiple jobs, maintain the same naming convention but adjust the job number as necessary (e.g., "123456-2_Front.pdf", "123456-2_Back.pdf").  

If you only require a treatment on one side of your card, provide the front file specifically for UV, EMBOSS, DEBOSS, or FOIL while ensuring the corresponding CMYK artwork is set up within the Front.pdf file.

**Example:**  

- 123456-1_Front.pdf (front design file)  

- 123456-1_Front_UV.pdf (front spot UV file)  

- 123456-1_Back.pdf (back design file)  

- 123456-1_Back_UV.pdf (back spot UV file)  

- 123456-2_Front.pdf (front design file)  

- 123456-2_Front_UV.pdf (front spot UV file)  

- 123456-2_Back.pdf (back file)  

- 123456-2_Back_UV.pdf (back spot UV file)

**Step 4: Compress Your Files**  

After preparing all the files for the front of one job, place them in a folder, then zip or stuff them to create a single compressed file. Repeat this process for the back files. Upload these compressed files for both the 'front' and 'back'. Each job number will have its dedicated files for the front and the back, with job 123456-1 having its own files uploaded for both sides, and job 123456-2 likewise.

**Step 5: Upload to Order**  

Make sure to upload all the files required for printing within your order.