Artwork Guidelines


Pantone Process Guide should be used for all color references unless otherwise specified. ALL art should indicate PMS color match.

Formats – Macintosh formatting is preferred. Macs are able to read IBM compatible files. However, these files must be created in one of the programs listed below. Luminer remains up-to-date with the latest versions of each program.

Primary Programs - Illustrator (preferred program), QuarkXpress, Photoshop.

Program Conversions – Corel files should be saved as .eps files with text converted to outlines, so that Illustrator will be able to read these files. Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel and PageMaker files are not acceptable graphics formats. For customers unsure as to their graphics format, please contact the Graphics and Prepress Department for technical support.

Proofs – Please supply PDF files or color printouts along with electronic artwork. This is to ensure that text does not reflow and that the artwork is complete. Proofs are supplied via email in PDF format at no additional charge. These proofs are NOT for color matching but for layout and content. Each monitor displays color differently. Hardcopy contract proofs and comps are available at an additional charge.

File Transfer – Files may be emailed to the Art Department or uploaded to our ftp site. Please call for information on uploading files.

Linked Items – All linked, placed or embedded artwork must be supplied as a separate file in its’ native format with Layers. This is required for Prepress purposes.

Fonts – Please supply fonts for all submitted artwork. Please do not create fonts and embed in Photoshop. This will cause fonts to look bitmapped. When possible convert fonts to paths.

Colors – For Digital Printing, CMYK is utilized therefore all colors must be supplied in CMYK format. Digital Printing is NOT able to utilize metallic, pastel or fluorescent colors. Please supply target Pantone colors for any spot colors (non-process). If your label requires a special match this must be supplied with initial files. We will make every effort to match these colors. Additional charges may be incurred for special color matching. Differences in material and inks will result in variances of color.

Die Tolerance – Please allow at least 1/16” (0.0625"/1.5875mm) of non-print area around each inside edge of the label for movement of the die on press. Artwork elements, which extend to the edge of the label, should bleed an additional 1/16” past the die line.

Proofing Options – Luminer offers three types of proofing options: Barcodes – Luminer has the capabilities to create barcodes. The barcode number will need to be supplied before proofs can be created. Barcodes are created here using Barcode Producer. The following standards should be used as a guideline to guarantee that the barcode will scan properly and pass all Quality Control testing. Line Screen – 150 LPI for flexographic printing
     All screening in the artwork should not drop below 2% on continuous tone images (i.e. gradients, vignettes and images). If the screening is below 2% then hard lines and/or “plugging” will occur when printed which will become noticeable on the printed labels throughout the production run.

Trapping – Luminer prefers to set all trapping and do all color separations in house to keep with the standards set between Prepress, Quality Control, and Production. It is not recommended to utilize reverse text when the background of that text is more than a single color. Outlining the text in black or one of the dominating background colors can be a viable option.

Graphic Parameters – The following graphic parameters are suggested guidelines that will quicken the production of your order and prevent a need for additional work (and added charges). Each order is treated individually, and we are happy to customize artwork requests whenever possible.