Artwork File Checklist for Cardboard Displays: AI, PDF, Dieline, Bleed, CMYK & Pantone
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Table of Contents
Preparing artwork for a cardboard display is not the same as preparing artwork for a poster, flyer, label, or flat packaging file.
A cardboard display is a three-dimensional retail structure. The artwork must match the final dieline, follow the correct panel direction, allow for cutting and folding tolerance, include enough bleed, protect important text inside the safe zone, and communicate color, barcode, QR code, and finish requirements clearly before sampling or production begins.
For many cardboard display projects, delays are not caused by production capacity. They happen because the artwork file is not ready for production.
Common problems include outdated dielines, missing bleed, RGB color setup, low-resolution images, missing fonts, unclear Pantone references, misplaced barcodes, hidden glue areas, and multiple “final” versions circulating between the brand, agency, buyer, and manufacturer.
This checklist is written for brands, advertising agencies, packaging designers, retail buyers, and procurement teams preparing artwork files for custom cardboard displays.
Use it before sending AI or PDF files to your cardboard display manufacturer for sampling or mass production.
Why Artwork File Preparation Matters Before Sampling or Production
Artwork preparation is one of the most important handoff steps in a custom cardboard display project.
By the time artwork is submitted, many key decisions may already be locked in: display type, structure, product layout, shelf or hook position, printing method, surface finish, sample deadline, production timeline, retail approval process, and store launch date.
If the artwork file is incomplete or technically incorrect, the project may need extra checking, correction, proofing, or redesign before the supplier can move forward.
Artwork mistakes can delay samples, approvals, and retail launch
A cardboard display artwork file is not only a visual file. It is also a production communication file.
If the file is not prepared correctly, problems can appear at several stages:
| Stage | Possible Artwork Issue | Possible Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling | Missing bleed, wrong dieline, low-resolution images | Sample correction or remake |
| Printing | RGB colors, unclear Pantone instructions, missing fonts | Color shift, wrong text, poor visual result |
| Die-cutting | Artwork too close to cut or crease lines | Text or logos may be trimmed, folded, or hidden |
| Assembly | Panel direction not checked after folding | Graphics may appear upside down or misaligned |
| Retail approval | Barcode, QR code, legal text, or retailer information not confirmed | Approval delay or file revision |
A small file issue can create several rounds of communication between the buyer, agency, brand team, and factory. In a tight retail launch schedule, those extra days matter.
A good-looking design file is not always production-ready
A file may look perfect on screen, but that does not mean it is ready for printing, die-cutting, folding, assembly, packing, and in-store display.
A production-ready cardboard display artwork file should answer practical questions such as:
- Is the artwork placed on the latest approved dieline?
- Are cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, and bleed areas clearly separated?
- Are backgrounds extended beyond the cut line?
- Are logos, claims, barcodes, QR codes, and legal text inside the safe zone?
- Are all images high resolution at final print size?
- Are fonts outlined or packaged?
- Are colors prepared in CMYK, with Pantone references where required?
- Are special finishes marked in separate layers?
- Has the correct version been approved by the brand, agency, buyer, and supplier?
When these details are unclear, the manufacturer has to pause the project and request clarification.
This checklist is useful for agencies, brand teams, and procurement
This checklist is not only for graphic designers.
It can also help:
- Advertising agencies prepare files correctly before handing them to the manufacturer.
- Brand managers confirm that the artwork follows approved brand guidelines.
- Retail buyers reduce approval risks before sampling or production.
- Procurement teams understand what suppliers mean when they request “production-ready artwork.”
- Project managers control version history, approvals, and launch timing.
A clean artwork handoff helps every team work from the same production-ready file.
Quick Checklist: What to Send to a Cardboard Display Manufacturer
A supplier usually needs more than one preview image to review a cardboard display artwork file properly.
A complete artwork package should include editable files, reference files, linked assets, brand information, technical notes, and approval details.
Editable AI file or production-ready PDF
For most custom cardboard display projects, an editable AI file is highly useful because it allows the prepress team to check layers, fonts, images, dieline position, bleed, safe zone, and special finish instructions.
A production-ready PDF is also important because it gives all parties a stable visual reference. It helps the buyer, agency, and manufacturer confirm what the final artwork should look like.
The safest approach is to send both.
| File Type | Main Use | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AI file | Editable production artwork | Keep dieline, artwork, bleed, safe zone, and special finishes on separate layers |
| PDF file | Visual confirmation and production reference | Make sure it matches the editable file exactly |
| JPG/PNG preview | Quick communication and email review | Useful for discussion, but not enough for production |
| Packaged folder | Complete asset handoff | Include linked images, fonts if not outlined, and supporting brand files |
Avoid sending only JPG, PNG, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Canva screenshots, or low-resolution mockups as final production artwork. These files can explain the concept, but they rarely contain the technical information needed for print production.
Latest approved dieline version
The artwork should be placed only on the latest approved dieline.
This matters because the dieline defines the physical structure of the display: where the board will be cut, creased, folded, glued, locked, and assembled.
Before placing final artwork, confirm:
- The display type is final.
- The overall size is final.
- The product layout is final.
- The shelf, hook, tray, pocket, or divider position is final.
- The header and side panel shape are final.
- The glue areas and locking tabs are final.
- The structural sample or white sample has been approved, if required.
- The dieline version number matches the supplier’s latest file.
If artwork is placed on an outdated dieline, even a strong design can become unusable in production.
Linked or embedded high-resolution images
Product photos, background images, lifestyle images, renderings, textures, and campaign visuals should be included correctly.
In design files, images may be linked or embedded.
| Image Method | Advantage | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Linked image | Keeps the AI file smaller and easier to update | Image may be missing if the linked file is not sent |
| Embedded image | Keeps the image inside the file | File size becomes larger |
| Packaged folder | Keeps original linked images together | Must be checked before sending |
For final production handoff, either embed the images or package all linked files in a complete folder.
Before sending the artwork, open the links panel and check that no image is missing. If possible, test the file on another computer to confirm that all images display correctly.
Brand assets, logo files, and color references
Brand assets should be supplied clearly, especially for retail display programs where brand consistency matters.
Prepare:
- Vector logo files, such as AI, EPS, SVG, or vector PDF
- Brand guidelines
- Approved product images
- Approved campaign visuals
- CMYK references, if available
- Pantone references, if brand colors are important
- Previous printed samples or approved color references, if available
- Retailer-required graphic elements, labels, or layout rules
Vector logos are strongly preferred for headers, side panels, shelf lips, and other large visible areas because they can be scaled without losing sharpness.
Avoid using logos copied from websites, email signatures, low-resolution PNG files, or screenshots.
Barcode, QR code, legal text, and retailer-required information
If the display includes barcodes, QR codes, legal text, product claims, warnings, multilingual content, item codes, price areas, recycling marks, or retailer-specific information, these elements should be approved before final artwork submission.
Check:
- Barcode number
- Barcode size
- Barcode position
- QR code destination link
- QR code scanability
- Legal wording
- Language version
- Retailer-required information
- Promotional claims
- Final approver
Your supplier can help check production risks such as barcode placement, contrast, folding position, and print clarity. The brand, retailer, or legal team should confirm the barcode data, QR link, compliance wording, and claim accuracy.
Check the Dieline Before Placing Final Artwork
The dieline is the foundation of cardboard display artwork.
For a flat printed item, the artwork mainly needs to fit a page. For a cardboard display, the artwork must fit a structure that will be cut, creased, folded, locked, glued, assembled, packed, shipped, and used in a retail environment.
Confirm the dieline matches the final approved structure
Before final artwork placement, confirm that the dieline reflects the final display structure.
Check these structural details:
- Display type: counter display, floor display, pallet display, sidekick, dump bin, hook display, shelf display, or other format
- Overall dimensions
- Header size and shape
- Shelf, tray, or divider position
- Hook hole or accessory position
- Side panel shape
- Front lip or product retaining area
- Product window or cutout
- Assembly tabs and locking points
- Glue areas
- Crease and fold lines
- Base structure and anti-tip logic
- Packing method, if relevant
If any structural detail is still under discussion, final artwork placement may be premature.
Do not resize, rotate, flatten, or redraw the supplier’s dieline
This is one of the most important artwork rules for cardboard display projects.
Do not modify the supplier’s dieline unless the supplier has specifically asked you to do so.
Avoid:
- Resizing the dieline
- Rotating the dieline
- Moving cut lines
- Changing crease line positions
- Flattening technical layers into the artwork
- Redrawing the dieline manually
- Deleting glue areas, tabs, or structural marks
- Placing artwork on a screenshot of the dieline
These changes can create several risks.
| Risk | What Can Happen |
|---|---|
| Size accuracy is lost | Cut and fold positions may no longer match the actual structure |
| Reference position shifts | Artwork may no longer align with the production die |
| Technical line meaning is lost | Cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, and perforation lines may become unclear |
| Assembly logic is affected | Panels may not fold, lock, or align correctly |
| Production review takes longer | Supplier must clarify whether the dieline was changed intentionally |
The safer workflow is simple: lock the dieline layer, keep it separate from the artwork, and design around the confirmed structure.
If the dieline needs to change, ask the manufacturer to revise the structure and send an updated dieline.
Keep cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, and perforation lines clear
A dieline may include several types of technical instructions. These must remain clear in the file.
| Technical Element | What It Means | Artwork Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Cut line | Where the board will be cut | Background graphics need bleed beyond this line |
| Crease / fold line | Where the board will fold | Text and logos should not sit too close |
| Glue area | Where panels will be glued | Important graphics may be hidden |
| Perforation line | Where tearing or bending may happen | Fine graphics may break visually |
| Slot or tab | Assembly locking point | Artwork may be interrupted |
| Safe zone | Recommended area for important content | Key information should stay inside |
The goal is not just a tidy file. The prepress, printing, die-cutting, and assembly teams need to understand the file correctly.
Ask for a supplier template if no final dieline exists
If you do not have a final dieline, do not build final artwork on a generic template downloaded from the internet.
Every cardboard display structure depends on product size, product weight, SKU count, retail placement, board grade, loading requirement, packing method, and store setup needs.
The better approach is to ask the manufacturer to create a project-specific dieline.
Prepare:
- Product dimensions
- Product weight
- Number of SKUs
- Quantity per display
- Target display type
- Retail environment
- Campaign duration
- Packing and shipping requirements
- Retailer requirements, if any
- Target launch date
Once the structure is confirmed, the designer or agency can place final artwork on the approved dieline.
Set Up Layers Correctly in AI or PDF Files
Layer organization is one of the easiest ways to reduce artwork communication errors.
A messy file may still be usable, but it takes longer to check and creates more room for misunderstanding. A clean file helps the supplier review the artwork quickly and reduces the risk of missing important instructions.
Separate technical layers from artwork layers
Technical information and printable artwork should not be mixed together.
Recommended layers may include:
- Dieline / Cut
- Crease / Fold
- Bleed
- Safe Zone
- Glue Area
- Artwork
- Logo
- Product Images
- Text
- Barcode / QR Code
- White Ink
- Spot UV
- Foil
- Embossing
- Varnish
- Notes / Non-printing Instructions
Not every project needs all these layers. A simple counter display may only need a few. A premium beauty display, multi-SKU floor display, or pallet display may need more detailed layer control.
Use clear layer names for prepress review
Avoid vague layer names such as:
- Layer 1
- Layer 2
- New
- Final
- Final 2
- Final final
- Do not touch
Use clear names such as:
NP_DIELINE_DO_NOT_PRINTNP_CUT_LINENP_CREASE_LINENP_BLEED_GUIDENP_SAFE_ZONEPRINT_ARTWORKPRODUCT_IMAGESVECTOR_LOGOBARCODEQR_CODESPOT_UVFOIL_AREACLIENT_NOTES
The prefix NP can mark non-printing layers. This helps the prepress team quickly distinguish reference layers from final printed artwork.
Mark non-printing layers clearly
Dielines, fold lines, bleed guides, safe zone guides, and production notes are usually for reference. They should not appear on the final printed surface.
Depending on the supplier’s workflow, these layers may be:
- Set as non-printing layers
- Marked clearly as reference only
- Kept in a separate proof file
- Shown in a technical review PDF
- Supplied as a separate dieline file
The key requirement is clarity. The supplier should immediately know which layers are printable and which layers are technical references.
Before sending files, check that no artwork element is accidentally covering the dieline or hiding important technical instructions.
Bleed, Safe Zone, and Panel Orientation Checklist
Bleed and safe zone are small details, but they have a major impact on the finished display.
Cardboard display production involves printing, mounting, die-cutting, creasing, folding, assembly, and packing. Slight tolerance is normal. The artwork should be prepared to absorb this tolerance without damaging the visible design.
Extend background graphics beyond the cut line
Bleed means extending background colors, images, or patterns beyond the final cut line.
Without bleed, small cutting movement may create white edges on the finished display.
Check:
- Background images extend beyond the cut line.
- Solid color backgrounds extend into the bleed area.
- Patterns continue beyond the final trim.
- Bleed is applied consistently across all panels.
- The supplier’s required bleed value is followed.
For many print projects, 3 mm bleed is a common starting point. Cardboard displays may require different bleed depending on material, printing method, mounting method, die-cutting tolerance, and supplier workflow. Follow the supplier’s dieline template.
Do not place important content in the bleed area. Bleed is a production safety margin, not a visible design area.
Keep important text and logos inside the safe zone
The safe zone protects important content from being too close to cut lines, crease lines, glue areas, and assembly edges.
Keep these elements safely inside the visible area:
- Logos
- Product names
- Brand claims
- Promotional messages
- Legal text
- Barcodes
- QR codes
- Icons
- Price areas
- Retailer-required information
This is especially important for cardboard displays because panels may fold, overlap, lock, or hide part of the surface after assembly.
A message that looks safe on a flat dieline may sit too close to an edge once the display is folded.
Check panel direction after folding and assembly
Panel orientation is one of the easiest details to miss.
A graphic may look correct on the flat dieline, but appear upside down or sideways after folding. This is especially common on side panels, inner trays, shelf lips, dump bins, bases, headers, and multi-sided displays.
Before submitting artwork, check:
- Which panels face the customer?
- Which panels face left or right after assembly?
- Which panels are hidden inside the structure?
- Which panels fold upward, downward, inward, or outward?
- Are side graphics facing the correct direction?
- Are repeated logos consistent across panels?
- Are product messages visible from the intended shopping angle?
- Are graphics that cross multiple panels still aligned after folding?
For complex displays, ask the supplier to confirm panel orientation before final artwork approval. A simple printed paper mockup can also help designers check direction before submission.
Avoid placing key graphics across folds, slots, or glue areas
A cardboard display is not a flat poster. Some areas will fold, lock, overlap, or disappear after assembly.
Avoid placing important content across:
- Fold lines
- Slot areas
- Glue areas
- Lock tabs
- Hook holes
- Product openings
- Shelf edges
- Perforation lines
- Carton label areas
Background graphics may cross these areas if designed carefully, but important text, barcodes, QR codes, logos, and legal content should be protected.
Color Setup Checklist: CMYK, Pantone, and Print Expectations
Color is one of the most sensitive parts of retail display production.
A cardboard display is often used in a store environment where brand color, product visibility, and campaign consistency matter. Color can still shift because of file setup, printing method, substrate, coating, lamination, lighting, and production tolerance.
Convert RGB artwork to CMYK before submission
RGB is mainly used for screens. CMYK is used for standard full-color printing.
If artwork is created in RGB and later converted to CMYK, some bright colors may shift. This is especially noticeable with vivid blue, green, orange, purple, and neon-like colors.
Before submission, check:
- The artwork is set up in CMYK.
- Images are converted to CMYK.
- Important brand colors are reviewed after conversion.
- Black text and rich black areas are set correctly.
- The PDF proof matches the editable file.
If your campaign was originally designed for digital media, do not assume the same colors will print exactly the same on cardboard display materials.
Use Pantone references carefully for brand colors
Pantone references are useful when brand color accuracy is important. They help the brand, agency, and supplier communicate color expectations more clearly.
However, Pantone should be handled carefully.
Do not assume that every Pantone reference will automatically be printed as a separate spot color. Depending on printing method, order quantity, cost target, substrate, and production setup, the color may be printed as a spot color, converted to CMYK, or managed through another workflow.
When using Pantone, clarify:
- Which elements require Pantone matching?
- Is Pantone required as a spot color or only as a reference?
- Will the project use offset printing, digital printing, flexo, or another method?
- Is a printed color proof needed?
- Are there previous approved samples?
- Is slight color variation acceptable?
The same Pantone reference may appear different on coated paper, uncoated paper, laminated surfaces, kraft board, or corrugated board. Material and surface finish matter.
Do not rely only on screen color
Screen color is not a final production standard.
A file may look different on a laptop, phone, designer monitor, supplier monitor, or printed proof. Brightness, monitor calibration, lighting conditions, paper surface, ink behavior, and coating can all affect color perception.
Use digital proofs for layout confirmation. Use printed samples or color proofs when brand color is critical.
Confirm surface finish before final color approval
Surface treatment can change the way colors look.
| Surface Finish | Possible Visual Effect |
|---|---|
| Matte lamination | Softer, less reflective, may reduce perceived brightness |
| Gloss lamination | Brighter, more reflective, may make colors appear more vivid |
| Aqueous coating | Practical protection with less visual change |
| Uncoated/kraft surface | More natural, may mute colors |
| Spot UV | Adds contrast between glossy and matte areas |
If color appearance is important, confirm surface finish before final approval.
Image, Font, and Vector Artwork Checklist
Many artwork problems come from images, fonts, and linked files.
These issues may not be obvious in a preview image, but they become serious when the supplier opens the editable production file.
Use high-resolution images at final print size
Images should be high enough resolution for the final printed size.
A product photo taken from a website may look acceptable on screen, but it may become blurry or pixelated when enlarged on a header, side panel, or floor display graphic.
Check:
- Product images are high resolution.
- Lifestyle images are high resolution.
- Background images are high resolution.
- Images are not stretched beyond their usable size.
- Placeholder images are removed.
- Final images are linked, embedded, or packaged correctly.
- Image color mode matches production requirements.
As a general practice, 300 dpi at final print size is often requested for high-quality print. Final requirements should still be confirmed with the supplier because display size, viewing distance, substrate, and printing method can affect the practical standard.
Do not simply increase the DPI number in software and assume the image has improved. If the original image lacks detail, changing the DPI setting will not create real image quality.
Outline fonts or package font files
Missing fonts can cause unexpected changes.
If the supplier does not have the font used in the artwork, the software may replace it with another font. This can affect line breaks, spacing, language characters, legal text, and overall layout.
Before sending files:
- Outline fonts when the text is final.
- Package font files if editing may still be needed.
- Keep an editable backup before outlining.
- Check multilingual text carefully.
- Send a PDF proof for visual comparison.
For legal text, product claims, ingredients, warnings, and retailer-required information, font changes can create approval problems.
Use vector artwork for logos, icons, and small text where possible
Logos, icons, certification marks, and small graphic elements should ideally be vector files.
Vector artwork can scale cleanly without losing quality. Low-resolution JPG or PNG logos may become blurry, especially on large headers, side panels, or high-visibility retail surfaces.
Prepare:
- AI logo files
- EPS logo files
- SVG files if available
- Vector PDF files
- Vector icons
- Approved brand marks
Avoid copying logos from websites, screenshots, presentations, or email signatures.
Embed or package all linked files
If your AI file uses linked images, make sure the links are included in the folder.
A missing link may cause the image to disappear or display at low resolution when the file is opened by the supplier.
Before sending:
- Use the package function if available.
- Check the links panel.
- Remove unused links.
- Include final high-resolution images.
- Send a PDF proof to show the intended result.
- Compress the complete folder before sharing.
If the file opens with missing link warnings, it is not ready for production review.
Barcode, QR Code, Claims, and Legal Text Checklist
Retail display artwork often includes more than brand graphics.
It may also include barcodes, QR codes, promotional claims, safety warnings, product information, retailer labels, recycling marks, and multilingual content. These details should not be treated as decoration. They may affect scanning, compliance, approval, or in-store execution.
Confirm barcode size, position, and scanability
If a barcode is printed on the display, confirm that it is large enough, clear enough, and placed on a suitable flat area.
Avoid placing barcodes:
- Across a fold line
- On a curved or unstable surface
- Too close to a cut edge
- On a heavily textured background
- Near glue areas
- Near slots or locking tabs
- In a position that may be covered by product
- On an area that may be damaged during assembly or transport
The brand or retailer should confirm the barcode number and usage. The supplier can help check print position and production risk, but the barcode data itself should come from the approved source.
Check QR code contrast and quiet zone
QR codes need enough contrast and clear surrounding space.
Before submission, check:
- The QR code links to the correct page.
- The final printed size is suitable for the viewing distance.
- The background does not reduce contrast.
- There is enough clear space around the code.
- The code is not placed across folds, cuts, slots, or glue areas.
- The code can be scanned from a printed proof or sample.
Always test QR codes before final approval. Testing only the digital file is not enough if the final printed size, paper texture, coating, or display position may affect scanability.
Approve legal text before final artwork submission
Legal text should be approved before the artwork is sent for production review.
This may include:
- Safety warnings
- Product claims
- Ingredient statements
- Age restrictions
- Country-specific statements
- Promotional terms
- Multilingual content
- Retailer-required wording
- Recycling or sustainability marks
Late legal changes can cause artwork revisions, new approvals, sample delays, and production schedule pressure.
Keep retailer-required information visible and correctly placed
Some retailers have specific requirements for price areas, product codes, display labels, shelf placement, barcode location, recycling marks, or promotional message areas.
Confirm these requirements before artwork is finalized.
A supplier can help identify production risks, but the buyer, brand, or retailer should provide the approved retail requirements.
Special Finishes and Surface Treatment Instructions
If your cardboard display includes special finishes, those instructions must be easy to identify in the artwork file.
Do not rely only on verbal explanation or email notes. Special finishes should be marked clearly in the file.
Mark spot UV, foil, embossing, or varnish in separate layers
Special finishes may include:
- Spot UV
- Foil stamping
- Embossing
- Debossing
- White ink
- Varnish
- Matte lamination
- Gloss lamination
- Aqueous coating
Use separate layers for special finishes and name them clearly.
Examples:
SPOT_UV_LOGOGOLD_FOIL_AREAWHITE_INKEMBOSSING_AREAVARNISH_AREAMATTE_LAMINATION_NOTE
A separate marked PDF can also help the supplier understand the intended effect.
Confirm whether lamination or coating affects cost, timing, and recyclability
Surface treatment can improve appearance and durability, but it can also affect cost, lead time, material selection, and sustainability expectations.
Before choosing a finish, consider:
- Is the display short-term or long-term?
- Is the product category premium or price-sensitive?
- Will the display be handled frequently in store?
- Is moisture or abrasion resistance important?
- Does the brand have sustainability requirements?
- Will the finish affect recyclability or material separation?
- Does the finish work with other processes such as foil, spot UV, or embossing?
For many supermarket promotions, a practical coating may be enough. For premium beauty, fragrance, electronics, or luxury retail displays, special finishes may support stronger brand presentation.
Do not assume every finish is suitable for every display type
The best finish depends on the display purpose.
| Display Type | Practical Finish Consideration |
|---|---|
| Short-term promotion display | Cost, fast production, strong visual impact |
| Long-term floor display | Durability, abrasion resistance, stable appearance |
| Beauty or fragrance display | Premium texture, brand color, special finish control |
| Food or beverage display | Moisture resistance, shelf visibility, easy cleaning |
| Heavy product display | Structural strength first; finish should not interfere with folding or bonding |
Special finishes should support the project goal, not add unnecessary complexity.
Version Control: Avoid Sending the Wrong Final File
Version control is one of the most practical ways to avoid artwork mistakes.
Many cardboard display projects involve several teams: brand, agency, buyer, procurement, supplier, and sometimes the retailer. Without clear version control, the wrong artwork can easily be reviewed, approved, or sent to production.
Use a clear file naming system
Avoid vague names such as:
final.aifinal-new.aifinal-final.aiapproved-final.aiuse-this-one.ailast-version-really-final.ai
Use a structured file name instead.
Example:
Brand_Product_DisplayType_DielineV03_ArtworkV05_2026-05-07.ai
This file name tells the supplier:
- Brand
- Product or campaign
- Display type
- Dieline version
- Artwork version
- Date
Use a consistent date format such as YYYY-MM-DD so files sort clearly by time.
Keep dieline version and artwork version separate
The dieline version and artwork version are not the same thing.
A project may have:
- Dieline V03
- Artwork V01
- Artwork V02
- Artwork V03
- Artwork V04
- Artwork V05
If the structure changes, the artwork may need to be adjusted again. Keeping both version numbers visible helps reduce confusion.
A common mistake is using a new artwork version on an old dieline. Another mistake is approving a structure change but not updating the artwork file to match it.
Record who approved the final file
Before sending files for sampling or production, confirm:
- Who approved the artwork?
- Which version was approved?
- Was the dieline approved?
- Was the color reference approved?
- Were barcode and QR code approved?
- Was legal text approved?
- Was retailer information approved?
- Is the file approved for printed sample only or mass production?
A simple approval record can prevent misunderstandings later.
| Approval Item | Approved By | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dieline version | Brand / Supplier | ||
| Artwork version | Brand / Agency | ||
| Color reference | Brand | ||
| Barcode / QR code | Retailer / Brand | ||
| Legal text | Legal / Brand | ||
| Mass production approval | Buyer / Procurement |
Once a file is approved, lock the version and avoid further informal edits.
Common Artwork File Mistakes That Delay Cardboard Display Projects
The following issues are common in cardboard display projects. Most of them are preventable with a clear checklist.
| Mistake | Why It Matters | How to Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork placed on an old dieline | Print may not match the final structure | Confirm the latest dieline version before layout |
| Dieline resized or redrawn | Cut, fold, and assembly accuracy may be affected | Lock the supplier’s dieline and do not modify it |
| Missing bleed | Cutting tolerance may create white edges | Extend backgrounds beyond the cut line |
| Text too close to edges | Important information may be trimmed or hidden | Keep text inside the safe zone |
| Panel direction not checked | Graphics may appear upside down after folding | Review the assembled display orientation |
| RGB color setup | Printed colors may shift unexpectedly | Convert files to CMYK before submission |
| Unclear Pantone instructions | Brand colors may be interpreted differently | Mark Pantone references clearly and discuss proofing |
| Low-resolution images | Graphics may print blurry | Use high-resolution images at final print size |
| Fonts not outlined | Text may change or reflow | Outline fonts or package font files |
| Missing linked images | File may open with missing graphics | Package or embed all linked assets |
| Barcode on fold or glue area | Scanning may fail | Place barcode on a flat, visible area |
| QR code lacks contrast or clear space | Scanability may be reduced | Test QR code at printed size |
| Special finish not separated | Production team may misread the requirement | Use separate named layers |
| Wrong final version sent | Approved file may not be used | Use structured file names and approval records |
A professional artwork handoff should remove these risks before the supplier starts prepress review.
What If You Do Not Have a Final Dieline Yet?
Start with product and retail requirements
If you do not have a dieline yet, prepare the project information first.
Useful details include:
- Product dimensions
- Product weight
- Number of SKUs
- Quantity per display
- Target display type
- Expected display size
- Retail environment
- Loading requirements
- Campaign duration
- Packing method
- Destination market
- Retailer requirements
- Launch timeline
These details help the manufacturer develop a structure that works for production, shipping, assembly, and in-store use.
Ask the manufacturer to create a dieline based on the display structure
A cardboard display manufacturer can create a dieline based on the approved structure.
This is safer than asking a designer to guess the structure from a visual mockup.
A professional manufacturer will consider:
- Board grade
- Corrugated flute type
- Product loading
- Stability
- Fold and lock logic
- Glue areas
- Assembly sequence
- Flat packing or pre-assembly requirements
- Export carton protection
- Store setup convenience
Once the structure is confirmed, the agency or designer can place final artwork on the supplier’s dieline.
Approve structure before final artwork
For many projects, it is safer to approve the white sample or structural sample before final printed artwork.
If a structural issue is found after printing, the cost and delay can be much higher.
A practical workflow is:
- Confirm product and retail requirements.
- Develop display structure.
- Review 3D concept or structural drawing.
- Approve dieline.
- Place artwork.
- Review digital proof.
- Produce printed sample if needed.
- Approve before mass production.
This workflow reduces late-stage changes and keeps the project easier to control.
Practical Artwork Submission Checklist Before You Send Files
File format checklist
| Check Item | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Editable AI file included | |
| PDF proof included | |
| JPG or PNG preview included for quick reference | |
| Packaged folder includes all linked images | |
| Fonts are outlined or included | |
| File name shows brand, project, dieline version, artwork version, and date | |
| Obsolete versions are removed from the final folder | |
| Supplier-specific file requirements have been checked |
Dieline and layer checklist
| Check Item | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Artwork is placed on the latest approved dieline | |
| Dieline version is clearly marked | |
| Dieline has not been resized, rotated, flattened, or redrawn | |
| Cut lines are visible and separated | |
| Crease lines are visible and separated | |
| Glue areas are marked | |
| Bleed area is included | |
| Safe zone is visible or understood | |
| Non-printing layers are clearly marked | |
| Panel orientation has been checked after folding | |
| Important graphics do not cross folds, slots, or glue areas |
Color checklist
| Check Item | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Artwork is set up in CMYK | |
| RGB images have been converted | |
| Pantone references are clearly marked if needed | |
| Brand color expectations are explained | |
| Surface finish has been confirmed | |
| Color proof or printed sample requirement has been discussed | |
| Previous approved color sample is provided if available |
Image and font checklist
| Check Item | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Images are high resolution at final print size | |
| Product images are final | |
| Logos are vector files where possible | |
| Fonts are outlined or packaged | |
| Editable backup file has been saved before outlining fonts | |
| Multilingual text has been checked | |
| Legal text has been approved | |
| All linked images are embedded or packaged |
Barcode, QR code, and approval checklist
| Check Item | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Barcode number is correct | |
| Barcode size and position are approved | |
| Barcode is not placed on fold, slot, glue area, or unstable surface | |
| QR code links to the correct page | |
| QR code has enough contrast and clear space | |
| QR code has been tested at printed size | |
| Retailer-required information is included | |
| Promotional claims are approved | |
| Final artwork approver is recorded | |
| File is approved for sampling or mass production |
How Topwell Display Reviews Artwork Files Before Sampling or Production
At Topwell Display, artwork review is part of the preparation process for custom cardboard displays.
Our team checks whether the artwork file can move safely toward sampling or production. This includes reviewing the file format, dieline version, layer setup, bleed, safe zone, color mode, image quality, barcode position, QR code placement, special finish instructions, and possible production risks.
The goal is not simply to print the file. The goal is to help the final display work in a real retail environment.
We check artwork against the final structure
Because cardboard displays are three-dimensional structures, artwork should always be reviewed together with the dieline.
Our team checks whether the artwork matches the approved display structure, including visible panels, fold areas, header position, shelf layout, hook position, product openings, glue areas, assembly tabs, and base structure.
We help identify risks before they become delays
Common issues such as missing bleed, low-resolution images, unclear Pantone instructions, wrong dieline versions, unsafe barcode placement, missing links, or unmarked special finish layers can often be found before sampling.
Finding these issues early helps reduce rework, approval delays, and unnecessary production risk.
We can support projects with or without finished dielines
If you already have final artwork and a dieline, we can review the file before sampling.
If you do not yet have a dieline, we can help develop one based on your product size, product weight, display type, retail placement, packing requirements, and campaign timeline.
FAQ
Should I send AI or PDF files for cardboard display artwork?
For most custom cardboard display projects, it is best to send an editable AI file and a PDF proof. The AI file allows the supplier to check layers, dieline position, fonts, images, bleed, color setup, and special finishes. The PDF helps confirm the intended visual result.
Can I send a JPG or PNG as final artwork?
A JPG or PNG can be useful as a preview, but it is usually not enough for production. These formats are not ideal for checking layers, fonts, dielines, bleed, vector logos, linked images, or special finish instructions.
Do I need a dieline before designing the artwork?
Yes. Final artwork should be placed on the approved dieline. If the structure is not final, the artwork may need to be rebuilt later. If you do not have a dieline, ask the manufacturer to create one based on the final display structure.
How much bleed is needed for cardboard display printing?
Bleed requirements may vary depending on the supplier, printing method, board material, mounting process, and die-cutting tolerance. Always follow the supplier’s dieline template and artwork instructions.
Should cardboard display artwork be CMYK or RGB?
Final print artwork should normally be prepared in CMYK. RGB is mainly for screens and may shift when converted for printing. If the artwork was created for digital use first, check the color carefully after CMYK conversion.
Planning a Custom Cardboard Display Project?
Send us your product dimensions, unit weight, target quantity, retail channel, and reference images. Our team can help review the structure, sampling plan, packing method, and production requirements before quotation.
Contact Us Today
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- info@topwelldisplay.com
- +86 18100275019
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