FAQs

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  • Designing your artwork FAQ

    • How do I use the online design tool?

      Once you have selected the product you want and the quantity you would like to order. Click the green "Create Now" button to launch the online designer

      Here you can then add your text and images before previewing your design.

      For further details see here

    • Can I download a PDF or AI template?

      Yes, The PDF template is available through the download version of our products, to access the upload version of a product you will find the "Upload Your Design" link under the "Artwork Design" tab which is located under the product Photo. From the upload version product page, when you click "create now" you will see a pop up window with the PDF download and further instructions

      Alternatively you can Contact Us and let us know which product template you would like and we will happily email you the AI or PDF templates

      When your design is ready you can upload your finished file through the "upload version" product page

    • I need help with creating my design?

      We appreciate that not all our customers are designers with the appropriate software or access to creative packaging designers.

      Our online packaging design tool makes packaging design as easy as possible but please feel free to ask if you require any help with this.

      Alternatively, if you wish to try your hand at designing off-line we can give you some tips on the common mistakes that are easily avoided.

      If you require further help in getting your design off the ground and know exactly what you want we have (non-creative) art workers that can help put your design into the correct format simply Contact Us for more information.

    • How do I place an order if I want to design the artwork myself?

      A PDF template is available through the download version of our products, to access the upload version of a product you will find the "Upload Your Design" link under the "Artwork Design" tab which is located under the product Photo. From the upload version product page, when you click "create now" you will see a pop up window with the PDF download and further instructions

      Alternatively you can Contact Us and let us know which product template you would like and we will happily email you the AI or PDF templates

      When your design is ready you can upload your finished file through the "upload version" product page

    • I would like a custom sized box can I design this online?

      For custom box sizes we offer a bespoke service, simply Contact Us - we are happy to help!

  • Using the online design tool FAQ

    • How to add my logo / image?

      Just click on the image block and upload your image.

      Use the slider to zoom into your image.

      And if you click you outside the image block you can resize and rotate the block

      Alternatively you can add a new image block from the menu on the left hand side

    • Is the resolution of my logo / image ok?

      Once you have uploaded your image you will see an icon appear on the tool-bar, this is the indicator for the image resolution:

      Green for good, Orange for OK and Red for low

      If it is Red you should find a higher resolution image

      Image resolution for a print ready design will need a resolution exceeding 200DPI, ideally over 300DPI. To find out an images DPI, right-click on the file name> Properties> Details. You will see the DPI in the image section labeled Horizontal Resolution and Vertical Resolution. If however you are enlarging the image the resolution will decrease.

    • Can I change the background of my image or colour?

      Yes this is straightforward. Just click the "Change Background" button on the Left-hand menu.

      You then need to upload and choose the relevant image. If you would like a solid background colour this needs to be created and uploaded as an image file.

    • What is a block / text block / title block / image block?

      The blocks are the editable fields for you to add your text and images to the design

      A title block is just for 1 line of text while a text block is for multiple lines of text.

    • Can I edit / remove the default text blocks?

      Yes just click on the block and a tools menu appears. From this you can delete the block by clicking the dustbin icon or edit it using the other tools

    • How can I resize a block?

      Just click outside the block and drag the square in the block corners

    • How does the Save/load functionality work?

      You need to be logged into the website. This lets you save a design for later.

    • Can I upload a PDF?

      Only image files can be uploaded into the online designer. If you have a complete PDF design you would like to upload. Get in contact and we can handle this offline.

    • Can I download a PDF proof for approval?

      A 3D and image preview proof are provided for you to check before approval. When you click the "preview" button.

      If you have any problems then just get in contact.

    • Can I download a template with the cutter guide and design the artwork myself?

      Yes of course. We provide an upload version for most our products, you can access it from the main product page by clicking the "artwork Design" tab under the product picture. Then click the"Upload version" link from the upload your design section.

      You will be re-directed to the upload version product page where if you click on the "Create Now" button you will receive the option to download the PDF cutter guide.

      To place your order, upload your finished artwork into the same link to see a 3D proof and proceed to checkout.

      Alternatively contact us and we will happily send you the PDF file in an email.

  • Proofing FAQ

    • What to check in your proof?

      When you design your artwork online you will have the options to view a live 3D mock-up proof and a 2D detailed proof. These should be checked to ensure all artwork is facing the right way up and that no elements of the artwork are cut off by glue areas etc. All content and copy should be checked for accuracy as this is a final proof.

    • Is the artwork checked before printing?

      Yes, we run a pre-flight check see below.

    • What is checked in your pre-flight check?

      This checks for common errors like low resolution images that if we detect we will make you aware of. But it is important to note that you need to check your artwork for spelling and contents as these will not be checked by this automated check.

    • Can I have a PDF proof for approval?

      This can be arranged if required yes. Just let us know once you have placed your order or beforehand if possible.

    • Is it possible to get a hard copy proof to approve?

      Yes the best way to get this is by first just ordering 1 copy

    • Can I proof special colours and finishes online?

      This need to be done offline at this time

  • Printing FAQ

    • What printing methods do you use?

      We have the ability to print using either Digital or Litho printing methods. We will use the most suitable printing method or the size of the product and the quantity ordered.

    • Do you print in full colour?

      Yes as standard we print in full colour using a four colour CMYK process where Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black is used to produced high quality full colour including printing of solid colours and vivid images.

      Using the same machine setup we can also print in black only. But if you are looking for a more custom printing specification you will need to get in contact with us first. See the options below

    • My artwork has white areas do you print using white ink?

      As standard we use white material so there is no need for using white ink for white areas. The white instead comes from the material white colour. This is fine even for type down to a font size of 6pt.

      If however you ask us to produce a bespoke job on a non white material. For example silver metallic board, brown Kraft board or another coloured board. If you would like white areas this will require a white print or matt white foil.

    • I would like to print in a specific pantone PMS colour is this possible?

      Yes this is possible. We have two methods available for printing in a pantone PMS colour, the first is using the colour breakdown within the CMYK printing method. The second method would be to use pantone ink, this will result in an exact match over multiple jobs. In addition to these we also have an in house mixing lab with the ability to mix a colour to match a colour of your choice, just as they do in the paint ads!.

    • What special printing specifications do you offer?

      We can offer bespoke printing specifications pantone PMS colours as mentioned above. If you are interested just get in contact we can also offer the following:

      1. UV cured inks- These are used to dry inks inline quickly with UV lamps. Used in digital and litho production. They result in more vivid colours particularly on un-coated stocks as the ink is dried on top of the substrate rather than being absorbed in, making them perfect for use on specialist materials like foil boards and un-coated stocks.

      2. Metallic inks - Give a metallic printed finish often in gold or silver also available available in a range of metallic pantone colours. it should be noted that as the ink is absorbed by the material the effect as metallic foiling. It is a much more subtle effect.

      3. Special Colours - We can formulate a custom colour bespoke to you. Our in house ink mixing team can mix the ink to match your requirements. Exactly like the paint ads!

      4. Fluorescent inks - These inks can give a unique fluorescent finish to your printed packaging.

    • Can you produce digital printed packaging / personalised printing?

      Yes, we have both digital and litho printing methods allowing us to offer digital printing when appropriate, typically for shorter runs and for jobs with multiple versions.

  • Turnaround / production times FAQ

    • What is your standard turnaround time?

      Our turnaround time can vary depending on the product, we aim to turn your order around for dispatch within 12 working days

      As a part of the service we provide we will pre-check your Artwork before printing, if we have any concerns we will contact you for further instruction. If we contact you regarding your artwork your order is on hold until we have your approval to proceed.

      As soon as your Artwork has been approved we will be able to advise on our target delivery date.

    • How long does delivery take?

      Our standard delivery includes delivery to one UK mainland address on a next day delivery service to be received anytime before 6pm. If you require delivery outside the UK or to the channel islands get in contact for us to arrange alternative arrangements.

      As an extra service we can offer same-day deliveries to London and timed deliveries just ask.

    • What are your working days?

      We count working days as Monday - Friday excluding UK bank holidays

      Our office hours are 9am-6pm Monday to Friday. Although Our factory frequently operates 24hr so if you do have a request get in touch and we will respond as soon as possible.

  • Delivery FAQ

    • What is your standard delivery service?

      Our standard delivery includes delivery to 1 UK address on a next day delivery service to be received anytime before 6pm. If you after delivery outside the UK or to the channel islands get in contact for us to arrange alternative arrangements.

      As an extra service we can offer same-day deliveries to London and timed deliveries just ask.

    • Is there an express option?

      Because we are based in the factory we can track and manage jobs easily through every stage of production. If you have an urgent deadline to meet get in touch as we may have the ability to expedite orders by raising their priority on the production line.

    • I haven't received my delivery?

      If you haven't received your delivery please contact us with your order number and we will investigate it for you.

  • Materials / Packaging board FAQ

    • What Packaging Boards do you use?

      The material we use for our packaging is chosen to ensure it is appropriate for the intended application. We offer the following materials where appropriate:

      1. Single side coated boards - 1 side of this folding box board is clay coated giving the ideal smooth surface for printing. The other side is un-coated and the fibers of the board can be seen which is normally left for the inside of the box. But this can also be printed on and will give an un-coated look and feel to the printed result.

      2. Double side coated boards - both sides of the board are clay coated. Making this perfect for double sided printing.

      3. Micro Corrugate boards - The mailer boxes on our site use an N-flute micro-flute. Which gives both the very smooth coated surface of a standard packaging board on addition to the strength and rigidity required for postal mailer boxes.

      4. Standard Corrugated boards - Thicker than micro corrugated boards these offer greater strength and rigidity to these materials. You will be familiar with the double walled variety used as brown Kraft packaging boxes. But we can also laminated a high quality printed sheet to give a high quality printed finish.

      5. Kraft Board - Brown Kraft board is an un-coated board so feels slightly fibrous. This is often best printed with UV cured inks to give a more vivid print finish. This can be enhanced by first printing in white.

      6. Mirror Board - Mirror board is available in different metallic finishes the most common being Silver. This can be printed on with a mixture of specialist inks to give unique metallic finishes.

    • What is difference between standard board and corrugated board?

      A corrugated board. Is constructed of three layers generally. The top and bottoms layers sandwich a fluted core which adds strength and rigidity while remaining lightweight. Whilst a standard packaging board will also be constructed of at least 3 layers but will not have any fluting.

    • What weight board do you use in gsm?

      Packaging board is measured by the thickness rather that the weight as this is more relevant for packaging applications. So unlike grading material by weight as used for commercial print in brochures and leaflets etc. Instead we grade packaging materials by their thickness, this is measured in microns. 1000 microns is equal to 1mm. For most applications a thickness of around 500 microns (0.5mm) would be used.

    • Are the materials you use environmentally friendly?

      Yes the material we use is sourced from sustainable sources we use material accredited by the PEFC or FSC for our standard boxes.

      Recycled packaging material suitable for high-end print finishes is not widely available. But if this is something that is important for your project get in touch.

    • Can I supply my own material for you to print onto?

      No this is not possible. We only print onto material sourced by us.

      No, sorry we are only able to use material we have sourced ourselves

      The material we use is the result of many years of experience and we are confident it will produce the high quality results we expect

    • Do you provide food grade packaging material?

      Yes we can provide food and toy grade packaging material. As well as using low migration inks suitable for producing food grade packaging.

      If your product is to be stored in the fridge or freezer let us know and we can ensure a suitable freezer grade board is used.

  • Die-cutting & creasing FAQ

    • Does your prices include tooling costs?

      Yes, the prices on our website account for all production costs including delivery to UK mainland. By ordering a standard template we have the tools required ready to just add your artwork, saving you the initial tooling costs.

    • How do you cut and crease the packaging to shape?

      First a cutter guide is designed. That is tested by our sampling team to make sure it is fit for purpose and the material is suitable.

      From this a cutter guide is produced showing the cut, crease, perf & glue areas as a digital file in both PDF and Abobe Illustrator ai format.

      We then manufacture a metal die. Which is laser cut with metal cutting and creasing rules inserted. This is then loaded onto the die-cutting machine to die-cut the job.

      For smaller runs we use a CAD table to robotically cut out individual sheets.

    • Will repeat orders be cheaper minus the cost of the die / tooling costs?

      All our standard products already have these costs deducted.

      If you require a custom size or shape these costs will be included on your first bespoke order. Subsequent orders based on your bespoke design would not include these costs.

    • Can we amend the cutter guide / box design?

      No, the cutter guide we send you is from the the final approved cutter. Should you need to change the cutter guide please contact us.

    • Is the box provided flat packed?

      Yes all our packaging is die-cut stripped out from the flat sheet and sent to you flat. If the box required gluing the box is still flat packed ready for shipping. If you need the box to be assembled or have something inserted let us know as we can help with these requirements.