Print Production & Packaging Design
Slide 1: Title Slide
Print Production & Packaging Design
Subtitle (if needed)
Your name and date
Slide 2: Understanding Packaging Types
Folding Cartons (e.g., cereal boxes)
Rigid Boxes (e.g., luxury packaging)
Flexible Packaging (e.g., pouches, plastic wraps)
Corrugated Boxes (e.g., shipping boxes)
Slide 3: Structural Design Basics
Die lines (cutting and folding guidelines)
Bleed areas (3–5mm) to prevent white edges
Crease and fold lines marking
Slide 4: Color & Printing
CMYK color mode for accurate print colors
Pantone (PMS) colors for branding consistency
Special finishes: spot UV, embossing, foil stamping
Slide 5: Typography & Branding
Legible font sizes (avoid very small text)
Brand guidelines for logo placement & colors
Proper positioning of regulatory labels & barcodes
Slide 6: File Preparation
Save as PDF/X-1a or AI with outlined fonts
Include layers for die lines and text
Provide mockups or prototypes
Slide 7: Structural Considerations in Packaging
Material Selection:
o Paperboard (Retail packaging)
o Corrugated Cardboard (Shipping boxes)
o Plastic & Flexible Films (Pouches, bags)
o Rigid Board (Luxury packaging)
Functionality & Durability:
o Consider weight and fragility
o Locking mechanisms for security
o Ventilation/perforations for food packaging
Ergonomics & Consumer Interaction:
o Easy opening and resealability
o Handle placement for heavier items
o Sustainable packaging considerations
Slide 8: Understanding & Creating Dielines
Dieline Components:
o Cut lines (Solid)
o Crease/Fold lines (Dashed)
o Bleed Area (Prevents white edges)
o Safe Zone (Ensures text/logos are intact)
o Glue Flaps & Tabs (Adhesive areas)
Software for Creating Dielines:
o Adobe Illustrator, ArtiosCAD, Esko Studio
Steps to Create Dielines:
o Define dimensions
o Outline panels
o Add flaps & glue tabs
o Mark cutting and folding lines
o Include bleed and safety margins
o Convert text to outlines
o Test with a prototype
Slide 9: Printing Methods for Packaging
Offset Printing (Lithography) – High-quality, large-volume
Flexographic Printing (Flexo) – Fast, cost-effective for long runs
Digital Printing – Short runs, personalized packaging
Gravure Printing – High-end luxury packaging
Screen Printing – Specialty prints (glass bottles, metal tins)
Slide 10: Color Management in Printing
CMYK vs. PMS (Pantone):
o CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) – Standard
o Pantone (PMS) – Exact brand colors
o Spot Colors – Custom metallic/neon
Proofing & Color Accuracy:
o Digital Proofs – Fast, but not exact
o Hard Proofs – Accurate color checking
o Soft Proofs – Screen-based preview
Slide 11: Enhancements & Special Finishes
Coatings & Laminations:
o Gloss (Shiny)
o Matte (Soft, elegant look)
o Soft-Touch Lamination (Velvety texture)
o Aqueous Coating (Eco-friendly)
o UV Coating (Enhances details)
Embellishments:
o Foil Stamping (Metallic, holographic)
o Embossing/Debossing (Textured design)
o Spot UV (Gloss highlights on matte surfaces)
Sustainable Printing:
o Soy-based/water-based inks
o Recyclable materials (Kraft paper, biodegradable films)
o Reduce waste with digital proofs
Slide 12: Printing File Preparation
Use CMYK mode (not RGB)
Set up bleed areas (3–5mm)
Outline fonts & embed images
Use vector files (AI, PDF, EPS)
Ensure 300 DPI resolution
Slide 13: Conclusion & Recommendations
Choosing the right printing method for your packaging
Ensuring color accuracy and print quality
The importance of prototyping & mockups
Slide 14: Q&A
Open for questions and discussion
