Why Packaging Artwork Gets Rejected in Prepress
Most artwork problems are preventable: missing bleed, low-resolution images, RGB color, live fonts, incorrect dielines, and unsafe barcode placement. This guide explains how to prepare files before production review.
The problem, framed.
Prepress rejection is the most preventable delay in packaging. The file looked perfect on a designer's screen — and still can't be printed. Almost every rejection traces to a handful of repeat offenders.
What's actually going on.
Production artwork has requirements screens never enforce: vector die lines on a separate top layer set as spot-color overprint, fonts converted to outlines, images embedded at 300+ DPI at 100% scale, CMYK color mode with Pantone callouts for brand-critical color, 0.125-inch bleed beyond the die line and the same safety margin inside it. Miss one and the file bounces.
How to decide.
Common mistakes.
Your checklist.
The more of this you send, the faster and sharper your quote comes back.
0/6 readyWhere to go next.
Need help applying this to your product?
Microflex can review your product type, fill weight, barrier concerns, format options, artwork status, quantity, SKU count, and timeline to help identify a practical packaging direction.