File Preparation Instructions

Foil Mask Instructions

  • What is a foil mask file? A foil mask defines the area in which the foil will be applied to your artwork.

  • Your artwork will need to include a foil mask as a separate file or layer in your .ai or .eps file (vector files). These files or layers are in addition to the color layer or black (or solid pms) layer files. It is possible to use a raster file to create your foil mask. Read below.

  • How to set up Foil Imprint Files:

    1. We can only use one color or type of foil per order so for example you can not order a Foil Imprint job with gold foil on the front and silver foil on the back.

    2. Raster Files: You must provide a separate foil mask file/per side. Black in the areas you want the foil and white in the areas you do not want the foil. 

    3. All black areas should be solid 100% with no other added colors.

    4. If you order a Foil Imprint job with spot UV, you'll need to provide separate mask files for the Foil (foil mask) and UV (spot UV mask), in which case you may be required to provide up to 6 files. 

    5. Please keep in mind that the foil and UV coating can't overlap, both should be at least 1/16" apart to avoid the foil peeling off. 

    6. Avoid using small/fine text or lines for foil objects. For best results, please make sure that foil coverage is less than 50% of the entire print side. 

    7. Be aware that there may be up to a 1/16" shift in the placement of the foil. Keep this in mind if you are trying to align foil with other printed artwork on the card.  

    8. For better quality and clean lines, we recommend creating mask files in vector-based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

  • Can I have any printing under the mask? We highly recommend having a solid color behind the foil mask. We do not recommend having any artwork or text under the foil mask since it might be visible through the foil mask. Knockouts are not recommended since there may be a shift (up to 1/16”) when the foil is applied.

Spot UV Mask Instructions

  • What is a Spot UV mask file? A Spot UV mask defines the area in which the UV coating will be applied to your artwork. The process for setting up a Foil Mask and a Spot UV mask are very similar. Spot UV Coatings will provide a raised, clear gloss surface in areas on your project.

  • Your artwork will need to include a Spot UV mask as a separate file or layer in your .ai or .eps file (vector files). These files or layers are in addition to the color layer or black (or solid pms) layer files. It is possible to use a raster file to create your foil mask.

Event Tents

How do I set up my event tent file?

Text and graphics should be placed at least 0.5" from the edge of the cut line for safety. Ensure you have 0.5" bleed on all sides of your artwork. Do not add crop marks.

Template size is 119”x86”. Use the template as the bottom layer on your design file, then delete or hide before sending it to us.

You may use up to 4 designs on your tent. Open the template link below and right click on it to download. Use the corresponding templates to designate placement. If you want to use 1 design for all 4 sides, just send us one file. If you want 2 designs, with like designs opposing each other, just send us 2 files. We will send you a consolidated design proof for verification.

Templates:

Panel 1 Panel 2 Panel 3 Panel 4

  • Resolution: 300dpi

  • Color Mode: CMYK

  • Bleed: 0.125” (0.625 on each side)

  • File Types: PDF (recommended), JPG, EPS and TIFF

You will need to request a Large File Upload link here for these files.