File Format

1. What file formats do you accept?

At CINDERUN, we support various file formats to ensure compatibility for all users. Currently, we accept the following:

• PDF (Portable Document Format) – Ideal for high-quality prints

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) – Best for vector-based designs

• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – Perfect for scalable graphics

For the best results, submit graphics and text-based designs (non-photographic content) in vector formats like PDF, AI, or EPS. This ensures sharp, crisp prints with clean lines and text.

2. How to Save as a PDF in Adobe Illustrator for High-Quality Print?

To ensure your artwork is print-ready, follow these steps to save it as a PDF in Adobe Illustrator:

1. Go to File > Save As... – Once your design is finalized, open the File menu and select Save As....

2. Choose Adobe PDF Format – In the Save As window, select Adobe PDF (*.PDF) as your file format.

3. Select "Press Quality" Preset – In the Adobe PDF settings, pick "Press Quality" for the best print results.

Pro Tip: Speed up the process with these keyboard shortcuts:

• Mac: Shift + Cmd + S

• Windows: Shift + Ctrl + S

Using the "Press Quality" preset ensures sharp, professional prints with accurate colors and crisp text.

3. What is the Maximum File Size for Uploads?

To ensure smooth processing, we accept files up to 100MB as standard. For larger files (over 100MB), special arrangements can be made through our product specialists.

Need to submit a larger file?
Contact our team to discuss your requirements - we'll help accommodate your needs while maintaining our quality standards.

Color Profiles

1. How to Convert The Design to CMYK Color Mode for Printing?

Follow these steps in Adobe Illustrator to ensure proper color conversion:

1. Go to File > Document Color Mode

2. Select CMYK Color

Important Notes About Color Conversion:

√ This changes your document's base color mode, but embedded images may need separate CMYK conversion

√ For best results, convert all image assets to CMYK before submission 

Color Matching Disclaimer:
While we make every effort to match color gradients accurately, slight variations may occur in final printed products. We strongly recommend:

• Carefully reviewing your CTP (Color Trial Proof)

• Verifying all colors meet your expectations

• Approving the proof before final production begins

Pro Tip: For most accurate color reproduction:
✓ Convert all design elements to CMYK
✓ Use Pantone colors when exact color matching is critical
✓ Request a physical proof for color-sensitive projects

2. Can I Print Using RGB Color Mode? 

No. RGB color mode should never be used for printing.

Why RGB Isn't Suitable for Printing:

√ Designed exclusively for digital displays (monitors, TVs, mobile screens)

√ Uses additive color mixing (Red, Green, Blue light)

√ Produces colors printers physically can't reproduce

Recommended Color Spaces for Printing:

√ CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) - Standard for full-color printing

√ PMS (Pantone Matching System) - Ideal for brand colors and precise color matching

What Happens If You Print RGB Files?

* Significant color shifts (especially bright blues and greens)

* Unpredictable printing results

* Potential quality issues in final products

Pro Tip: Always convert your files to CMYK or PMS before submitting print orders to ensure color accuracy.

Text

1. What's the Minimum Recommended Font Size for Packaging?

For optimal print results, we recommend these font size guidelines:

Standard Printing:

√ Minimum 8pt font for dark text on light backgrounds

√ Minimum 10pt font for reverse printing (light text on dark backgrounds)

Important Considerations:

• Font weight and style significantly impact legibility

• Thin or light-weight typefaces may require larger sizes

• Specialty materials may have different requirements

Why Size Matters:

Smaller fonts may become illegible due to:

√ Ink spread during printing

√ Material texture effects

√ Distance viewing requirements

Pro Tip: When in doubt:

✓ Test print your design first

✓ Consult our product specialists

✓ Consider your packaging's viewing distance

For critical text elements or custom typefaces, we strongly recommend consulting with our printing experts before finalizing your design.

2. How to Convert Text to Outlines in Illustrator？

Follow these simple steps to outline all text in your Illustrator document:

* Unlock All Layers: First, make sure all artwork layers are unlocked.

* Select All Text Objects:

— Go to the top menu: Select > Object > All Text Objects.

—Convert Text to Outlines:

With all text selected, navigate to: Type > Create Outlines.

Pro Tip: Speed up the process with these keyboard shortcuts after selecting your text:

* Mac: Press Shift + Cmd + O

* Windows: Press Shift + Ctrl + O

By converting text to outlines, you ensure fonts remain intact when sharing files.

Additional Printing

1. Can You Print with PMS Colors (Pantone Matte & Metallic) and Spot UV?

Yes! We support all printable PMS (Pantone) colors, including Matte & Metallic finishes, as well as Spot UV effects.

Important File Requirements:

✔ Separate Layers Required – Clearly label layers for PMS colors and Spot UV to avoid production errors.

✔ Consult Your Product Specialist – For best results, discuss your design requirements with our team before finalizing your artwork.

Proper file setup ensures accurate printing—contact us if you need guidance!

2. How to Prepare Files for Specialty Printing (Pantone, Foil, Spot UV & More)？

To ensure accurate production of specialty printing effects like Pantone colors, foil stamping, or spot UV, proper file preparation is essential. Follow these steps to avoid delays and errors:

File Preparation Guidelines:

√ Use Separate Layers

Create dedicated layers for each special printing effect (e.g., one layer for Pantone, another for foil).

Clearly label each layer for easy identification.

√ Include a Black (100% K) Artboard Reference

Duplicate your design on a separate artboard.

Convert all specialty elements to pure black (100% K) for clarity.

3. How to Prepare Files for Interior Printing on Packaging？

To ensure accurate printing for both interior and exterior packaging designs, follow these file preparation guidelines:

Key Requirements for Inside/Outside Printing:

1. Separate Artboards

   • Create distinct artboards labeled:
     • "Inside Print" (for interior designs)
     • "Outside Print" (for exterior packaging)

2. Organized Layer Structure

   • Place interior and exterior artwork on separate, clearly named layers

   • Example layer names:
     • "01_Outside_Design"
     • "02_Inside_Pattern"

This organized approach helps our production team process your files efficiently and prevents printing errors. For complex packaging designs, we recommend consulting with our prepress team before finalizing your artwork.

Delines

1. Can I Modify the Dielines for My Packaging?

We want to ensure your packaging prints perfectly, which is why our dielines are precision-engineered using our proprietary software specifically for our printing presses.

Important Considerations:

• Not Recommended: Any modifications to the original dieline files may cause production issues

• Quality Assurance: Our standard dielines are optimized to guarantee proper fit and function

• Liability Notice: We cannot be responsible for errors resulting from altered dielines

Pro Tip: If you absolutely need dieline adjustments, please consult your product specialist before making any changes. They can help determine if modifications are possible while maintaining print quality.

Lines

1. What's Minimum Line Thickness Requirements for Print Files?

To ensure optimal print quality, please adhere to these technical specifications:

Stroke & Line Thickness Guidelines

✓ Minimum Thickness:

• 0.25 points (pt)

• 0.003 inches (")