FAQs

When you receive a proof from us, you may notice a red and/or blue line, these lines will not print. The red line is called a Die Line and it tells our machine where you want the design to be cut. The blue line is called a “bleed line” and shows the amount of space needed for a background color graphic that extends to the edge of the finished material. This helps to counter any slight movement on press.

Our preferred file format is high resolution PDF or Adobe Illustrator document, with the type converted to outlines and all links embedded. File art board should be created to exact label size and include appropriate bleeds. If label bleeds, it must extend at least 1/16” outside the label size.

For more information, view our Artwork File Standards guide.

We supply a PDF proof via email for every job new or revised that we print. You may also request a ‘hard copy’ proof straight from the press for a minimal charge.

A proof is a representation of your label. On a PDF proof, you should check that all text, color separations, spacing, and barcodes are current. On a hard copy proof you should check all of the above and color.

These colored areas indicate which parts of your design will not show the special effect requested. For example, if you ordered Silver Or Clear Stock, those areas will have an extra layer of white ink printed first, so that the colored inks are not metallic/transparent. If you ordered a Pattern Varnish the pink will indicate where that varnish will cover.

Pink (or other colors non printing colors) are used to indicate design areas that include special effects and/or underlying colors. These may include but are not limited to pattern varnishes, holograms, thermal printing zones, white ink, metallic ink, metallic stock or foiling, embossing or raised printing.

Four-color process is a conventional method of printing also known as CMYK printing. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Using a combination of these four colors, printers can recreate most colors in the PANTONE gamut.

We do our best to match your color swatches if you supply them. We can also provide hard copy proofs right off the press for a minimal fee.

We use CMYK when printing digitally, which allows us to use 98% the PANTONE color gamut. We can add white, orange  and/or violet to help boost our color quality even further.

If we print on one of our flexographic presses we can print up to 8 color stations (combination of CMYK and spot colors).

SpectraGraphics specializes in printing high quality pressure sensitive labels. While we are always ready to do small text changes and small art adjustments, our pre-press department is usually not able to accommodate a full label design. We never leave you out in the cold, so give us a call and we can discuss the scope of your work and help find a solution.