Preparing Computer Generated Art

1. Determine Flexographic printing process to be used (preprint/tailprint) for respective traps and specifications. (see Shopping Bag Artwork Guidelines )
2. Download the template(s) needed by size and style as .ai or pdf from durobag.com or contact your CSR to have the template(s) e-mailed.
3. Use software listed in preparation of your artwork: (Illustrator is preferred)
   1. ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR - save as ".ai", make a note of what version.
   2. FREEHAND - save as "FREEHAND DOCUMENTS"
   3. QUARKXPRESS - save as "DOCUMENT"
   4. AVOID PC Disks.
4. Preview Disk: We encourage customers to send a preview CD or e-mail to your CSR before completion of their designs.
   This will allow us to make recommendations and inform you of any modifications necessary at no cost.
5. Always save a copy and send only the files necessary to complete your design. (Eliminate unnecessary layers or colors.)
6. Send full bag layout for desgins on Duro Template or be sure to indicate positioning of print, bag panels, dimensions, topfold/cut off and bottom fold. Films and printing plates are prepared full web (one piece) to include face, gussets, bottom and back panels.
7. Bottom Stamp Requirements:
   1. Stamp should be positioned upside-down, centered inside drawn perimeter on bag template and be legible for both positive print at least 6 pt. type and reverse print at least 10 pt. bold type.
   2. Universal Product Code (UPC) should be positioned with bars parallel to the direction of travel (top to bottom of bag or vertical direction). Magnification is to be 100% or larger. Color is critical. UPC cannot be printed in red or any color with red in it also light colors are not suitable. A knockout window is required for 100% bottom coverage prints when printing a UPC. UPC's cannot be printed on embossed paper.
8. Folded Top Shopping Bag
   1. Full color face or side panels must bleed into top fold 3/8" or through entire top fold and bleed area above.
   2. Full coverage of face or back of design requires that you bleed design into the gussets by 1/8" on 10"or less width and 1/4" for bag face widths of greater than 10".
      Bleeds into bottom of bag areminimum 3/8" and 1/4" beyond top fold or cutoff. (BLEEDS INDICATED ON TEMPLATES.)
9. TRAPS are created:
   1. When different colors touch each other in a design where there is not a black or dark colored outline holding shape of elements.
   2. Traps are created by use of chokes and spreads to overlap colors, and eliminate unprinted areas from appearing. Colors are placed light to dark (with dark holding shape and light bleeding under the dark).
   3. A 3rd color appears due to trap and the amount of color depends on the printing process.
   1. Orders for Preprint:
      1. Traps are .046" (.023 to each side) = 3.3 pt. stroke
      2. Print capabilities are for fine detail, up to 6 colors, heavy ink coverage with varnish, UV or Lamination, screens, and process printed on either coated or uncoated paper stock.
   2. Orders for Tailprint:
      1. a. Traps are .092" (.046 to each side) = 6.6 pt. stroke
      2. Print capabilities are up to 100% ink, 4 colors; 60 line or less screens; loose registration; printed on uncoated stocks.
10. Conversion Tolerances
    During the actual formation of the bag, machine movement occurs side to side and top to bottom. It is recommended not to use grids, squares, borders, and outlines within 1/2" of folds. Minor shifts of print copy relative to fold lines will result in off centered print copy. Please be sure to bleed face and back panels into the side panels to the dotted line on the template.to compensate for machine movement tolerances. Face or back panel bleed into top and bottom is always 3/8" when it applies to the design.
11. Submit final disk ALWAYS print each separate color. Check these thoroughly and submit with your composite laser, disk and proof @100% or 50% size to indicate color break, copy and positioning.