Artwork & Bag Guide
Send us what you have — we’re happy to help.
You do not need to know what file type you have, what a particular bag style is called, or how artwork should be prepared for printing. If you already know exactly what you need, great. If you do not, that is completely fine too.
Send us your logo, artwork, PDF, JPG, PNG, old file, photo, sample, or simply describe what you are trying to package. We will help you determine the next step.
Not sure where to start?
You do not need to be a graphic designer or packaging expert to order custom bags from us. Send us the best information you have and we will help you work through the artwork, bag style, features and printing requirements.
Artwork & File Guidelines
Finished vector artwork generally provides the best print quality, but many other file types can still be useful as a starting point.
Preferred Vector Artwork
Vector files are ideal for logos, line art and many spot-color printing projects.
- Adobe Illustrator AI files
- EPS files
- Print-ready PDF files
- CMYK color mode when applicable
- Spot colors identified with PMS / Pantone values
- Black line art set to K100 when appropriate
Raster Artwork
High-resolution raster artwork may also work well for certain printing methods and packaging projects.
- TIFF preferred for finished raster artwork
- 300 DPI at final print size
- CMYK color mode when appropriate
- Flattened artwork may be requested
- LZW compression is acceptable for large TIFF files
Working Program Files
We can review artwork created in common graphic-design programs.
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- CorelDRAW
- PDF artwork
If editing is required, we may ask for fonts, linked images or other supporting files.
Files That May Need Extra Preparation
These files are still worth sending. They may simply need additional preparation before production.
- JPG or JPEG files
- PNG files
- Scans
- Web images
- Low-resolution bitmaps
- Artwork copied from websites or screenshots
- Low-resolution images embedded in PDF files
Important for Illustrator Files
Before final production, all live text should be converted to outlines so the artwork does not depend on fonts being installed on another computer. If you are not sure how to do this, send us the file and we can help determine what is needed.
PMS / Pantone Color Help
Spot-color printing often uses Pantone Matching System (PMS) numbers to communicate a specific color clearly between you, us and the printer.
Need help choosing a print color?
If you know the Pantone number you want, include it with your artwork or order information. If you do not know the number, you can browse colors using Pantone’s official Color Finder.
Colors displayed on computer and phone screens can vary. The Pantone number is more important than the exact appearance of the color on your monitor.
Open Pantone Color FinderBag Types & Packaging Styles
Not sure what a particular bag is called? These are some common styles we work with. If you do not see what you need, send us a photo, sample or description.
Need Help Measuring Your Bag?
See our Bag Measuring Guide for help with bag dimensions, including width, length, lip, gussets and other measurements.
Reclosable Zip Bag
A press-to-close zipper allows the bag to be opened and closed repeatedly. Available in many sizes, gauges and constructions.
Slider Bag
Uses a sliding tab to open and close the zipper. Useful when easy opening and closing is especially important.
Flat Poly Bag
A simple flat bag without a zipper. It may be left open, heat sealed or finished with another type of closure.
Stand-Up Pouch
A bottom gusset allows the pouch to expand and stand upright for display, storage and presentation.
Drawstring Bag
Uses a drawstring closure instead of a zipper. Often used for storage, kits, presentation and specialty applications.
Adhesive / Tape Closure Bag
Uses an adhesive strip or peel-and-seal flap. Closures can be permanent or resealable depending on the application.
Compartment Bag
One bag is divided into separate sealed sections or pockets to organize or protect multiple items.
Metallized / Foil Pouch
A higher-barrier construction with an opaque or metallic appearance for products requiring added protection or presentation.
Moisture-Control Bag
Packaging designed to work with moisture-control or humidity features such as pads or other specialty components.
Common Bag Features
A bag can also be customized with different features depending on how it will be filled, displayed, stored and used.
Extra material at the side or bottom that allows the bag to expand.
A hole near the top of the package for hanging on a retail peg or display.
A small notch designed to make a sealed pouch easier to open.
An area of the package designed to be permanently sealed with heat.
Extra material above the closure that can provide room for printing, a hang hole or other features.
Logos, instructions, branding and graphics printed directly on the bag or pouch.
Bag dimensions can often be produced to fit a specific product or application.
Film type and thickness can be selected according to strength, clarity, barrier and application requirements.
What Happens After You Send Artwork?
We review the artwork and production requirements before your custom bags move forward.
We Review It
We check your artwork, file quality, colors and basic production requirements.
We Let You Know
If anything needs to be adjusted, converted or recreated, we explain what is needed.
You Approve a Proof
Production artwork is reviewed through the proof process before your custom bags are printed.
Still Not Sure What You Need?
Send us your artwork, a photo, a sample, or simply describe what you are trying to package. We are happy to help identify the bag style, features and artwork requirements for your project.
Contact Bags of Bags