Discover how to set up artwork files for our Labels on a Roll product. This example below uses CorelDraw X8.
1. Open a new page
Download our artwork templates from printed Labels product page on our website. Select the required PDF template, (which can be opened in CorelDraw) and adjust to your desired specifications. Alternatively, open a new blank page with the same dimensions as your label, and remember to set the document with a 3mm bleed on each side. (Tools/Options/Document/Page Size to specify the bleed.)
2. Create the layers for the Label
Open the Object Manager docker (under Window/Dockers) to create new layers.
White Underpin layer – if you have selected this option for your label (on transparent or silver stickers only), create a new layer, and name it “White”.- Cutting guide layer – Create a new layer, and name it “KissCutting”. Please note, this is case sensitive.
- Artwork layer –create a new layer, and name it “Artwork”. (You can also rename or delete the default “Layer 1”.)
Set the layers in the order indicated in the Object Manager screenshot.
3. Create the spot colours to use on the White and KissCutting layers
Open the Color Palette Manager (under Window/Dockers) to create the spot colours.
Click on the first icon on the left to make a new empty colour palette, and name it “Labels_Spots” (or similar).
Click on the fifth icon (with pencil) to open the Palette Editor:
Click on Add Color:
Click on the Eyedropper tool, and click on the Cyan colour square on the regular CMYK palette, and click OK.
In the Palette Editor, change Treat as from Process to Spot, and change the Name from “Cyan” to “White”, and click ok. The new spot colour “White” (100% Cyan for White underpin) will now appear in your new Labels_Spots palette.
Repeat the above, selecting Magenta from the CMYK palette with the Eyedropper tool, and name this “KissCutting”. This is also added to your new palette.
4. Creating a Cutting Guide
After creating the design on the Artwork layer, create a vector path (or outline) on the KissCutting Layer (eg a circle or a closed path for a custom shape). Select this path, and then right click on the KissCutting spot colour on the new palette.
Next, right click on this outline and click on “Overprint Outline”.
5. Creating a White Underpin
If you have ordered a Transparent or Metallic Silver label, and selected the White Print option, you will need to supply your artwork with a white underpin. Create a vector shape (eg circle or a closed path custom shape) on the White layer. Select this shape, and click on the White spot colour on the new palette.
Next, right click on this shape, and click on “Overprint Fill”.
Note: on your screen, the artwork will be hidden (fully or in part) by the top cyan “White” shape.
6. Mirror Printing
If you have ordered window stickers and your design needs to be “mirrored”, please submit your artwork as usual, as we will mirror your artwork before sending to production.
7. Supply your artwork as a PDF
To make a usable PDF that retains the spot colours that are needed for label production, use the CorelDraw Print dialogue. (The usual Publish to PDF for Export function may not work correctly for this purpose.)
On the General tab, ensure that Adobe PDF (or your PDF option) is selected. Under Preferences, select X-1a or Press Quality or High Quality Print.
On the Color tab, ensure that “Output colors as” is set to Native.
On the Layout tab, ensure the “Bleed Limit” box is ticked, and this is set to at least 3mm.
On the Prepress tab, ensure the “Crop/Fold Marks” box is ticked.
The Issue tab will show “overprints cannot be printed on some printers”. This is OK to proceed with, but you may need to resolve any other issues.
Click Print, and save your PDF, to submit as your artwork.