Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Artwork: What are metallic effects?

"Metallic effects are achieved by printing inks directly onto a silver substrate. For any areas of the design that are not metallic, white ink is first printed onto the substrate, followed by the process-colored inks on top. The white ink blocks the metallic sheen of the substrate and provides a white background or base. Click here to view our instructional video on setting up Metallic Effects."

Q: Artwork: Do you have artwork setup guides?

Yes we do. The quickest way to slow down turnaround time on your custom packaging order is to submit artwork to us that doesn’t meet our press-ready requirements. Before submitting every artwork file, ensure you’ve covered the following bases, and you’ll be setting your project up for smooth sailing. We put together guides to give you a quick overview on how to meet our press-ready requirements. Additional information and instructions can be found below. Flat Bottom Bag Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Gusset Bag Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Stand Up Pouch Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Flat Pouch Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Tin Can Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Labeled Paper Tube Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Beverage Label Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Sticker Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Bag Labels Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide

Q: Artwork: What do "safe zones" mean and why do you mention them?

The safe zone is the green box centered in each panel of our artwork templates. We recommend keeping all important text and graphics within these green lines to prevent them from being trimmed, folded, or misaligned.

Q: Artwork: Can you explain the artwork file fee?

Artwork Versions refer to the number of artwork (SKU) files that make up your order. You can split one order into multiple designs, with each design being a separate artwork file. Your first artwork file is free, and each additional file incurs a $15 fee. This isn’t a proofing or setup fee; it takes additional time and effort for our Pre-Press team to route multiple files for production.

Q: Artwork: What is artwork color matching?

Getting the correct color setup for your artwork is crucial. If you require color matching, please provide the specific details when uploading your artwork. This could include: Color matching a physical sample you send us. Matching colors to other artwork we've produced for you in the past. The more detail you provide, the better we can assist with your color match request.

Q: Artwork: What is CMYK?

CMYK is a color profile for design files that are destined for print. The letters stand for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black – the four colors of ink used in our printing process. RGB is another common color profile, but it's meant for screen presentation (e.g. websites), not physical dyes. Because our presses print using CMYK inks, all elements of the design, including any linked images, must be in CMYK (Process) mode prior to sending your artwork. Please note that converting from RGB to CMYK can cause significant color shifts. We recommend taking the time to carefully review and make any necessary color corrections before sending us your files.

Q: Artwork: What is rich black?

When using a black background or large black areas in your artwork, it’s important to ensure this black is set to 100% K (Black) and does NOT contain any Cyan, Magenta, or Yellow color values (a.k.a. 4-color Rich Black). Using a black swatch with these values will cause visible quality issues where the heat is applied to seal the packaging—like burning and delamination. Additionally, please avoid using the Registration color swatch in your artwork, as it is a rich black made with 100% of all four CMYK colors and results in heavy ink coverage.

Q: Artwork: What is the minimum resolution?

We require a minimum of 300dpi in submitted artwork, especially if your design includes any photographs or raster images. Anything less than that can appear blurry and pixelated. Don’t think that more is better, though – anything higher than 300dpi isn’t necessary, and will likely only mean a larger file size that takes longer to upload to our system. 300dpi is a safe “set it and forget it” for artwork success.

Q: Artwork: How do I convert text to outlines?

When creating your design, you’ll likely add typography using a text tool that relies on the font libraries installed on your computer. Since we can’t guarantee we have the same fonts, we ask that all text be converted to outlines. Outlining text removes the font information and converts the editable letters into fixed, uneditable objects, ensuring your text prints exactly as intended. We recommend doing this as a final step, once you’re satisfied with how your text looks. Pro tip: Outline the fonts in your final exported PDF to preserve the live text in your original source file, in case you need to go back and make changes.

Q: Artwork: Do I need to include bleed?

Bleed is the area outside of the trim line that will get cut off. While it ultimately gets removed, it plays a critical role in the final presentation of your product. Designing for bleed makes sure your design, whether photo, graphic, or solid color, reaches all the way to the edge of your bag when it’s trimmed, avoiding unintended white edges. A minimum of .0625” (1/16”) of bleed is required. We require you use our templates for your artwork, as they already include the required amount of bleed.

Question 1

What are metallic effects?

Question 2

Do you have artwork setup guides?

Question 3

What do "safe zones" mean and why do you mention them?

Question 4

Can you explain the artwork file fee?

Question 5

What is artwork color matching?

Question 6

What is CMYK?

Question 7

What is rich black?

Question 8

What is the minimum resolution?

Question 9

How do I convert text to outlines?

Question 10

Do I need to include bleed?

Question 11

Do your files use CMYK color mode, with no RGB or SPOT color information?

Question 12

Do I need to include trim or crop marks?

Question 13

What design program do you recommend? Why can't I use Canva?

Question 14

Why does my digital proof look different than my physical proof?

Question 15

What's the difference between new artwork and replacement artwork?

Question 16

How many colors can I use in my artwork file?

Question 17

Can you recommend a good graphic designer?

Question 18

What are your minimum order quantities (MOQs)?

Question 19

Do you offer a payment plan?

Question 20

Where can I find my order history and invoices?

Question 21

Can I have a promo code for my order?

Question 22

How can I change my address?

Question 23

Can I get a sample of a specific product instead of ordering a sample pack?

Question 24

How do I decide which product is right for me?

Question 25

Can I pay to rush my order?

Question 26

What are quality tolerances?

Question 27

What are your quantity tolerances?

Question 28

Do you offer any recyclable or sustainable options?

Question 29

Can you fill my bags if I send you my product?

Question 30

Do you offer spot varnish effects?

Question 31

Does my bag need a degassing valve?

Question 32

Can I put a window on compostable packaging?

Question 33

What packaging material is best for my product?

Question 34

What type of printing does Roastar do?

Question 35

Can I order samples?

Question 36

How can I label my sustainable product for disposal?

Question 37

What is greenwashing?

Question 38

Is your recyclable material certified?

Question 39

What is the shelf life of Roastar's sustainable packaging materials?

Question 40

Are Roastar sustainable products food safe?

Question 41

Are your compostable bags backyard compostable?

Question 42

Is your compostable material certified?

Question 43

Do you offer a recyclable valve and zipper?

Question 44

Do you offer a compostable valve and zipper?

Question 45

Why can't I design over the entire compostable bag?

Question 46

Do you offer compostable labels for my blank or custom-printed bag?

Question 47

Can a compostable material do more harm than good?

Question 48

Which sustainable material is best for me?

Question 49

Can I return my unused bags or labels for a refund?

Question 50

What do you charge for shipping?

Question 51