How To Prepare Artwork

How To Prepare Artwork

File Set Up

The simplest way to ensure you have set your file up correctly is to download our Die Line Pack. This pack contains fully set-up files for all the shapes and sizes we offer.

A set-up file will:

  • Contain vector artwork in a .pdf or .ai format
  • Be in CMYK color space
  • Use a CMYK Cyan die line for artwork positioning
  • Have a 1/8" bleed in CMYK Red for off-edge artwork
  • Contain only one artwork (avoid files with multiple artboards)

Our Die Line Pack contains swatches for our die line, bleed, and layer colors.

Die Line

die line with bleed examples

Providing a die line around your artwork ensures we know the proper scaling and positioning when translating your design into our engraving software.

Create a die line in CMYK Cyan matching the shape and size of the item you are ordering. Provide a 1/8" bleed for off-edge artwork in CMYK Red. Doing this will ensure your artwork will run off the edge despite minor positioning errors.

Layering

We can create engravings with up to 3 layers. By default, we engrave single-color artworks to our full depth of 0.021"*.

To create a layered artwork, we require a vector for each layer in your artwork using the fill color matched to the chart below:

Layer Depth Fill Color
Layer 1 ~0.007"* 50% Grey
Layer 2 ~0.014"* 75% Grey
Layer 3 ~0.021"* 100% Black

*Please note we allow for a +/- of 0.002" depth tolerance for each layer.

We recommend thinking about layering as separations instead of a depth map. Percentage values for each grey don't correspond to the relative depth; they are used for our team to differentiate layers when creating an engraving file.

Text

When sending files, convert all text to outlines. We may not have a font you used for a file, and unconverted text will not display correctly in graphics programs. 

Within Adobe Illustrator, select all text, then choose Type > Create Outlines from the menu bar to convert text to outlines.

Use a font size of at least 6pt for legibility. Remember you are designing on a 1" canvas, so text that looks large on the screen will often be small in the final product.

Line Width Minimums

Thin lines are the most significant cause of a shallow impression for wax seals. As a general rule, thicker linework allows for a more raised impression.

As our engraving methods can produce artwork too fine for sealing wax to enter,  we recommend using a line width of 0.5pt to 1pt for fine details and general linework. For full-depth and bold designs, we recommend using a line thickness of 1pt or more.

Take extra care when thickening lettering. Thin portions such as serifs, loops, and curves can cause depth inconsistencies.

Support Makers

All Artisaire products are made in-house by our team of artisans.