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

Providing a die line around your artwork ensures we know the proper scaling and positioning when we translate 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:

*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

The most significant cause of a shallow impression for wax seals is thin lines.

As a general rule, sealing wax can't enter into an engraving deeper than the engraving is wide. For example, a line width of 0.013" is unlikely to create an impression deeper than 0.013".

A line width of 0.013" is generally suitable for fine artwork. However, a line width of 0.021" is required to create a full-depth impression in wax.

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