Simplified print template

For this guide, download the official simplified print template please don't use a document you've created yourself). It works in any graphics application that can open PDFs and export them print-ready (300 dpi, CMYK), for example Canva, Affinity or Photoshop.

A quick overview: we offer two print templates. The simplified template on this page is the right choice if you don't use Illustrator or don't need special effects. If you'd like to design transparent or metallic areas (Toni & Martha) or you work professionally with layers in Adobe Illustrator, you'll find the right guide on the standard print template page.

Keep the original size of the document. We can only process your design if its size hasn't been changed.

In the blank document you'll find the Keylines. They mark important cutting and folding lines for production. If they're still visible in your final print-ready file, they'll be printed too. So make sure you hide or delete them before exporting.

Place important elements (logo, text, etc.) only in the large area between the Sealing Zones. That's the light green area in your template. The file is divided up depending on the packaging type:

• Stand-up pouch: front, back, bottom

• Flat bottom pouch: left side, front, right side, back, bottom

• Flat pouch: front, back

The orientation of the print template must not be changed for the final print-ready file. You're free to rotate your artboard while designing. What matters is that you save the file in its original orientation at the end.

All images used must have a resolution of 300 dpi (at actual print size) and be in the CMYK colour space.

Make sure all images in your file are embedded before you upload it. Most tools do this automatically when exporting to PDF. Still, check beforehand whether your program shows any missing link or error messages.

As standard, use EAN and QR codes in 100% black on a white background so they can be scanned without any problems.

Your document and all colours used must be set up in CMYK colour mode. Spot colours such as Pantone must be converted to CMYK before exporting.

We recommend setting up black as 100% (K) black.

Planning to use dark colours? Feel free to get in touch with us beforehand: in production with Robin, Ben and Nils, seal areas can turn out lighter, as the pigments in digital printing inks are sensitive to heat.

The font size must be at least 6 pt. Dark lines should be at least 0.25 pt (0.09 mm) thick, light lines at least 0.5 pt (0.18 mm).

For stand-up pouches and flat pouches, extend backgrounds to the edge of the file; for flat bottom pouches, to the edge of each individual box. Text and important graphics (EAN codes, seals), on the other hand, need enough distance from the trim edge so they don't get lost during cutting.

We only accept finished print-ready PDF files, not open working files. If you'd like to upload several designs, create a separate file for each design rather than several pages in one PDF.

The following steps are examples for three widely used programs. In principle, though, any tool that can export a print-ready PDF in CMYK at 300 dpi will do the job.

• Canva: Share → Download → File type ‘PDF Print’ → select CMYK as the colour profile. The CMYK colour profile is only available with Canva Pro, Teams, Education or Canva for Nonprofits. With a free account you can only export in RGB.

• Affinity Designer/Photo: First set the colour profile to CMYK under Edit → Settings → Colour. Then export via File → Export → PDF and choose ‘PDF/X-4’ for compatibility.

• Photoshop: File → Save As → Format ‘Photoshop PDF’. In the PDF export options, choose a print preset (e.g. ‘High Quality Print’ or ‘PDF/X-1a’) and check that the resolution isn't reduced below 300 dpi. Rasterise text layers or convert them to shape layers beforehand.

• Other tools: If you use a different program, simply look out for the terms ‘Print PDF’, ‘CMYK’ or ‘PDF/X’ in the export settings. That way you're usually on the safe side.

Give your file a meaningful name, ideally with the packaging type and material (e.g. ‘StandUpPouch_Ben’).

Upload your print-ready file at checkout or in your account area. After ordering, you'll find the upload option in your account areaunder ‘Open to-dos’ or directly under your order number.

Then you're ready to upload your print-ready file. If you have any questions, you can reach us on +49 221 828 2720 0 or via our contact form.