IMPORTANT NOTES ON OUR IMPRINTING PROCESSES

• Our imprinting processes operate in a post-production environment in which imprinting takes place
on a bag which is already constructed. This means that some restrictions — such as a fold or a gusset
in the bag — may impact its printability and available imprint area.
• Large reverse out hot stamping is not recommended for plastic and laminated bags.
• Artwork with border, large coverage and fine print will not produce good quality flexographic/ink
print on plastic bags.
• Colors in a multi-color design are imprinted individually. A space requirement between these colors
is necessary for best results. Color Magic is not subject to this space requirement.
Please see Pg. 125 for specific artwork requirements for each imprinting method.

When submitting artwork, please follow the recommendations on this page to help ensure the best quality of your imprint.
Artwork not meeting these standards may incur additional production time and charges.

ACCEPTED PROGRAMS AND FILE FORMATS
PREFERRED PROGRAM: Adobe Illustrator (all versions) - Saved as .ai, .eps or .pdf - Fonts converted
to outlines.
ACCEPTED PROGRAMS: Corel Draw - Export files as .ai - Convert all text to curves.
Freehand - Export files as editable EPS - Convert all text to paths

FONTS
All fonts must be converted to outlines/curves/paths. Be sure to send all screen and printer fonts. DO NOT send PC fonts - we are
not able to use them. If your file contains PC fonts it is necessary for you to convert to outlines/curves/paths before emailing us
your file. If fonts are not properly sent delays on your job can occur.

MECHANICAL ARTWORK
Mechanical art is camera-ready and is the size to be printed; is crisp black and white; requires no touch-up.

DIGITAL ARTWORK
The best and highest quality imprints are made from VECTOR ART. VECTOR ART is made up of paths which are defined by points,
lines and curves and represented by mathematical equations. Vector art can be scaled to any size and retain its proportions,
sharpness and detail at no loss in quality.

Note: A scanned image (e.g. .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tiff, .psd, .pdf) or art created in a photo/paint program is not vector art, it is a raster
image. RASTER IMAGE is a collection of pixels or dots arranged in a rectangular grid known as a bitmap. Scaling a raster image
to a larger size results in a loss of quality as the pixel squares get bigger and create jaggy edges on the image. In addition,
placing, linking, embedding, or copying these images into a drawing program does not convert them into vector art and will not
meet our art requirements. If raster images are the only available art, they must be at least 300dpi at actual print size.

SUBMITTING ARTWORK
• Email: Please send your art files to artwork@pacificwesternsales.com and insert PO# and company name in the subject line.
• FTP upload: On your internet browser type ftp://12.110.189.226 Log-in info: Username - pwsftp-u Password - pwsup
(Customer service must be notified when artwork has been uploaded to the FTP.)
• Media: Zip disks or CD
• A hard copy of all artwork must accompany the purchase order.

IMPRINT PROCESS ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
Artwork must be pre-approved by Pacific Western Sales for printability. Digital art must be vector based for all multiple color jobs.
FLEXOGRAPHIC: Colors must be separated by at least 1/2"
to allow for color movement. Please note
that some color movement will still occur.
More than 1 spot color imprinting is not
available on some bags. Minimum requirement for line
thickness is 1 stroke point.

HOT STAMP: A movement of about 1/32" to 1/16" per
color will occur. Designs with tighter registration
must be pre-approved. More than
1 spot color imprinting is not available on some bags.
Minimum requirement for line thickness is 1 stroke point.

SILK SCREEN: Color registration requirements are
minimal, but do exist and must be
pre-approved. Please note that some color movement will
still occur. Minimum requirement for line thickness is 1 stroke
point, but to ensure a better imprint quality a line thickness
of 1.5 stroke point is recommended.

MULTI-COLOR: Ideal for designs requiring close
registration on our non-woven and
uncoated, unlaminated paper bags. Images should be in
CMYK at a minimum of 300 dpi and provided at actual size.
For vector based art Pantone® colors are preferred and will
render a more vibrant print. Minimum requirement for line
thickness for vector art with Pantone® colors is 1 stroke
point. Minimum requirement for line thickness for CMYK art is
2 stroke points. For best results, some minor adjustments may
be required. These minor adjustments will be noted on your
viewing file proof for approval.

HALFTONES - FLEXOGRAPHIC/INK

For best results, halftones should range from 20% to 40%. Our
standard halftone printing is 35LPI, at a 45 degree angle.
Artwork containing halftones must be pre-approved by PWS.

Halftones are not
recommended
for Hot Stamp or
Silk Screen.