Mastering Roastar's Design Templates: Your Guide to Flawless Packaging

Alright, roadmap analogies aside, it’s important to understand what templates are if you’re new to design. Our design templates are digital files that guide you in creating artwork specifically tailored for our products. They include the guidelines you'll need to follow, like safe zones, trim lines, and bleed lines, so that your design aligns perfectly with the final product. Depending on material choice, the templates will include extra instructions, layers, and tools to properly set up special effects. Whether you're going classic with a standard white or getting flashy with metallic effects, the correct template will set you up for success.

So, how do you use these templates, exactly? First things first, avoid any rework down the road by downloading the correct template for the product you’re designing for. You’ll find it right in your project portal, but if you're still unsure, reach out to our customer service team and they’ll be glad to help.

Once you’ve got the right file, open it in a design application like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Pro tip: it's best to open it from the application you'll be designing in. Simply double-clicking the PDF file from your downloads will just open it in Adobe Acrobat, which isn't a design tool, but is meant for viewing and reviewing PDFs.

When it comes to setting up your design file, there are a few critical settings to keep in mind. Our templates are set up to the exact size needed for print. Therefore, it's crucial that you don't adjust the file size while designing. The file size will also include bleed, which adds an extra 0.0625" on each side of the artboard. This allows a bit of extra margin in case there are any minor shifts during the printing process.

The trim line indicates where the final trimming will occur, while the safe zones are there to keep essential elements (like text and logos) from hanging out too close to the edge. Keep your key design elements inside the safe zone, and everyone stays happy.

Even the most talented designers can make mistakes, especially when they’re just starting out. One of the most common errors is placing artwork on the template layer instead of the artwork layer.

In case you’re confused by layers, here’s a quick breakdown. Essentially, the template layer solely serves as a guideline for placing elements of your artwork in the right spot. The artwork layer is what ends up getting printed. Before submitting your final file, the template layer must be deleted so that the lines and informational text don’t print on your packaging. To avoid working in the wrong layer, keep the template layer locked at all times. If you're using Illustrator, make sure the active layer is the Artwork Layer. This keeps everything organized and prevents a headache later on.

Another tip: Always outline your fonts and embed your images. Outlining fonts converts them into shapes and makes them non-editable so that they appear correctly on all computers. Embedding images places them directly in your file, so there are no missing links when it’s time to print. Why is this important? To put it simply, fonts and images live on your computer. If they’re not outlined and embedded, our system might not recognize them when you submit your file.

For those of you who are particularly design-savvy, here are some insider tips. In Illustrator, you can move the safe zones from our templates onto a new layer and make custom guides. These guides won’t print, but they’ll help you keep everything aligned perfectly as you work.

Aligning your design perfectly with the final product is key. Use the alignment tools in Illustrator to center your artwork within the safe zones so that everything is where it should be when it hits the press. Use measurements or the alignment tool to help line everything up correctly.

Don’t be afraid to get creative as long as you follow our template specifications. Keep key elements within the safe zones and extend background colors and graphics to the edge of the bleed.

Before you upload your file, take a moment to review your design. Double-check the size, safe areas, and spelling (you’d be surprised how many typos we see!). Once you’re happy with everything, save an editable file for future changes. Then, save a “press” version for Roastar that has the fonts outlined, links embedded, and template layers deleted so all you can see is your beautiful artwork.

After submitting your design, our pre-press team will review it and let you know if anything needs to be adjusted. Once everything looks good, a digital proof will be uploaded to your project for your approval.

After you approve the digital proof, the next step is a free flat proof (optional for bags and pouches, but we highly recommend!). This allows you to review color and see how your design looks when it’s printed on the exact material of your final product. The digital or flat proofs are not final until you approve it within your project portal, so take your time and make sure everything is just right.

If you’re feeling stuck or have questions along the way, we have helpful setup guides and videos you can reference. Otherwise, our team is always here to help! If you need a quick answer or a detailed walkthrough, reach out via phone or chat. We’re here to make sure your design process goes as smoothly as possible.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating custom packaging that not only looks great but also functions perfectly. Happy designing!