Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Artwork: Artwork Setup Guides

An easy peasy process starts with making sure your artwork’s ready. The quickest way to slow down turnaround time on your custom packaging order is to submit artwork to us that doesn’t meet our press-ready requirements. Before submitting every artwork file, ensure you’ve covered the following bases, and you’ll be setting your project up for smooth sailing. We put together guides to give you a quick overview on how to meet our press-ready requirements. Additional information and instructions can be found below. Flat Bottom Bag Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Gusseted Bag Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Stand Up Pouch Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Flat Pouch Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Tin Can Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Labeled Paper Tube Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Beverage Label Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide Sticker Press Ready Artwork Setup Guide

Q: Artwork: What do "safe zones" mean and why do you mention them?

The safe zone is a green box that's centered in each panel of our artwork templates. We recommend that all important text and graphics stay inside those green lines to prevent your visuals from getting trimmed, folded, or looking out of alignment.

Q: Artwork: Why and what is an artwork file fee?

The artwork file fee does not pertain to artwork changes, rather, it is assessed on each order according to how many files are being produced on that particular order. The first file of every order is always free; each additional file will be assessed a $15 fee. This fee covers the additional prepress work involved to set up multiple SKUs on the printing press and allows us to keep our prepress team staffed with knowledgeable and efficient staff to keep the presses busy and the orders moving!

Q: Artwork: What is artwork color matching?

Getting the correct color setup on your artwork is key. If you require color matching, you will need to let us know the specific details when you upload your artwork. This could include details such as: Color matching a physical sample you send us. Color match to other artwork we've produced for you in the past. It is important that you give us as much detail as possible when requesting a color match.

Q: Artwork: Should I only use CMYK color?

Because our presses print using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) inks, all elements of the design, including any linked images, must be in CMYK (Process) mode prior to sending your artwork. No RGB or SPOT color information. Please note, this can cause significant shifts in color; we recommend you allow time to carefully review and do any necessary color corrections before sending us the files.

Q: Artwork: Are all color swatches pure black (100% K)?

When using a black background, or if large areas of your artwork are black, it’s important to ensure your black color swatch is 100% K (Black) and does NOT contain any Cyan, Magenta, or Yellow color values (a.k.a. 4-color Rich Black). Using a black swatch built in all four colors may cause quality issues during printing and production. Additionally, please DO NOT use the Registration color swatch in your artwork.

Q: Artwork: What is the minimum resolution?

We require a minimum of 300dpi in submitted artwork, especially if your design includes any photographs or raster images. Anything less than that can appear blurry and pixelated. Don’t think that more is better, though – anything higher than 300dpi isn’t necessary, and will likely only mean a larger file size that takes longer to upload to our system. 300dpi is a safe “set it and forget it” for artwork success.

Q: Artwork: How do I convert text to outlines?

When you’re creating your design, you’re likely adding typography via a text tool, which uses font libraries on your computer. Because we can’t guarantee we have the same fonts you do, we need all text to be converted to outlines. Outlining text removes all font information from your artwork file and switches those editable letters into fixed, un-editable objects, which means we can print your text exactly as desired. Do this as a final step after you’re happy with how all text looks on your design.

Q: Artwork: Does your file include the proper bleed?

Bleed is the area outside of the trim line that will get cut off. While it ultimately gets removed, it plays a critical role in the final presentation of your product. Designing for bleed makes sure your design, whether photo, graphic, or solid color, reaches all the way to the edge of your bag when it’s trimmed, avoiding unintended white edges. A minimum of .0625” (1/16”) of bleed is required. We require you use our templates for your artwork, as they already include the required amount of bleed.

Q: Artwork: Do your files use CMYK color mode, with no RGB or SPOT color information?

Because our presses print using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) inks, all elements of the design, including any linked images, must be in CMYK (Process) mode prior to sending your artwork. Please note, this can cause significant shifts in color; we recommend you allow time to carefully review and do any necessary color corrections before sending us the files. When you’re creating artwork files, you have a choice in color profiles for your design. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used for screen display, like websites. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is what’s generally used in physical printed objects, like the bags and pouches that come off our presses. It’s important your artwork files are set up in CMYK format at the beginning of your design process so what you see on screen most closely matches what will actually come off the press. Files produced in RGB mode may produce unwanted color shift and disappointing results, as many bright values seen on screen cannot be reproduced in print.

Question 1

Artwork Setup Guides

Question 2

What do "safe zones" mean and why do you mention them?

Question 3

Why and what is an artwork file fee?

Question 4

What is artwork color matching?

Question 5

Should I only use CMYK color?

Question 6

Are all color swatches pure black (100% K)?

Question 7

What is the minimum resolution?

Question 8

How do I convert text to outlines?

Question 9

Does your file include the proper bleed?

Question 10

Do your files use CMYK color mode, with no RGB or SPOT color information?

Question 11

Have you skipped the trim/crop or registration marks?

Question 12

What design program do you recommend? Why can't I use Canva?

Question 13

Why does my digital proof look different than my physical proof?

Question 14

What's the difference between new artwork and replacement artwork?

Question 15

How many colors can I use in my artwork file?

Question 16

I need a graphic designer. Can you recommend a good designer?

Question 17

What is a project?

Question 18

Do you offer a payment plan?

Question 19

Where can I find my order history?

Question 20

Where can I find my invoice?

Question 21

What does "submitted for settlement" mean?

Question 22

Can I have a promo code for my order?

Question 23

How can I change my address?

Question 24

I'd like a specific product sample, not the whole sample pack.

Question 25

Can I try before I buy?

Question 26

Can I pay to rush my order?

Question 27

Are there any quality tolerances?

Question 28

Are there any quantity tolerances?

Question 29

Do you offer any recyclable or sustainable options?

Question 30

Do you offer any recyclable or sustainable options?

Question 31

Can you fill my bags, if I send you my product?

Question 32

Do you offer spot varnish effects?

Question 33

Does my packaging need a degassing valve?

Question 34

Can I put a window on a package with compostable material?

Question 35

What packaging material is best for my product?

Question 36

What type of printing does Roastar do?

Question 37

Can I order samples?

Question 38

Marketing my sustainable product, what can I say?

Question 39

What is greenwashing?

Question 40

Is your recyclable material certified?

Question 41

What is the shelf life of Roastar's sustainable packaging materials?

Question 42

How do I label my recyclable product?

Question 43

Are Roastar sustainable products food safe?

Question 44

Are your compostable bags backyard compostable?

Question 45

Is your compostable material certified?

Question 46

Do you offer a recyclable valve and zipper?

Question 47

Do you offer a compostable valve and zipper?

Question 48

Why can’t I print on the entire compostable bag like I can other materials?

Question 49

Do you offer compostable labels for my blank or custom-printed bag?

Question 50

When placed in a landfill, compostable material does more harm than good.

Question 51

What sustainable material is best for me?

Question 52

Can I return my unused bags or labels for a refund?

Question 53

What do you charge for shipping?

Question 54

Frequently Asked Questions

Artwork

Artwork Setup Guides

What do "safe zones" mean and why do you mention them?

Why and what is an artwork file fee?

What is artwork color matching?

Should I only use CMYK color?

Are all color swatches pure black (100% K)?

What is the minimum resolution?

How do I convert text to outlines?

Does your file include the proper bleed?

Do your files use CMYK color mode, with no RGB or SPOT color information?

Have you skipped the trim/crop or registration marks?

What design program do you recommend? Why can't I use Canva?

Why does my digital proof look different than my physical proof?

What's the difference between new artwork and replacement artwork?

How many colors can I use in my artwork file?

I need a graphic designer. Can you recommend a good designer?

What is a project?

Ordering

Do you offer a payment plan?

Where can I find my order history?

Where can I find my invoice?

What does "submitted for settlement" mean?

Can I have a promo code for my order?

How can I change my address?

I'd like a specific product sample, not the whole sample pack.

Can I try before I buy?

Can I pay to rush my order?

Products

Are there any quality tolerances?

Are there any quantity tolerances?

Do you offer any recyclable or sustainable options?

Do you offer any recyclable or sustainable options?

Can you fill my bags, if I send you my product?

Do you offer spot varnish effects?

Does my packaging need a degassing valve?

Can I put a window on a package with compostable material?

What packaging material is best for my product?

What type of printing does Roastar do?

Can I order samples?

Sustainability

Marketing my sustainable product, what can I say?

What is greenwashing?

Is your recyclable material certified?

What is the shelf life of Roastar's sustainable packaging materials?

How do I label my recyclable product?

Are Roastar sustainable products food safe?

Are your compostable bags backyard compostable?

Is your compostable material certified?

Do you offer a recyclable valve and zipper?

Do you offer a compostable valve and zipper?

Why can’t I print on the entire compostable bag like I can other materials?

Do you offer compostable labels for my blank or custom-printed bag?

When placed in a landfill, compostable material does more harm than good.

What sustainable material is best for me?

Shipping & Returns

Can I return my unused bags or labels for a refund?

What do you charge for shipping?

Website & Account

How do I apply for tax exemption?

Dive a little deeper

Dive a little deeper