How to set up the file to print Packstyle pouches [graphic tutorial]

By popular demand, we come back with another useful tutorial to make the best use of the Packstyle portal. Today we will show you in detail how to set up - in a few steps - the file containing the customized graphics to print on your flexible packaging.

The operations are made easier by the template provided by Packstyle that, as we will see, you can download from the site at the time of order. For the rest you just need a little familiarity with a graphics program and some attention. 

Here are the six steps to insert your graphics in the Packstyle template and order a flexible packaging with customized graphics!

Step 1: choose the type of envelope that suits your needs and download the template

In the Packstyle portal there are bags for every type of need. Choose the type and the size that best suits your product. 

If you need more information when choosing, just click on the "(info)" button, which is next to each parameter. So you can learn more about, for example, bag sizes, materials, exclusive options and accessories. 

Make all your choices, download the template by clicking on the appropriate button.

Step 2: Let’s look at the instruction file

Now we leave momentarily the Packstyle portal and take a look at the compressed file that you just downloaded. 

Inside you will also find a pdf file: this is the file containing the instructions. 

Keep it aside and always consult it when you have any doubts: there you will find all the information you need to know, clear and brief. 

A first look at the instruction file is also useful to understand how we will set up the graphical file.

Step 3: Insert the graphics into the template

Now open the graphic file (if you use Adobe Illustrator you will need to open the file with extension .ai). 

The file is built on several layers that should not be modified. To insert the graphics use the Artwork layer.

Here are a couple of things you should definitely pay attention to:

1. Pay attention to the lines of the template: the template has different lines and graphic symbols (you can read the detailed meaning of each line in the instruction file) Be careful when inserting graphics. For example, we recommend inserting important text and graphics (as well as any transparent windows) within the area marked by the safety line (the red line), while the rest of the graphics can be inserted up to the margin of abundance.
2. Pay attention to the graphics placed on the back: all content must be rotated 180 degrees from the front.
3. Check that the elements do not overlap with the hole (if there is one). 
   
4. Remember to insert in your graphic also the right symbols provided by the mandatory environmental labelling of packaging.

If you want to insert a transparent window we suggest you to read our tutorial "How to create a packaging with a transparent window [graphic tutorial]”

Step 4: Check that all the images are embedded

Now that you have placed all the graphics in the template let’s do another fundamental check together. 

We check that all the images are not only connected but are also embedded in the graphic file, only in this way the file will have all the information necessary for printing.

To do this check go to Window>Links. Here you will see a list of all the images in the file. You must be sure that all images are embedded and therefore you will find them in "Show Embedded" section. 

The control can be easily done visually, in the section "Show all" check that next to each image there is the icon.

Step 5: Convert all text to path 

The last step to make on the graphic file is to convert all the texts to path. This way there will be no problem in printing the text, whatever font you have chosen.

To turn the texts into a path select all the elements of the graphic file via Select> All. Then choose Text > Create Outline.

Done!

Step 6: save the file in pdf

Your graphic file is ready, you just have to save it in pdf with the correct settings. 

Click on File > Save As, assign the title you like and save in pdf format. 

Here you keep Illustrator’s default settings and check that the options Keep illustrator editing functions, Embed page thumbnails and especially Create Acrobat levels from higher levels are selected. Illustrator will create a PDF ready for our processes.

Here we are at the end of the tutorial. At this point you have a graphic file ready to be uploaded to the site at the time of ordering.