Print Artwork for Cups & Packaging: Vector, CMYK, and Pantone Explained
- Vector files (PDF, AI, EPS, SVG) are ideal – they scale infinitely without loss of quality.
- Screen colours (RGB) render differently in print; commercial printing uses CMYK or Pantone.
- Colours appear darker and more muted on kraft paperboard than on white board.
Vector or Raster Graphics?
Raster images (JPG, PNG) are made up of individual pixels and become blurry or pixelated when enlarged. Vector graphics describe shapes mathematically and remain sharp at any scale. A logo downloaded from a website is almost always too low-resolution for print.
| Format | Type | Suitable for Print? |
|---|---|---|
| PDF, AI, EPS, SVG | Vector | Ideal |
| PNG, JPG (high resolution) | Raster | Conditional, approx. 300 dpi at print size |
| Screenshot, website logo | Raster | Usually unsuitable |
RGB, CMYK, and Pantone
- RGB: Colours for digital screens – vibrant, but cannot be replicated 1:1 in print
- CMYK: Four-colour process printing using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black)
- Pantone: Standardised spot colours for precise, consistent brand colour matching
If your brand colours require an exact match, provide us with the Pantone reference. On brown kraft paper, light colours appear less vivid – here, an underprinted white layer or a bolder shade can be effective.
Checklist for Your Print Files
- Logo provided as a vector file or high-resolution PNG
- All fonts converted to outlines/paths
- Colour codes specified (CMYK or Pantone)
- Desired positioning and sizing on the cup specified
Don't have the ideal file format? Simply upload what you have – our graphics team will check it and provide a free digital proof.
Get started – Free design proof, production 2–4 weeks after approval.