The production file is the part of the template that will be used to generate the file ready for printing or engraving. It will contain all the personalized elements of the design, such as text and images, and any other design elements that are important for printing, from decorations to crop marks or guidelines.
1. Naming your template
The first thing you need to do when setting the production file is to give your template a name.
Tip:
We always recommend using something that will help you easily identify to which product the template corresponds to. So for example, using the SKU or the product name is a great way to keep things organized.
2. Choosing a base file
The Production File can be created from an existing design file (EPS or IMAGE) or new from scratch. In order to choose between these options, select them from the Production Base File dropdown.
2.1. Upload
This will allow you to upload an existing file, containing the design elements of the product that won't be personalized. This normally means: boundaries, margins, bleed and cut lines that need to be on the production file. Static elements within the design such as artwork and text, that don’t variate according to the customer's personalization.
You can upload a base file is either EPS or Image format.
You can upload a base file is either EPS or Image format.
- To upload a base EPS file, click on the upload base eps file button. EPS files are recommended when you are using the production files export features.
What should I include on my base EPS file?
Learn more about base EPS files, and how you should set them up here.
- To upload an image file, click on the upload base image file button. Image files are recommended if you don't have an EPS, or if you don't need the production file export features.
2.2. Create
This will let you create a blank canvas to work on. You can set the dimensions of the canvas in mm.
It's very useful when you have simple production files, where all you need to add is the personalized elements.
It's very useful when you have simple production files, where all you need to add is the personalized elements.
3. Choose export format and color mode
You can choose to have your production files exported in different formats. Depending on how you'll be using the production file (printing, engraving, stamping, etc.) which file will suit you best.
Available formats are:
Available formats are:
- EPS: This is a vector format. Great for any product that is printed, sublimated, or engraved. Especially if you need to maintain the high quality of the design.
- PDF: Very similar to EPS format, great for any product that is printed or sublimated.
- Ai: An Adobe Illustrator file. Great for any product that is printed, sublimated or engraved.
- DXF: This is a CAD format. It is mostly used for engraving, CNC or laser cutting.
- PNG: Image format. Good for products that involve images as artwork, or for products where customers can upload their own photographs.
- JPG: Image format. Good for products that involve images as artwork, or for products where customers can upload their own photographs.
Mirror Output:
If your product needs to be sublimated or works with any other sort of transfer, you can choose to receive the output file mirrored. This will mirror the entire design so when you transfer it, it will look good on the final product.
4. Adding the personalizable elements
This is the most important step of creating the template, where you add all the personalizable elements.
On the right side of the screen, you'll see your base file displayed. This is your workspace, where you can add different elements, resize them and move them around to make your production file template.
On the left side of the screen, you'll see the menu bar, where you can choose to add the elements. The different elements you can add to a template are:
On the right side of the screen, you'll see your base file displayed. This is your workspace, where you can add different elements, resize them and move them around to make your production file template.
On the left side of the screen, you'll see the menu bar, where you can choose to add the elements. The different elements you can add to a template are:
- Single line and multi-line text with multiple fonts and colors
- Text on a path with multiple fonts and colors
- Image placeholders for customers to upload their own pictures
- Dynamic vectors to add art elements for customers to choose from
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