Print Proofing Checklist for Product Packaging
You’ve done the fun (and challenging) work of going through the concept development and refinement process to get to the final step of signing off on a print proof for your package – yay! We know that feeling of excitement so well, but this critical last step is not something to be rushed. Take your time to review every small detail, as this is the last chance to make any changes before you confidently send your artwork to print.
Proofing Checklist for Packaging Art:
Logo
Seems simple, but make sure the correct version of your logo is being used. Is it the right size, placement and ratio? Are the correct colors being used (whether it is being printed in full color or just one color)?
Layout
Look at the packaging as a whole – Is the hierarchy correct? Will the end-user be able to easily identify what is in the package and its benefits? Also, if this particular product package is one in a family of product packages, do the layouts need to correspond? And if so, do they match?
Links
Are final files linked to the artwork? Sometimes low-resolution versions of images are linked for the development process to keep file sizes low, but make sure that the high-resolution final files are now linked. These images should be formatted as CMYK color and at full 300dpi resolution.
UPC/Barcode
Cross-check numbers and file names to be sure the correct UPC is linked to the correct package. If someone hasn’t done so already, make sure the barcode scans properly.
Item Number
Not all packages have an item number, but double-check that this number is correct if they do.
Dual Language
Is the package dual language and going to be sold in multiple countries? If not, skip right past this step! But if so, make sure all labeling laws and regulations are met. There are many resources to help verify and we recommend using them, as dual language labeling is intricate and a crucial step of the process.
Content
Are the right pieces of content in the right spots? Depending on the product, you may need (or want) to include a recipe, cooking instructions, your social media handles, your brand mascot, or instructions on how to open the package.
Spelling
Make your third-grade teacher proud and double-check your spelling! Simple errors can easily get passed over while working through draft revisions, so check every word. Remember, auto correct doesn’t always catch everything!
Dieline
The dieline is typically supplied by the printer at the beginning of a project. Since that is often the first step in the process, it is a good idea towards the end to double-check that the dieline didn’t change somewhere along the way. Another important check is that you have a vector file of the dieline and not an image file.
Bleed
Is the bleed correctly added and applied? Hopefully, the printer included a bleed line to make it easy! If you are not sure, this is a great question to ask your printer.
Colors
It is a smart extra step to note the colors you used so that the printer doesn’t have to guess. If you are using specific Pantone® colors, then make sure they are correctly selected and applied. We suggest creating a legend outside of the art with small “swatches” of each color used along with the corresponding number. This ensures that your brand and selected colors are clearly identified.
Statements & Symbols
We’ve saved the best for last…This involves anything that is legally required or governed on your package, such as net weight, distributed by statements, nutrition fact panels (if applicable), ingredient statements, and recycle symbols to name a few. It also includes certifications like organic, American Heart Association and kosher, which are all important additions to your package! But make sure they are verified by a certified source and presented correctly on your package.
Outside of a checklist, it is always a good idea to include any extra notes or special print instructions to make sure that you and your printer are on the same page. Is there a special varnish, foil or pack out needed? Often, these elements are decided on early in the process, so noting them again at this final proofing stage is a key step.
We highly suggest creating a standardized checklist of elements to carefully review every time you proof a final print proof.
Happy proofing!
