How to Set Up Hang Tag Artwork for Print
Updated
Set up hang tag artwork in CMYK colour mode at 300 DPI with 3 mm bleed on all sides, convert all text to outlines, and save it as AI, PDF, CDR or a high-resolution PNG. That one sentence prevents almost every print problem. Here is what each step means.
The print-ready checklist
- Colour mode: CMYK, not RGB. Screens show RGB; presses print CMYK, and RGB colours shift when converted.
- Resolution: 300 DPI at the final printed size. Images taken from websites are usually 72 DPI and print blurry.
- Bleed: extend backgrounds and colour 3 mm past the trim line on every side, so no white edge shows after cutting.
- Fonts: convert all text to outlines, so fonts do not shift during printing.
- File format: AI, PDF, CDR or a high-resolution PNG.
Keep important content inside the safe area
Cutting has a small tolerance, so keep logos and text a few millimetres inside the trim line, and clear of the string hole near the top edge. Anything that runs to the edge should run into the bleed instead.
Designing for kraft and black board
Kraft brown board and black board are printed in white ink, so design them as a single light colour on the board's own background. Gold and silver foil, spot UV and embossing add further effects — mark the areas they apply to clearly in your file.
No artwork yet?
Send your logo and the details you want on the tag, and the Bae Tags team will set up the artwork for you. Either way, you approve a free digital proof showing exact size, colour and finish before anything goes to print, and revisions are free.