Watch the setup walkthrough
A short walkthrough of how to set up special finishing like embossing and die-cutting so it runs cleanly.
Quick file checklist
Tap each item as you confirm it before uploading.
00 / 08 doneSetting up specialty finishing
Embossing and debossing
Embossing raises an area and debossing presses it in, using a custom die. Supply the area as a solid vector shape on its own layer, and avoid very fine lines or tiny text that will not form cleanly.
Die cutting and perforation
Custom cuts, windows and tear-off perforations use a steel die. Provide the cut or perf path as a vector dieline on a separate, named layer. Keep cuts clear of important content and allow for slight registration shift.
PMS (Pantone) colors
When a CMYK build will not match your brand color, specify a Pantone (PMS) spot color. Name the swatch in your file and tell us the exact PMS number so we can match it on press.
Proofing for finishing
Jobs with added finishing bypass instant proofing and go to a manual prepress review. Your soft proof may take up to 1 business day, and we may reach out if the finishing setup needs a small adjustment.
Finishing, answered
Embossing pushes an area up off the surface, debossing presses it in. Both use a custom die, so supply the area as a solid vector shape on its own named layer and avoid very fine detail.
Provide the cut or perforation path as a vector dieline on a separate, named layer. Keep important content clear of the cut and allow a little tolerance for registration.
Use a Pantone (PMS) spot color when an exact brand color matters and a CMYK build will not match it closely enough. Tell us the PMS number.
Yes. Finishing jobs go to manual prepress instead of instant proofing, so allow up to an extra business day for your soft proof, plus any added production time.