Artwork Design & Submission Guidelines

Artwork Submission

Please submit final design files in one of the following formats:

  • Adobe Illustrator .AI file (preferred), submitted as a fully packaged file with all linked images and required fonts included; or

  • Print-ready PDF

For Illustrator files, please embed all linked images. Please include both an outlined version and a non-outlined (live text) version of the artwork. For PDF files, all fonts must be embedded. All artwork must be finalized, flattened where applicable, and prepared for commercial printing.

Printing Specifications

  • Printing: Full color on the outside surface only (4/0 process). All package panels on the outside of the finished package (including the front, back, and side panels shown in the template) will be printed in four-color CMYK; The inside surface of the packaging material will remain blank.

  • Color mode: Please submit all artwork in CMYK color mode. RGB colors may print differently from how they appear on screen.

  • Paper options: Gloss or Matte.

  • Special finishes: Embossing, debossing, foil stamping, metallic foil, and other specialty finishes are not available.

  • Required template content: All content within the yellow boxes in the template is mandatory and must be placed in the designated print area exactly as provided. Do not edit, remove, move, resize, or obscure this content.

    • If you make edits to the template, do not change the required wording or font size.

  • Bleed and safe zone: Extend all background colors and images through the designated bleed area. Keep all essential text, logos, and graphics within the safe zone to avoid trimming issues.

  • Resolution: Images must be at least 350 dpi at final print size.

  • Borders: Borders near the trim edge are not recommended, as normal cutting tolerances may cause them to appear uneven.

Final Artwork Approval

Please review your artwork carefully before submission. By submitting your final design files and approving the order, you acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for identifying and correcting any typographical errors, spelling mistakes, incorrect information, or layout issues in the submitted artwork.

Once the order has been approved and submitted for printing, no changes, revisions, cancellations, or corrections can be made.

Before proceeding, please confirm the following:

  • All information in your files is accurate, complete, and spelled correctly.

  • All text is clear and legible. A minimum text size of 10 pt. is recommended.

  • All important text, logos, and design elements remain within the designated safe zone.

  • Any background colors, images, or design elements intended to print to the edge extend fully to the black line marking the print area and through the designated bleed area.

By approving the order, Customer authorizes Nippon Kodo to proceed with production based on the submitted artwork. Nippon Kodo is not responsible for errors, omissions, or print results arising from Customer-approved files.

Customer Artwork and Intellectual Property
Nippon Kodo Intellectual Property and Know-How
Legal Compliance and Customer Responsibilities

For complete details regarding customer-provided artwork, intellectual property rights, Nippon Kodo’s proprietary information and know-how, and customer responsibilities related to product claims, labeling, marketing, advertising, distribution, and regulatory compliance, please refer to the Private Label Incense Agreement found here.