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puppy38
Participating Frequently
May 27, 2026
Answered

Existing PSD file needs text to be ready for hot foil stamping...

  • May 27, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 61 views

I received files (PSD, PDF and EPS, containing just the text layer and template) that were prepared by someone else and they need to be converted for hot foil stamping.

I have looked up and found a lot of information and videos about how to create a PSD file and prepare it for the process, but nothing that tells me how to edit an existing file (files).

Vague instructions from the printer (in Czech Republic) have not been helpful as far as getting anything done, but this is all of the info I have received:

 

Embossing, hot foil stamping
The artwork should be always created in curves/ vector graphic, and either in special
spot color (called e.g. foil) as a part of the actual artwork, or in 100% black, but this
should be in a separate file. We can also accept high-resolution line-art images, but
the resolution should not be less than 1200 dpi. These specifications also apply for
spot-varnish artwork.
and:
"Incorrect/insufficient artwork for hot foil stamping, embossing, spot UV varnish, etc. " 300 dpi / rastr
 
I don’t understand why it is so complicated...but I think I have to start from the original PSD file and adjust things from there...I have no clue...
 
Any help greatly appreciated...
    Correct answer Stephen Marsh

    ​@puppy38 

     

    If you only have Photoshop:

     

    1. Work in a duplicate file.
       
    2. Change the foil/embossed text to 100% black in either a greyscale or CMYK mode file. 
    3. Image > Image Size, increase the resolution to 1200 PPI and ensure that the print size is correct at this new PPI.
    4. Change the live text layer to a vector path outline (still filled with solid black only)
    5. Save as Photoshop PDF. Ensure that “preserve Photoshop editing capabilities” is checked when saving.

    That’s one option, but they are probably still going to need to do extra work.

     

    Also send them another option, where you convert a copy of the above file to bitmap mode, 1200 PPI, using 50% threshold. Ensure the print size is correct. Save as TIFF or PSD or Photoshop PDF.

     

    A third option, from the first file that uses the outlined path text, use File > Export > Paths to Illustrator.

     

    Note that this will create blank/unfilled paths and they would need to be edited by yourself or the print service provider in Illustrator to be filled solid black.

    1 reply

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 27, 2026

    ​@puppy38 

     

    If you only have Photoshop:

     

    1. Work in a duplicate file.
       
    2. Change the foil/embossed text to 100% black in either a greyscale or CMYK mode file. 
    3. Image > Image Size, increase the resolution to 1200 PPI and ensure that the print size is correct at this new PPI.
    4. Change the live text layer to a vector path outline (still filled with solid black only)
    5. Save as Photoshop PDF. Ensure that “preserve Photoshop editing capabilities” is checked when saving.

    That’s one option, but they are probably still going to need to do extra work.

     

    Also send them another option, where you convert a copy of the above file to bitmap mode, 1200 PPI, using 50% threshold. Ensure the print size is correct. Save as TIFF or PSD or Photoshop PDF.

     

    A third option, from the first file that uses the outlined path text, use File > Export > Paths to Illustrator.

     

    Note that this will create blank/unfilled paths and they would need to be edited by yourself or the print service provider in Illustrator to be filled solid black.

      P
      puppy38Author
      Participating Frequently
      May 28, 2026

      Thank you, Stephen!

      I will give this a go and see if the printer can work with it...they are a big Czech company, and well-known for being more than difficult to work with...probably so you eventually give up and have to pay for their “design services”…

      Cheers!

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 29, 2026

      You’re welcome, shout out if you need anything.

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