Need help with a die cut folder template

[katiek91254113]

Hi all,

I have a template for a die cut folder and i am wanting to place a background image that covers the whole area including on the flaps that fold around to make an inside pocket. My printer has asked that i create my artwork to the knife line with 5mm bleed and send it to him as a print ready PDF. How do i go about this in order for the background image to cover the whole outside surface area? Do i just need to select the cut line and offset it to 5mm and paste my image in?

Would be glad of any help.

[Omar.Fathy]

Yes, You need to make a custom Bleed by using the Offset Path Command.
You can also convert your path to Guide from View>Guide>Make Guide.
Don't forget to make your artboard size is equal to the size of document + Bleed size ( The entire size ).

[katiek91254113]

Ok thanks.

I was sent the pdf by the printer and i opened that in illustrator. I trust that is still keeping the right scale?

[jdanek]

It depends on your image.  The pockets will actually be upside down vs. the cover / back cover, unless it does not matter ( i.e., your image is a texture file ).  Your file has to include trim marks indicatiing folds and/or scores and the die-cut ( even if it is a template ).  The die-cut will be on its own Layer and colored using a unique spot color.  Or, give it to the print vendor as a separate PDF.  Give them a Press Ready PDF and make sure you select "Leave Color Unchanged" in the settings.  Beware not to put your image in glue areas.

[katiek91254113]

Yes i am using a textured background.

How can i check that the colour mode is spot colour for the fold lines and die cut lines?

[Monika Gause]

You should measure the dieline. Use the line tool for that (not the measure tool)

To create spot color use the swatches panel and set up swatches. There is no specific Spot color mode, but CMYK color mode would be needed.

[jdanek]

To check the color, just select a line segment and it should appear in the Color palette ( or the tool bar ).  If you can, you should print the PDF at 100% and include the die lines, trims, and scores.  Then you can accurately size the background and visually get an idea where the glue areas will be.