How to Order Custom Envelopes — Artwork Guide, MOQ & Production Timeline

1. Artwork Preparation & File Requirements

Getting your artwork right before submission is the single biggest factor in a smooth production run. Please review each requirement below.

Accepted File Formats

Essential Artwork Rules

• Color mode: CMYK only. All files must be in CMYK color mode. RGB files will be converted during prepress, which may cause color shifts. We are not responsible for color variations caused by RGB submissions.
• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum. Images below 300 DPI will appear blurry or pixelated in print. Convert all embedded images to 300 DPI CMYK bitmaps before submission.
• Fonts must be outlined or embedded. Convert all text to outlines (curves) before saving. Missing fonts cause substitution and layout shifts. If you can’t outline, embed the font files.
• Bleed: 3 mm (⅛”) on all sides. If your design extends to the envelope edge, add 3 mm bleed. Content that should not be cut should stay at least 5 mm from the trim edge.
• Black text: use single black (K=100). Do not use four-color black (C100 M100 Y100 K100) for body text — it causes registration blur and ghosting on offset presses. Use K=100 only for text; use rich black (C30 M20 Y10 K100) for large solid black areas.

Envelope-Specific Layout Notes

• Flap orientation matters. For open-side envelopes (#10 style), the flap is on the top edge; for open-end (catalog style), the flap is on the short side. Indicate clearly in your file or order notes.
• Window positioning. If your envelope includes a window, specify the exact distance from the left and bottom edges (in mm). Our standard window is 28 mm × 105 mm positioned 20 mm from left, 15 mm from bottom — let us know if yours differs.
• Inside printing. If printing on the inside of the envelope (security tint, pattern), note that the artwork for the inside face should be rotated 180° relative to the outside face.
• Glue flap area. Do not place ink or coating on the glue flap area — it weakens adhesion. Leave a 15 mm clear zone along the flap edge.

2. Color Accuracy & Expectations

We use CIP3 color management across our production line. However, the following factors affect final color appearance — please understand them before placing your order.

Monitor vs Print Color

Your monitor uses RGB light to display color; offset printing uses CMYK ink. The two color spaces are fundamentally different — printed color will always appear different from what you see on screen. Do not use your monitor as the color reference. If color accuracy is critical, request a physical proof or provide a Pantone color reference.

Paper Affects Color

The same CMYK values produce different visual results on different papers. Uncoated paper (white wove, kraft) absorbs more ink and appears darker and less vivid than coated paper. Expect approximately 10–15% deeper color on uncoated stock compared to how it appears on coated samples.

Batch-to-Batch Variation

Offset printing has inherent batch-to-batch variation due to temperature, humidity, and press calibration. Color variation within ±5% between batches is normal and within industry standards. If exact color matching across multiple orders is required, please specify this when ordering — we’ll retain your color profile for repeat orders.

3. MOQ, Pricing & Order Quantities

Quantity tolerance: Due to production setup and spoilage, actual quantity delivered may vary ±5% from the ordered quantity. This is standard in the printing industry and does not qualify for refund or credit within this range. If exact quantities are required for your application, please specify this when ordering.

4. Production Timeline

5. Shipping & Delivery

• We ship worldwide to 30+ countries via sea freight (cost-effective, 15–35 days) or air freight (faster, 5–10 days).
• Shipping cost is quoted based on order volume/weight and destination. It is included in your final quote — no surprise fees.
• Customs clearance: We provide all necessary export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin). Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the buyer’s responsibility.
• Inspection before shipment: We recommend you or a third-party inspector examine goods before they leave our factory. We’ll coordinate the inspection schedule.

6. Quality Assurance & After-Sales Policy

Our Quality Commitment

Every order passes through three inspection checkpoints: raw material inspection (paper weight, color consistency), in-production sampling (print alignment, glue adhesion, cutting accuracy), and pre-shipment QC (random batch sampling, dimensional verification). If we find an issue, we fix it before it reaches you.

After-Sales Policy

• Inspection window: Inspect your order within 10 business days of receipt. Any quality issues must be reported within this window. We retain your production files and samples for 30 days for issue investigation.
• Valid quality claims: Print misregistration (off by more than 1.5 mm), incorrect dimensions (deviating from approved spec), missing or incorrect features (wrong window position, wrong closure type), manufacturing defects (glue failure, torn paper).
• Not covered: Color variation within ±5% of approved proof, quantity variance within ±5%, issues caused by incorrect artwork submitted by the buyer, damage during shipping (we’ll help file a carrier claim), consequential losses (missed events, campaign delays).
• Resolution: Valid claims are resolved by reprint (for production errors) or credit (for minor issues). We do not issue refunds for printed custom orders — we reprint to correct the issue.

7. Prohibited Content

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel orders containing:

• Content that violates any applicable laws or regulations
• Hate speech, discriminatory content, or content promoting violence
• Counterfeit or fraudulent materials
• Content that infringes third-party intellectual property rights

Orders containing prohibited content that are discovered after production will be destroyed and are not eligible for refund.