To print well on a Custom Printed Pouches (CPP) pouch, build your artwork on the template for your exact pouch size, in CMYK, with 300 dpi images and outlined text, then export one PDF/X-1a:2001 file per design. Keep logos, copy and barcodes inside the safe area, extend backgrounds past the edge and upload the file in the configurator. Artwork review is included before production.
What are CPP's pouch artwork specifications?
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Production file | One high-resolution PDF per design, exported as PDF/X-1a:2001 |
| Color mode | CMYK (RGB conversion can shift color) |
| Black | 100% K for standard black; no rich or registration black unless a proof calls for it |
| Pantone colors | Use the CMYK values from a Pantone Bridge guide |
| Image resolution | 300 dpi at final placed size |
| Text and images | Outline all text; embed every image |
| Light colors and patterns | At least 20% ink coverage for light colors; at least 20% value difference between a pattern and its background |
| Edges | Extend edge-to-edge art past the artboard on every side |
| Safe area | Logos, required copy and codes inside the template's safe area, clear of zipper, seals and tear notch |
| Tolerance | ±1/16 in at side cuts, zipper, tear notch and hang hole; plan a 2 mm strip on both side edges |
| Barcodes and QR codes | Test from the exported PDF at final printed size |
| Before export | Remove crop marks, color bars, registration marks, guides and unused layers |
From CPP's Artwork Specifications, Pouch Manufacturing Tolerances and Side-Cut Artwork Options guides (Edition 1.0, September 2026).
The uploader can accept additional file types, but an accepted upload is not necessarily a print-ready production file. Follow the PDF production requirements above and use the contact form for a file-specific question.
Download the template for your pouch size
These factory-supplied, size-specific dielines show panel boundaries, safe areas and optional-feature positions. Download copies were checked on October 15, 2026. Follow the CPP artwork guides below and confirm the features selected for your order. Don't resize or rotate it. Check that the size matches your configurator selection before you start.
| Size | Format | Dimensions (W × H × gusset) | Template |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | Stand-up | 3.25 × 4.75 × 2 in | Download S1 template (PDF) |
| S2 | Stand-up | 4.375 × 6 × 2 in | Download S2 template (PDF) |
| S3 | Stand-up | 5 × 6.5 × 2.5 in | Download S3 template (PDF) |
| S4 | Stand-up | 5 × 7 × 3 in | Download S4 template (PDF) |
| S5 | Stand-up | 5.75 × 7.5 × 2.5 in | Download S5 template (PDF) |
| S6 | Stand-up | 6.5 × 8 × 2.5 in | Download S6 template (PDF) |
| S7 | Stand-up | 6.75 × 8.5 × 3.5 in | Download S7 template (PDF) |
| S8 | Stand-up | 7 × 9 × 3 in | Download S8 template (PDF) |
| S9 | Stand-up | 7.25 × 6 × 2 in | Download S9 template (PDF) |
| S10 | Stand-up | 8.125 × 10 × 3.5 in | Download S10 template (PDF) |
| S11 | Stand-up | 9.875 × 10.5 × 3 in | Download S11 template (PDF) |
| S12 | Stand-up | 12 × 12.5 × 3.5 in | Download S12 template (PDF) |
| L13 | Flat | 3.25 × 4.5 in | Download L13 template (PDF) |
| L14 | Flat | 3.375 × 5.5 in | Download L14 template (PDF) |
| L15 | Flat | 4 × 6 in | Download L15 template (PDF) |
| L16 | Flat | 5 × 5.5 in | Download L16 template (PDF) |
| L17 | Flat | 5 × 7 in | Download L17 template (PDF) |
| L18 | Flat | 6 × 7 in | Download L18 template (PDF) |
| L19 | Flat | 7 × 9 in | Download L19 template (PDF) |
| L20 | Flat | 7 × 12 in | Download L20 template (PDF) |
Euro-slot hang holes aren't available on S1, L13, L14 and L16; those sizes use a 6 mm round hole.
How do I prepare and submit pouch artwork?
- Configure the pouch. Choose the format, size, material, finish and features in the pouch configurator. A later change can mean a different template.
- Download the matching template from the table above.
- Design inside the safe area in CMYK, following the specifications above.
- Add white-ink layers if you're using a clear window or metallic effect.
- Preflight and export one PDF/X-1a:2001 per design. Open it and check every panel, edge and code.
- Upload in the configurator, one file per design, with quantities that add up to the order total. You can also build a design with the online designer.
- Approve the reviewed file. CPP reviews artwork before production, and production starts after your approval.
How do clear windows and metallic effects work?
Both use a separate White Ink layer. White ink prints under your colors wherever it's present. Where you leave it out, the pouch material shows through.
| Clear window | Metallic effect | |
|---|---|---|
| Material to choose | Clear Matte BOPP or Clear Gloss PET | Metallic Matte BOPP or Metallic Gloss PET |
| White Ink layer | Premium White spot color (100% magenta) over the whole artboard, minus the window | Premium White spot color over the whole artboard, minus the artwork that should shine |
| Result | The window stays transparent | Knocked-out areas show the metallic base under the printed color |
| Canva | Mark the window with a white shape plus an exact copy in #EC008C | Use Illustrator or similar to build the knockout |
A window can't be transparent on white or metallic material, and a metallic effect can't be created on white or clear material. See the step-by-step guides below.
Free pouch artwork guides
| Guide | What it covers | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork Specifications | Color mode, black, file output, resolution, dieline and safe-area rules, final preflight | PDF, 3 pages |
| Pouch Manufacturing Tolerances | ±1/16 in movement at cuts, zipper, tear notch and hang hole; up to 10% overage | PDF, 2 pages |
| Prevent White Lines | Extending edge-to-edge art past the artboard so no material shows at the edges | PDF, 1 page |
| Side-Cut Artwork Options | Three ways to design side edges that hide normal cut movement | PDF, 1 page |
| Canva Artwork Setup | Importing the dieline, CMYK PDF export settings and marking windows in Canva | PDF, 2 pages |
| Creating Clear Windows | Building a white-ink knockout in Illustrator so part of a clear pouch stays transparent | PDF, 2 pages |
| Creating Metallic Effects | Building a white-ink knockout so chosen artwork shows the metallic base | PDF, 2 pages |
Pouch artwork FAQs
What file format should I submit for pouch printing?
Submit one high-resolution PDF exported as PDF/X-1a:2001 for each design, built in CMYK on the CPP template for your pouch size. Outline all text, embed every image and remove crop marks, color bars and unused layers.
Where do I get the template for my pouch?
Download the template for your exact size from the template table on this page. Each size has its own panel dimensions and feature positions, so choose the final size and features before you start production artwork.
What resolution do images need?
300 dpi at the final placed size. Lower-resolution images can print soft or pixelated.
Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?
CMYK. Create and export the file in CMYK; converting from RGB can shift colors noticeably. For Pantone colors, use the CMYK values from a Pantone Bridge guide as the closest digital-print match.
How do I set up black?
Build standard black areas as 100% K. Don't use rich black or registration black unless a CPP proof calls for it.
Do I need bleed?
Yes. Extend every background, photo and color block past the artboard edge on all sides. Art that stops exactly at the edge can leave a thin line of unprinted material on the finished pouch.
How close to the edge can I put text and logos?
Keep logos, required copy and barcodes inside the template's safe area, clear of the zipper, seals and tear notches. Cuts and features can move up to ±1/16 in, and side edges need a 2 mm planning strip.
Can I design my pouch in Canva?
Yes, for straightforward artwork. Import the CPP template, lock it, build inside the safe area and export a CMYK print PDF with crop marks and bleed turned off. Your Canva plan must support CMYK export.
How do I add a clear window?
Choose a clear material, then add a White Ink layer with a Premium White spot color (set to 100% magenta) and knock out the window shape. Areas without white ink stay transparent. A window can't appear transparent on white or metallic material.
How do I create metallic effects?
Choose a metallic material, then add a White Ink layer with a Premium White spot color and knock out the artwork that should look metallic. Areas without white ink let the metallic base show through.
Is artwork review included?
Yes. CPP reviews your file before production, and production begins after you approve it. The review checks the print file, not label compliance, claims or barcode performance, so keep those with your own specialists.
Can I order several designs at once?
Yes. Set the number of designs in the configurator and upload one production file per design. The design quantities must add up to the order total.
Can CPP design my pouch for me?
You can build a design yourself with the online designer in the pouch configurator. For help with a specific file or design question, contact the CPP team with your pouch size, features and the issue.
Need help with your file?
Tell us the pouch size and features, which file you're working on and the exact issue. Artwork review is included before production; keep label requirements and claims with your own qualified reviewers.