01
Lock the viewing face
Decide which side meets the shopper first and where mandatory product information belongs. Use a marked sketch when the shape is not symmetrical.
ARTICLE
Artwork checks for shaped tubes
A curved or shaped surface changes how a flat design is seen. The product’s intended front and the opening direction should be established before approving the print layout.
Discuss your packaging project ↗
02
Review seam and lid
Ask the supplier to show the seam, lid alignment and reading direction on the proposed structure. Do not rely on a generic round-tube template.
03
Approve the project proof
Confirm artwork status in the brief, then review the specific proof and physical sample. Printing method and capability are quotation-specific.
04
Printing, foil, embossing and UV belong on the proof
Discuss artwork, seam position, reading direction, principal panel and lid/body registration as one layout. The pictured finish options include UV, embossing/debossing, stamping, lamination and silk printing. Each option depends on the chosen paper, construction, adhesion and tooling; a metallic color in a product photo does not prove foil stamping. Mark the intended treatment on the artwork and approve both a proof and a physical sample.
Surface treatment references.
Eight pictured finish directions; compatibility and the exact process require a physical sample.
Continue your packaging research.
Artwork checks for shaped tubes?
Mark the front face, top, opening and preferred graphic alignment; review the print seam and lid relationship on a proof for the actual structure before production.
BEFORE YOU START
A few useful answers.
Practical questions for a better packaging brief.
Artwork checks for shaped tubes?
Mark the front face, top, opening and preferred graphic alignment; review the print seam and lid relationship on a proof for the actual structure before production.
How do I identify the main viewing face on an asymmetrical tube?
Decide which side meets the shopper first and where mandatory product information belongs. Use a marked sketch when the shape is not symmetrical.
What should the supplier show for the seam and lid relationship?
Ask the supplier to show the seam, lid alignment and reading direction on the proposed structure. Do not rely on a generic round-tube template.