If there is one mistake in the bag printing proofreading, platemaking, printing, and laminating all need to be redone!

Reviewing black and white drafts and color drafts is packaging bag manufacturers one of the important tasks, and it is the main basis for ensuring the smooth progress of subsequent processes and producing packaging bags that satisfy customers. Shunxingyuan Packaging, a professional flexible packaging manufacturer, lists here the key elements to pay attention to when reviewing black and white drafts and color drafts. Don't miss them.

I. 12 Major Elements to Pay Attention to When Reviewing Black and White Drafts

Black and white drafts are the main basis for plate making.

1. Review the bag type of the draft. Different bag types have different layout methods.

2. Review the draft. Specifications and dimensions, i.e., the finished unfolded size of the packaging bag and the dimensions of each part (including heat seal). The finished size is the sum of the heat seal size and the pattern size.

3. Review the pattern. The patterns in the black draft must be aesthetically pleasing. All rough lines, discontinuous strokes, unconventional patterns, small and empty text that are difficult to engrave, and tiny patterns must be corrected (based on experience and communication with the customer), except for special effects.

4. Review the graphic and text position. The arrangement and layout of text and patterns in every place must be clear and reasonable. Text, trademarks, barcodes, etc., should not be too close to the heat seal edge or bag edge.

5. Text review and proofreading.

6. Chinese characters. Must conform to simplified Chinese character and grammatical standards. Hanyu Pinyin must meet requirements, and dialect pinyin should be canceled; confirm in special cases.

7. Foreign languages. Must comply with national regulations. For domestic sales products, foreign text must not be larger than Chinese characters. Foreign language materials must have clear text and be easy to recognize, such as Japanese, Russian, French, Arabic, etc., which must have standard typesetting before they can be used as a layout basis. Due to the randomness and irregularity of handwriting, handwritten text cannot be directly used as a basis for plate making, especially for Japanese, Russian, Arabic, etc.

8. Font type. If the black draft uses handwritten text, it must clearly indicate which font is adopted.

9. Font size. Handwritten text on the black draft must clearly indicate the size. Small Song typeface should be avoided as much as possible.

10. Composition. All electronic separation images or additional images to be included in the draft must have a clear outline drawn with a pencil on the black draft. This is to understand the placement, size, and orientation of the electronic separation image or additional image.

11. Instructions. If a black and white draft requires modification and adjustment in a certain area, the additional instructions provided must be clear and neat, and correspond to the areas needing modification in the black draft.

12. Film. As a black draft, it can be used as a basis for plate making. Pay attention to the above issues such as specifications, dimensions, and text. Also, ensure the film conforms to the gravure printing process, and protect the film from scratches or damage.

II. 8 Major Elements to Pay Attention to When Reviewing Color Drafts

Color drafts are the main basis for determining colors.

1. Material of color drafts. Color drafts include hand-drawn color drafts, printed color drafts, etc. Regardless of the material, when used as a color separation basis, the percentage of each color must be clearly reviewed. If the color differs too much from the gravure sample color book, it must be clearly explained to the customer.

2. Colors. Generally composed of five colors: black, blue, red, yellow, and white. In special cases, one to three spot colors are used, and there are also full spot color drafts.

3. Spot colors must be provided with color swatches, or their corresponding values marked with standard color swatches. If there is a spot color halftone, it must clearly indicate which color is solid, i.e., 100% spot color; if it was originally a spot color and is now changed to an intermediate color or composite color, the difference between spot color, intermediate color, and composite color must be explained to the customer.

4. If there is no color draft, the black and white draft must indicate the color composition, or have a color swatch for color checking attached.

5. Small text and thin lines should not be overprinted. Small trademarks should not be multi-color overprinted. Pay attention to color changes during color trapping.

6. The practice of white plate is not easily seen on color drafts, so the white plate must be carefully reviewed and clearly indicated.

7. When film is used as the basis for coloring, it must be supported by a well-printed film proof of the same set.

III. Comparative Review of Black and White and Color Drafts

Black and white drafts and color drafts must be reviewed comparatively. Every graphic and text on the black draft should have a corresponding color found on the color draft. Any contradictions, extra elements, or omissions in any part should be confirmed through communication to prevent oversights.