Embedded Files
CFT File Setup
Custom Foil Text design files have a very specific file setup that must be followed exactly.
QCs check the design files for CFT orders very carefully, and will reject if the file isn’t setup correctly.
Also, if the file setup isn’t correct, the order could get canceled at print, which would cause a replacement order and a large delay for the customer. Replacements for CFT can take more than a week, compared to replacements for regular orders, which take 1-2 days.
Foil Spot Swatch
The foil spot swatch is a unique black color that must be used on the fill and stroke of all elements that are to be foil-pressed.
It appears to have the same CMYK values as 100K black, but in fact it's a totally different swatch.
You can download this swatch from the Go-to Downloads section on the DA page on mntd.space.
In the design file, you can identify the foil spot swatch by the tiny white triangle in the right corner
In the color panel, you can identify the foil spot swatch because it’s labeled FOIL, instead of 100K:
Important
All elements that are NOT foil-pressed must NOT use the foil spot swatch color.
If they do use the foil spot swatch color, the order will be canceled at print and will result in a replacement order.
Opacity Mask
In CFT design files, the foil layer uses an opacity mask.
Here are some things to know about opacity masks in CFT:
The elements that are to be foil-pressed must be grouped together in a SINGLE group
All elements to be foil-pressed must use only the foil spot swatch
Any foil text in the opacity mask must remain live and editable
The opacity mask must contain ONLY the group of elements that are to be foil-pressed plus the foil image
The opacity mask cannot contain anything else (not even guides, elements off the artboard, or elements with the visibility turned off)
How to tell the difference between a
Clipping Mask and an Opacity Mask in AI
How to make an Opacity Mask in AI
Flattening Background Artwork
In order to avoid custom foil text replacement orders, it’s necessary to flatten all background and design elements as a TIFF, and replace the file in the artboard.
This should be done for all CFT orders.
Flatten everything except for live digital text, the foil die layer, and the die-cut layer if there is one. You should include any horizontal lines, bullets, or flourishes that aren’t part of a live text box.
If the BOC is anything other than a pure white blank backer, then the BOC must be flattened as well for color consistency.
Note: If there are other items in the order, like skinnywrap or liners, we need to TIFF those too, for color consistency. There’s no need to TIFF envelopes since they’re printed on a different paper stock than cards.
How to Correctly Flatten Backgrounds and Design Elements
After you have proofed the design, and before flattening, save a copy of the unflattened AI file to upload to the order notes. This will be a fully editable version in case of re-proofing. This is a required step.
Turn off the visibility of all layers and elements except for the ones you want to flatten.
Never flatten the die-cut layer, live text, or foil elements
When flattening the BOC, always flatten the logo
Export the elements you want to flatten, select TIFF as the file format and make sure the artboard option is checked.
If you’re flattening a photo, select RGB as the color space. If you’re flattening design elements without a photo, select CMYK. Choose the highest quality/ppi setting. Select the option to embed the color profile.
If the FOC has a photo and some design elements, and the BOC has matching design elements but no photo, we need to select RGB for both. (these are a couple of examples of photo-related FOCs and BOCs here and here)
After exporting, go back to the AI file, and delete the elements you just flattened.
Place your exported TIFF file in the background layer of your AI file. The TIFF file must be linked, not embedded.
Turn on the visibility of any elements you turned off in step 1.
WAIT! Did you make sure to upload an editable version of the AI file to the order notes?
File Setup for Custom Foil
Layers must be set up in the following order:
1st Layer:
Foil layer
Layer name should be labeled id:foil_artwork
Opacity mask must be labeled id:foil_image
Only the opacity mask should be in the foil layer, nothing else! Not even guidelines or objects off the artboard.
2nd Layer (or more):
Digital layer(s)
Text printed digitally
3rd Layer:
Background layer
If there is any background other than plain white, the background and any design elements must be saved as a TIFF, and the TIFF then placed on the background layer
Note: Never lock the foil layer on CFT. This could cause it to get stuck in MBO.
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