Instructions for preparing one-piece card boxes (tuckbox)

At MB PRINT, we are committed to the highest print quality. Proper file preparation is crucial for the final game outcome. Check out our tips to ensure your project looks perfect after printing.

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Just starting your journey with DIY print-ready boxes? We’ll make it easier for you!

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Basic File Preparation Rules

  • File format: PDF.
  • Resolution: 300 DPI.
  • Color profile: Preferred mode CMYK (Coated Fogra 39 profile). RGB files will be automatically converted, which may result in a color shade difference.
  • Rich black: To achieve rich black, use the following components: C:30% M:30% Y:0% K:100%.
  • Bleed: Add 3 mm of background graphics on each side beyond the final format (e.g., for an 88 x 63 mm card, the file should be 94 x 69 mm).
  • Safety margin: Place important texts and graphics at least 4 mm from the edge of the target format (trim size).
  • Text: All fonts must be outlined.
  • Marks: Do not add crop marks or registration marks when saving.
  • Flatten layers before saving. Remove transparencies.

Due to the variety of game formats, we treat each box individually. Don’t design blindly – start the process by determining the dimensions, which will allow us to prepare the correct die-cut template for you.

Calculating internal dimensions (production clearance) For cards to fit freely into the box, its dimensions must be slightly larger than your deck’s dimensions. The required clearance is 1.5 mm – 2 mm in each dimension (not including potential card sleeves).

Calculate dimensions using the following scheme:

    • Box height = card height + 1.5 mm
    • Box width = card width + 1.5 mm
    • Box depth = thickness of the entire deck + 1.5 mm

How to calculate deck thickness?

The spine thickness depends on the paper weight and the number of cards. To get an accurate depth measurement, multiply the number of cards by the appropriate coefficient:

    • 300 g paper (unlaminated): 0.272 mm * number of cards
    • 350 g paper (unlaminated): 0.332 mm * number of cards
    • Textured paper: 0.356 mm * number of cards

Minimum box depth (spine width) is 12 mm. If your deck is thinner after calculations, a different type of packaging will be necessary.

Template download

After calculating the final dimensions, contact us. We will send you
a ready file with the die-cut template, adapted to your card deck and our cutting machines, onto which you will apply your graphics.

When designing graphics on the received die-cut template, you must strictly adhere to the following technical rules.

    • Bleed: The graphic background must extend beyond the cut line (net format). A minimum of 3 mm bleed must be added around the entire die-cut template. This prevents white edges from appearing due to potential micro-shifts of the cutting blade.

    • Internal margin (safe area): Place important elements (texts, logos) at a minimum distance of 4 mm from the cut line and the fold line (creasing).

Designing on folds (creases)

    • Avoid color changes on the edge: Do not design two different colors to meet exactly on the box’s fold line.
    • Risk: During machine folding, a minimal shift may occur. If colors meet on the edge, the shift will cause the front panel’s color to “bleed” onto the side of the box (or vice versa), which looks unsightly.
    • Solution: Use uniform graphic backgrounds that extend across the edges or extend the graphics onto the adjacent panel with an “overlap.”

Not sure if your file is prepared correctly?

Submit it to us using the form below. We’ll review it and let you know if everything is correct or if there’s anything we can improve.

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