Instructions for preparing a file with tokens, punchboards, and other cardboard elements

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.

Template for designing tokens

New to preparing tokens for print yourself? We’ll make it easier!

Download PDF instructions Template for arranging tokens

Basic File Preparation Rules

  • File format: PDF.
  • Resolution: 300 DPI.
  • Color Mode: Preferred mode is CMYK (Coated Fogra 39 profile). RGB files will be automatically converted, which may result in color variations.
  • 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 of all tokens beyond the target format (e.g., a 20 x 25 mm token should be 26 x 31 mm with bleed).
  • Safe zone: Place important texts and graphics at least 2 mm from the edge of the target format (net).
  • Text: All fonts must be converted to outlines.
  • Marks: Do not add trim marks or registration marks when saving.
  • Flatten layers before saving. Remove transparency effects.

Before you start arranging tokens on the print sheet, you must correctly prepare the graphic file for each individual element. For a professional print, each token must meet two key technical conditions: have bleed added and have a safe zone maintained.

1. Key definitions

    • Print bleed (3 mm): This is the outer margin of the graphic that extends beyond the target token format. It is essential to prevent unsightly white strips from appearing on the edges after cutting.
    • Safe zone: This is the inner margin (distance from the cutting edge). Place all important elements – such as texts, icons, or logos – a few millimeters inside the token to prevent them from being accidentally cut off.

2. File preparation rules

To avoid printing errors, follow the checklist below:

    • Extend background to bleed: The graphic (color, texture, or photo) must extend 3 mm beyond the cut line.
    • Avoid white borders: Do not add a white border as bleed. The bleed must be a natural extension of the token graphic. White bleed is only permissible if the entire token is white.
    • Remove cut lines: The final graphic design must not contain a black line outlining the token’s shape. The cut line (die-cut) will be applied in a separate process.

For example:

    • Black line – this is the intended edge where cutting will occur – it must not be in the graphic design; it will be added later.
    • Bleed – the area of the graphic beyond the cut line that ensures full edge coverage after trimming.

To prepare the files, it is necessary to use vector graphics software such as Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, or the free Inkscape. You should start by downloading and opening an A3 template (available below in the templates section), which will allow for precise placement of all elements for printing and cutting.

1. Applying cut lines to the sheet:

    • Open the template in your chosen vector program
    • Design the arrangement of tokens on the sheet, placing their shapes in the “CUT LAYER”.

2. Maintaining spacing:

    • Maintain a minimum distance of 6 mm between individual elements. This is necessary to avoid problems during cutting.

3. Grouping and centering:

    • After arranging the tokens, group them into a single object.
    • Center the entire group on the sheet using the keyboard shortcut “P” (in Corel Draw).

4. Mirroring and copying:

    • Copy the entire group of tokens to the other side (the “CUT LAYER”).
    • Mirror them horizontally so that the cut lines match the other side.

5. Exporting the cut file:

    • Export both sides to a PDF file and name the file in a way that describes its content, e.g.:
      Kowalski_tokens_cut.pdf.
    • Ensure that the file contains only cut lines and elements from the master template.

For example, it might look like this:

1. Adding graphics for token fronts:

    • On the first page of the prepared sheet, where the cut lines are located, place your images and graphics in a new layer named “GRAPHICS LAYER”.

2. Hiding the cut layer:

    • Hide the “CUT LAYER”, then disable its printing and exporting.

3. Adding graphics for token backs:

    • Go to the second page of the sheet and place the back graphics in such a way that they correspond to the front graphics.
    • Ensure that the graphic on the left side of the front corresponds to the graphic on the right side of the back.

4. Single-sided elements:

    • If the tokens are to be single-sided, leave the back empty or fill it with a chosen color.

5. Exporting the back side:

    • Hide the “CUT LAYER”, then disable its printing and exporting.
    • Export the graphic to a PDF file, name it, e.g.: Kowalski_tokens_graphics.pdf

For our example, it might look like this:

1. Combining layers and export:

    • Enable visibility for all layers, enable printing and exporting for all layers.
    • Export the final PDF file, which will contain the token graphics and visible cut lines, e.g.: Kowalski_tokens.pdf.

2. Final files:

Now you have three PDF files:

    • Kowalski_tokens_cut.pdf
    • Kowalski_tokens_graphics.pdf
    • Kowalski_tokens.pdf.

Attach the created files when placing your order for token printing.

Preparing several sheets with the same cut pattern can reduce service costs, because one cutting die will fit multiple sheets.

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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