Layout Sketch

A layout sketch is a simple visual guide that shows how a product should be printed, embossed, or otherwise finished. It defines the exact position, orientation, and alignment of design elements such as a logo, text, or layout area on packaging, presentation folders, hotel folders, or similar products.

For example, rectangular packaging can often be printed either vertically or horizontally. A logo may also need to be placed in a specific corner, centered on the front, or positioned with a defined distance from the edge. All of these details are specified in the layout sketch.

The layout sketch is therefore an important part of the production process. It helps ensure that the final product matches the customer’s expectations and that all design elements are placed exactly where they should be. Once approved, the layout sketch serves as the binding reference for production.

The process for logo placement with hot foil stamping or blind embossing

After the order has been placed, the customer receives a PDF template of the product to be printed or finished. The logo is then inserted into this layout sketch at the desired position. The completed layout sketch is returned as a PDF file.

In addition, the logo itself must be supplied as a vectorized PDF file. This is especially important for embossing and foil stamping, as only vector data allows clean contours, sharp edges, and precise production results.

The following requirements should be observed when preparing the logo file:

• Please provide vector data only. This is necessary to achieve smooth and clean contours.
• The logo should be supplied entirely in black. Rasterized artwork or gradients are not suitable for this process.
• The letter height should generally be at least 1.3 mm.
• The line thickness, including lines within letters, should not be less than 0.4 mm.
• The diameter of a circle to be embossed should not be smaller than 1.2 mm.
• A cut-out area, such as the inner space of the letter “e”, may no longer be visible if it is smaller than 0.3 mm.
• The spacing between lines, for example between letters or graphic elements, should be at least 0.5 mm.

When these requirements are followed, the production process can usually be carried out smoothly and the finished product can be produced as intended. Precise data preparation helps avoid delays, misunderstandings, and unnecessary corrections.

Please note that an approved layout sketch is a necessary requirement before production can begin. If the logo is not supplied in the required vectorized and fully black format, this may delay the start of production. Careful preparation of the layout sketch and print data therefore plays an important role in ensuring a reliable and high-quality result.