Packaging printing
Packaging Printing
Methods for Custom Boxes
Explore printing methods for custom packaging and understand how your artwork, colours, packaging material and production requirements affect the finished result.
From detailed full-colour graphics to straightforward branding on kraft and corrugated packaging, compare digital, lithographic and flexographic printing to understand which approach may suit your specification.
Not sure which process you need? Tell us about your packaging, material and artwork. We can help assess the specification before production.
Build the complete specification
How Packaging Printing Works
Printing is one part of the complete packaging specification. The material provides the printable surface, the printing process reproduces your artwork, finishing can add further effects, and the structure determines how the packaging is constructed.
Material
What is being printedKraft, folding boxboard, corrugated and other substrates influence reproduction.
Printing
How artwork is reproducedThe process transfers colours, graphics, text and branding onto packaging.
Finish
What can be added afterwardsLamination, foil, Spot UV and embossing alter appearance and feel.
Structure
How packaging is constructedFolds, panels, flaps and windows determine where artwork appears.
Compare the principal processes
Explore Packaging Printing Methods
Different printing processes solve different production requirements. Compare the three principal methods before looking at their technical differences.
Digital Printing
Reproduces artwork without conventional plates and can handle detailed graphics, photography and multiple artwork versions.
Explore Digital Printing →
Lithographic Printing
Provides controlled reproduction of detailed graphics, typography, process colour and specified spot colours.
Explore Lithographic Printing →
Flexographic Printing
Uses flexible plates and is widely used for packaging, including suitable kraft and corrugated formats.
Explore Flexographic Printing →Compare Packaging Printing Methods
There is no single process that is best for every custom box. The right method depends on what you are printing, what you are printing onto and the result required.
| Consideration | Digital | Lithographic | Flexographic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detailed graphics | Excellent | Excellent | Depends on specification |
| Photographic artwork | Excellent | Excellent | More limited |
| CMYK reproduction | Excellent | Excellent | Depends on specification |
| Spot colours | Process dependent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Variable artwork | Excellent | Limited | Limited |
| Kraft applications | Suitable in many cases | Depends on construction | Commonly suitable |
| Corrugated applications | Depends on setup | Often via printed liner | Commonly suitable |
| Conventional plates | Not normally required | Required | Required |
| Best considered for | Flexible, detailed artwork | Controlled detailed reproduction | Packaging-focused production |
Choose Printing by Requirement
Start with the result you need rather than choosing a process simply because you recognise its name.
I need detailed full-colour artwork
Digital or LithographicBoth reproduce detailed graphics and broad colour ranges on suitable substrates.
I need photographic reproduction
Digital or LithographicPhotography and gradients require controlled tonal reproduction.
I need specified brand colours
Lithographic or Spot ColourAssess the ink system, colour reference and substrate together.
I’m printing onto kraft
Start With the SubstrateKraft changes colour appearance and may require white ink.
I need graphics on corrugated
Flexographic May Be SuitablePrepare logos, typography and colours specifically for the process.
I have multiple artwork versions
Digital Offers FlexibilityArtwork can change without conventional printing plates.
Digital Printing for Flexible Artwork
Digital printing transfers the design from a digital file without conventional printing plates. It is flexible for detailed graphics, photographic elements and artwork that changes between versions.
- Detailed full-colour graphics
- Photographic imagery
- Fine typography
- Gradients and illustrations
- Multiple artwork versions
- Personalised or variable elements where supported
Presses and ink systems vary, so the material still matters. Colour expectations should be established against the actual substrate and specification—not an on-screen design alone.
Explore Digital Printing →
Lithographic Printing for Detailed Packaging
Lithographic printing uses printing plates and an intermediate blanket to transfer artwork. It suits packaging requiring controlled reproduction of fine graphics, typography, process colour and specified spot colours.
- Detailed graphic artwork
- High-quality photography
- Fine typography
- CMYK process colour
- Specified spot colours
- Consistent repeated elements
- Printed sheets or liners
Lithography involves more production setup than a plate-free process, so it should be evaluated against the complete packaging requirement.
Explore Lithographic Printing →
Flexographic Printing for Packaging Production
Flexographic printing uses flexible plates to transfer ink directly onto a suitable substrate. It is widely associated with kraft, corrugated and other packaging materials.
- Brand logos and typography
- Solid colour areas
- Repeating graphics
- Spot colours
- Product information
- Straightforward illustrations
Fine detail, reversed elements, screens and tonal artwork require consideration. The artwork need not be basic—it should be designed for the way it will be printed.
Explore Flexographic Printing →Start With What You’re Printing On
The same artwork can look noticeably different on different materials. Surface colour, smoothness, texture and absorbency influence ink reproduction.
Kraft Board
A brown base influences lighter colours. Artwork may account for the board colour or use white ink where supported.
Folding Boxboard
A relatively smooth surface for detailed graphics, depending on board grade and coating.
Corrugated Board
May be printed directly or use a separately printed liner. Flute and liner influence the process.
Rigid Board
Often combines structural board with a detailed printed outer wrap.
Plan Colour for the Material and Print Method
Ink, substrate and printing process all affect how colour is reproduced physically.
Printing Creates the Artwork. Finishing Adds the Effect.
Printing reproduces core graphics, colours and information. Finishing can alter the surface, add contrast or introduce decorative detail.
Matte Lamination
Smooth, low-reflection surface with added protection.
Gloss Lamination
Reflective surface that can make graphics more vivid.
Foil Stamping
Metallic or pigmented foil on selected areas.
Spot UV
Selective gloss against matte or low-reflection areas.
Embossing & Debossing
Raised or recessed artwork adds tactile depth.
Prepare Artwork for the Printing Process
Correct artwork preparation helps prevent avoidable technical changes after submission.
Colour Mode
Prepare process artwork in CMYK unless agreed otherwise.
Image Resolution
Use approximately 300 dpi at final printed size.
Dieline
Use the approved structure and dimensions.
Bleed
Extend edge artwork into the specified bleed.
Fonts
Outline or package fonts where licensing allows.
Images
Embed images or include all linked assets.
Spot Colours
Identify Pantone or specified colours clearly.
For file formats, safe areas, dielines, fonts, images and specialist layers, see the complete guide.
Read Artwork Guidelines →From Artwork to Printed Packaging
Printing is part of a wider production process. Each decision needs to work with the next.
Packaging Specification
Material Selection
Printing Method
Artwork Preparation
Technical Check
Proof Approval
Printing & Finishing
Conversion & Production
Packaging Printing FAQs
What is the best printing method for custom packaging?
There is no single best method. The right option depends on material, artwork, colours, structure and production requirements.
What is the difference between digital and lithographic printing?
Digital printing normally uses no conventional plates; lithographic printing uses plates and an offset transfer process. Both can reproduce detailed graphics.
What is the difference between lithographic and flexographic printing?
Lithography uses an offset process for controlled detail. Flexography uses flexible plates on suitable packaging substrates.
Can you print full colour onto kraft boxes?
Yes, on suitable packaging, but the brown substrate affects colour. Process choice and possible white ink should be considered.
Why do colours look different on kraft?
Kraft is not a neutral white surface. Its brown colour influences inks, especially lighter and less opaque colours.
Can Pantone colours be used?
Yes, with suitable processes. The exact result also depends on ink, substrate and specification.
When is white ink needed?
It may be used on kraft, coloured or transparent materials as a visible colour or beneath other artwork.
Which method works best for corrugated boxes?
Flexography is common, while other processes or printed liners may suit more detailed requirements.
Does packaging artwork need to be CMYK?
Process artwork should normally be CMYK unless agreed otherwise. Spot colours should be identified separately.
Can printing be combined with foil, Spot UV or embossing?
Yes, where compatible. Material, artwork, registration, tooling and production requirements must be checked.
Related Packaging Resources
Your print specification works best when considered alongside the rest of the packaging.
Printing Guidance
Assess the process for your packaging.
Free Artwork Check
Review files before production.
Get in Touch
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