Easy instructions for Embossing

Embossing is a gorgeous traditional method that creates tactile impact without any colour. Give your design a lift by embossing your logo, initials or monogram, a simple illustration or even a pattern for a luxurious look! 

Getting the format right every time

100% Black:

All artwork for Embossing MUST be supplied as CMYK 100% black - C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100 (or #000000 if designing in Canva). 

Minimum Stroke/line width

Embossing is most suitable for hero items like names, larger florals or patterns for instance. It’s not recommended for small text as legibility can be an issue.

All line weights (including fonts) to be embossed should be a minimum of 1.5pt point or thicker. If your design involves negative space (between letters or lines), the minimum line weight is 2pt.

If you're designing in Illustrator or InDesign then a good way to check is to draw a line, set it to 1.5pt stroke, and compare it to any lines you’re unsure of. 

When lines are too thin (or the negative space between lines is too small) then they may not form properly on the block, leaving these elements off the page or creating a raised blob that is missing detail. 

If you're designing in Canva, it's a little harder to check your line width/weight with accuracy. The smallest font size we can emboss is 12pt for most fonts. For better results we recommend 15pt or larger.

Choosing the right font

Avoid using fonts with very thin or intricate lines if possible. You may need to outline your text or design with a thin stroke to make it a bit thicker or consider another font. It is possible, but the thinnest areas of your typeface must meet our 1.5pt minimum.

We recommend sans serif fonts and avoiding fonts that taper to a point on the serif.

Vectors

The elements in your design must be vector graphics to create the Embossing plate and block. Text, including text created in Canva is a vector. Artwork that’s a bitmap (an image) or created in Photoshop is not suitable for Embossing.

If you're not sure, please click here for more information on Vector and Bitmap files.

Supplying your design
We can only print PDF files. Make sure your PDF is high resolution or ‘print ready’. Please supply all artwork at the correct size and make sure your design is sized in mm, programs like Canva default to pixels (px) which is very different!!

If you have more than one process (eg digital + Embossing) then please supply a 3 page PDF...

• Page 1 - everything in your design that is to be digitally printed only
• Page 2 - everything in your design that will be Embossed only
• Page 3 - what your design looks like with both (a mock up)

Design to be embossed in 100% black	Design for digital printing (can be variable data)	A mock up showing the two combined and any die cut shape required

Variable data

As we create Embossing using magnesium blocks we can't Emboss designs with variable data (you'd need a block for every name!!) 

So if you have variable data you'll need to create a design and order Embossing + Digital printing. Your variable data can be digitally printed.

Top Tips from the Printery Peeps

• While embossing is available on a variety of stocks, we recommend using a mid-to-light paper colour so that the shadows of the embossing can help with legibility.
• Embossing can be the hero of your design and so bold font choices, capital letters and Sans Serif typefaces are very successful.
• You can also use Embossing as a pattern or a design element like a simple flower. Remember if the design is too small it may be too subtle and a bit underwhelming.
• Embossing is usually paired with digital printing or foiling for smaller areas of text where legibility, and information is important.
• If you'd like to combine embossing with digital printing, remember that there’s a small amount of movement with the digital printing (up to 2mm). Don’t design the digital artwork to meet embossed elements at exact points or have tight registration between embossing and digital due to this movement.
• Take a look at our Instagram to see the kind of designs that we Emboss for inspiration.

AND REMEMBER!

Correctly supplied designs mean we won’t need to come back to you, which might cause annoying delays. After placing your order, if your design needs adjustment to make it suitable there may be a charge for any changes required.

Related Articles:

What is Embossing and how is it done?

Printing envelopes with Hot Foil Press or Embossing

Easy to understand  Peterkin print and design glossary