Offset Printing Specification Guide for Mono Cartons, Rigid Boxes, Paper Bags, Brochures, Catalogues, Ceramic Tile Binders & More
What to share with Offset Printers before you request a quote
Every day, we receive quote enquiries where the product is clear, but the product specifications are missing. That creates delays, back-and-forth calls, emails, WhatsApp messages wrong assumptions, and sometimes the quote becomes useless because the job requirement was incomplete.
Need a fast B2B quote? Share specs and get a response from our team.
Request a Quote | Call: +91 98794 44445
Related manufacturing:
So we created this guide as a tool for print buyers, purchase managers, brand teams, and marketing teams.
If you don’t have complete specs while requesting a quote, we will share this link so you can quickly identify what details matter and send a clear requirement. It helps Printwell (and any professional offset printer) give you correct pricing and accurate timelines for deliveries.
Where this guide helps you
Use this guide when you want:
- A repeatable internal format for your team to raise print purchase requests
- Faster quotations with fewer follow-up questions
- Correct price comparison between offset printers (same specs = fair comparison)
- Better print quality (right material + right finishing + right packing)
-
Fewer production surprises (scuffing, wrong size, wrong binding, weak packing)
How to use this guide quickly
Option 1: Search your product
- Mac: press Command (⌘) + F
-
Windows: press Ctrl + F
Then type your product name, like: “mono carton”, “rigid box”, “paper bag”, “poster”, “laminate catalogue”, “UV printing”, “MetPet”.
Option 2: Click from the Product Index
Click the product below and the page will jump to that section.
Before you ask for a quote: 10 details you must share (minimum)
No matter what product you want, share these:
- Product name + use-case (pharma carton / luxury rigid box / tiles catalogue / etc.)
- Finished size (L × W × H for boxes / Closed size & open size for brochures)
- Artwork status (ready / in progress / need help) + die-line required or not
- Quantity (exact number) + if you need multiple variants (SKUs/flavours/sizes)
- Material (paper/board type + GSM OR thickness in mm)
- Printing sides (1 side / both sides) + 4/5/6 colours (CMYK / Pantone)
- Finishing (lamination / aqueous / UV / drip-off / foil / emboss / Deboss / etc.)
- Special requirements (Braille / barcode / QR / security printing / window patching / etc.)
- Packing requirement (pieces per bundle, single plastic packing, outer corrugated)
- Delivery location + deadline (and whether you need staggered dispatch)
If you send only “please quote”, your quote will be slow and inaccurate. If you send the above, your quote will be fast and correct with any offset printing companies.
If you also want to avoid repeat questions and get faster pricing, refer to our Offset Printing in Ahmedabad guide for how printers evaluate files and timelines.
Product Index
- Mono Cartons (Folding Cartons)
- Blister Cards
- Paper Bags
- Rigid Boxes (Premium Boxes)
- Brochures & Product Catalogues
- Laminate Catalogues
- Coffee Table Books
- Tiles Sample Kits & Tiles/Ceramic Handy
- Posters & Display Prints
- Calendars (Wall & Desk)
- Rough Pads, Chit Pads, Notepads
- Tags & Labels (Sheet Format)
- UV Sheet Printing (Full UV / Drip-Off)
- MetPet / Metallised Printing
- Offset Printing Process (Quick Understanding)
- Glossary of Print Terms
- Copy–Paste Quote Request Format
Quick definitions (so your team doesn’t get stuck)
- Closed size: final size after folding/binding
- Open size: flat size before folding (important for brochures and cartons)
- Bleed: extra margin for cutting (usually 3mm)
- GSM: paper weight (higher GSM = thicker/heavier)
- Die-cut: cutting into a shape using a metal die
- Crease: fold line made before folding cartons/brochures
- Pantone: brand colour matching system (important for brand colour accuracy)
Mono Cartons (Folding Cartons)
Mono cartons are typically folding cartons made on paperboard (not rigid board). Common sectors: pharma, cosmetics, FMCG, food, hardware, electrical accessories.
1) Carton style (must mention)
Pick one:
(If you don’t have clarity on box type, then just send us the design + size + usage, and we’ll suggest the right structure.)
- Straight Tuck End (STE)
- Reverse Tuck End (RTE)
- Tuck-in / Snap lock
- Auto-lock bottom / Crash-lock bottom
- Sleeve carton
- Tray + sleeve
2) Size (must mention)
- Finished (folded) size: L × W × H (in mm)
- Open size / die-line size: if available (recommended)
3) Board / paper
Mention one:
- FBB / SBS / Ivory board (common for premium)
- Duplex board (grey back) (cost effective)
- Kraft back / Natural board (brown look)
- Metallised board (MetPet) (premium metallic look)
Also mention:
- GSM (example: 250 / 300 / 350 / 400 GSM)
- If you are unsure, share the use-case + box size, we suggest GSM.
4) Printing details
- Printing: 1 side / both sides
- Colours: CMYK / CMYK + Pantone
- If Pantone: share Pantone code
- Coverage note: light coverage / heavy solid / photo-heavy (this affects cost)
5) Finishing (choose what you need)
- Aqueous coating: Gloss / Matt / Satin (budget-friendly protection)
- Lamination: Gloss / Matt / Soft-touch (better scuff resistance)
- UV: Full UV OR Spot UV (spot requires artwork mapping)
- Drip-off: Matt + gloss contrast effect (premium look)
6) Special effects / value adds (if needed)
- Foil stamping: Gold / Silver / Rose gold / Holographic
- Emboss / Deboss
- Window patch: film type + thickness (common: PET)
- Perforation / tear strip
7) Pharma-only critical items (very often missed)
If your carton is for pharma or regulated products, mention:
- Braille required (yes/no) + location
- Batch/expiry area (blank space required)
- If carton needs inside print (for instructions)
8) Packing requirement (don’t skip)
- Inner packing: poly wrap (yes/no) + pieces per bundle
- Outer packing: corrugated box is always recommended
If you are still deciding between these two pack types, read our mono cartons vs rigid boxes comparison guide before finalising the structure.
Blister Cards
Specification checklist
Blister cards are used for hardware, pharma accessories, consumer products, toy packaging, cosmetics industry.
- Finished card size (W × H)
- Board: paperboard type + GSM (example: 350–400 GSM)
- Printing: single side / both sides + CMYK/Pantone
- Finishing: Blister coating(required for blister cards) / lamination (recommended if product rubs)
- Blister cavity:
- blister type (PVC/PET)
- Hanging hole requirement (round/euro slot)
- Packing: flat packing count per bundle + outer corrugated
Paper Bags
Specification checklist (very commonly incomplete enquiries)
Paper bags pricing changes a lot based on size, paper, handle type, lamination, and strengthening near handle.
1) Bag type (pick one)
if you do not know the type just send us design files or reference image.
- D-cut bag (handle cutout)
- Twisted paper rope handle bag
- Cotton rope handle luxury bag
- Ribbon handle (premium)
2) Bag size (must mention)
-
Width × Gusset × Height (in mm/in inches)
Example: 250(W) × 100(G) × 320(H)
3) Paper type & GSM
Choose one:
- Kraft paper: 80 / 100 / 120 / 150 GSM
- Art paper: 170 / 200 / 250 GSM (usually laminated)
- Specialty paper (textured/colour): GSM + sample reference
4) Printing
- 1 side / both sides
- Colours: CMYK / Pantone
- Any full-coverage design? (this affects cost)
5) Finishing (important for premium bags)
- Lamination: Matt / Gloss
- Aqueous: Gloss / Matt / Satin (for simpler jobs) – pick any one lamination or Aqueous coating
- Spot UV / Foil (premium)
6) Handle details (this is where many quotes go wrong)
- Handle type: twisted paper / cotton rope / ribbon / none
- Handle colour (if branded)
7) Bottom support (very important for weight-bearing)
- Bottom card required (yes/no)
- Approx weight capacity (light / medium / heavy)
8) Packing
- Flat packed count per bundle
Rigid Boxes (Premium Boxes)
Full specification checklist
Rigid boxes are premium packaging used for jewellery, electronics, luxury gifting, food gifting, cosmetics, premium kits, tiles/ceramic sample kits.
If rigid box specs are incomplete, the quote will be wrong because rigid box cost depends on board thickness, wrap paper, finishing, magnets, inserts, and packing.
When comparing other rigid box makers or a rigid boxes manufacturer, board thickness + wrap paper specs decide final cost of the box.
If you are planning premium packaging, also read our Rigid box manufacturing process guide to understand board types, wrapping, and finishing limitations before finalising specs.
1) Rigid box type (pick one)
- Two-piece (top + bottom) Rigid Box
- Magnetic flap / book style Rigid Box
- Drawer / sliding (matchbox style) Rigid Box
- Shoulder / neck box Rigid Box
- Collapsible magnetic box (folding rigid box)
- Sleeve over rigid box (premium look)
2) Finished size (must mention)
-
Inner size (L × W × H) in mm (critical)
If you share only outer size, we still need inner size for fit.
3) Board thickness (grey board) — choose one
- 1.5 mm (light-duty)
- 2.0 mm (standard premium)
- 2.5 mm / 3.0 mm (heavy-duty and large sizes)
4) Wrap paper (outer paper pasted on board)
Choose one:
- Art paper 130/170 GSM (most common for printed wrap)
- Textured coloured paper (provide sample name/colour)
- Specialty paper (metallic, linen, PU, etc.)
5) Printing on wrap
- CMYK / Pantone
- Single side / inside also printed? (inside print changes cost)
6) Lamination / protection (must for rigid boxes)
Rigid boxes usually need protection because hand handling causes marks.
- Lamination: Matt / Gloss
- Aqueous coating: Gloss / Matt / Satin – works only if you print texture printed paper
- Spot UV / Foil / Emboss / Deboss (premium effects)
7) Closure / accessories
If applicable:
- Magnet type/quantity (standard magnetic flap box uses magnets)
- Ribbon puller (yes/no, colour)
- Handle (rope handle / plastic handle, if needed)
8) Inside fitment (this is where most rigid box quotes break)
- Plain white/black inner paper pasting
- Foam/EVA insert (cutout shape needed)
- Velvet fabric lining
- Cardboard partition/divider
- Plastic tray (if any)
- Product weight and dimensions along with product sample (so fitment is correct)
9) Packing (rigid boxes demand strong packing)
- Individual poly bag (yes/no)
-
Pieces per master corrugated
If you are still deciding between these two pack types, read our mono cartons vs rigid boxes comparison guide before finalising the structure.
Brochures & Product Catalogues
Specification checklist
This section is for brochures, corporate profiles, product catalogues, ceramic tiles brochures, brand books.
1) Type
- Brochure / corporate profile
- Product catalogue
- Ceramic tiles brochure
2) Size
- Closed size (W × H)
- Open size (if folded – rather write “size when brochure is open”)
-
Orientation: portrait / landscape –
(If the client provides closed size and open size, orientation is not required.)
- Common sizes: A4, A5, 8×8, 9×12, 11x11, 12x12 etc.
3) Page count (critical)
- Total pages including cover
- Note: inside pages usually follow multiples of 4 (printing imposition) and sometimes in perfect binding in multiplication of 2 is also acceptable.
4) Paper selection
Cover options:
- 250 / 300 / 350 GSM art card (matt/gloss)
Inside options:
- 170 / 210 GSM art paper (matt/gloss)
- Natural paper / texture paper (for premium reading feel)
5) Printing
- CMYK
- 4+4 or 4+1 etc
- Any heavy solid black backgrounds? (needs print handling planning)
6) Binding rule (practical)
- Centre pin (saddle stitch): recommended up to ~36 pages (depends on paper GSM)
- Perfect binding: best when pages go beyond that
- Wiro (Wire-O): premium usability, flat opening, common for manual and diaries used daily
7) Finishing
- Lamination (cover): matt / gloss / soft-touch
- Aqueous coating: gloss/matt/satin
- Spot UV / foil / emboss as needed
8) Special add-ons
- Pocket folder insert
- Flap cover
- Any sample pasting requirement (if catalogue carries sample chips)
9) Packing
- Shrink wrap in sets (yes/no)
- Dispatch destination and timeline
Laminate Catalogues
Specification checklist
Laminate catalogues printing are different from normal catalogues because they may include thick sheets, handles, hooks, binding clothes, and high wear-and-tear usage.
If your catalogue is for sales teams and travel use, check our Laminate catalogue printing tips to avoid curling, cracking, and early wear.
1) Format type
- Back to Back laminate catalogue
- Total Qty
2) Size
- Closed size (W × H)
- Spine thickness requirement or laminate sample pasting thickness(if any)
- Handle: Provide details like Leather Handle / Nylon Handle / Jute Handle
3) Pages and structure
- Total sheets/pages
- Any divider sections (series-wise)
4) Paper / board
- Cover: this is always 3 mm
- Inside: 250–300 GSM FBB (as per use) – 99% of the laminate catalogue has 250 gsm JK Ultima or ITC FBB paper
- If laminate sheets are being inserted, mention thickness of laminate sample (only thickness is important)
5) Binding
- Its always back to back binding so no other binding option would be here
6) Finishing (strongly recommended)
- Lamination: 1st and last page with lamination is must for higher strength
- Inside matt or satin coating is must
7) Packing
- If shipping outside city/state: stronger corrugated requirement
Coffee Table Books
Specification checklist
Coffee table books are judged on print sharpness, colour consistency, paper feel, binding quality, and finishing.
1) Size and pages
- Trim size (closed) – also ask for open size too
- Total pages
- Portrait/landscape
- If photo-heavy, mention it (paper choice changes)
- Total Qty to be printed
2) Paper selection (inside)
Common premium options:
- 170 / 200 GSM art matt texture paper (photo-heavy premium)
- 170 / 210 GSM art matt (balanced)
- Natural uncoated paper (premium reading feel, colour looks softer)
3) Binding options (choose based on premium level)
- Perfect binding (standard)
- Section sewn + perfect binding (premium durability)
- Hard case binding (highest premium)
- Lay-flat binding (if full spread photos are important)
4) Cover options
- Soft cover: 300/350 GSM with lamination
- Hard cover: Kappa Board thickness + wrap paper printed
- Dust jacket (yes/no)
- Endpapers (yes/no) – printed or non printed
- Foil / emboss / deboss (if premium branding)
5) Finishing & protection
- Lamination: matt / soft-touch
- Spot UV / foil (logo highlight) –
- Aqueous coating (for simpler protection) for inside pages please mention that.
6) Packing
- Each book shrink wrapped (recommended)
Tiles Sample Kits & Tiles/Ceramic Handy
Specification checklist
These products usually require strong structure + smart partitioning.
Tiles Display Boxes (sample kits / showroom boxes)
- Purpose: showroom / distributor / export sample kit / architect sample kit
- Box type: rigid box - please mention only rigid box
- Board thickness: 3 mm / 5 mm
- Finished size (L × W × H)
- Tile size to be inserted (tiles thickness is also important) + tiles quantity per box
- Partition requirement (yes/no) - maximum 3 partitions if size is smaller
- Printing: 4 colour printing with lamination is must
- Finishing: lamination (recommended for handling)
- Closure: magnetic / tuck / sleeve / straps
- Handle required (yes/no) – we always suggest handle is must
- Minimum qty is 300 Nos.
- Packing: individual plastic bag packaging is suggested.
Tiles Handy (portable sample carrier)
-
Size: Open Size and Close size
- Do provide design files or line drawing files with dimensions for better cost optimisation planning
- Total Flaps - 3 / 4
- Magnets are required only for premium finishing for closing method
- Paper is generally 170 gsm art paper with printing, lamination, Spot UV and foiling
- Kappa board is always fix like 3 mm kappa board
- Qty: Minimum qty is 300 Nos.
Posters & Display Prints
Specification checklist
Posters and display prints are often used for retail, exhibitions, launches, dealership branding in different languages. Cost depends on size, paper, finishing, and packing method.
- Poster type: indoor / semi-outdoor / exhibition
- Finished size (W × H)
- Paper type:
- art paper (matt/gloss)
- art card (heavier)
- GSM (or ask us to suggest based on usage) generally its start from 100 / 130 /170 gsm
- Printing: single side
- Finishing:
- lamination (matt/gloss)
- aqueous (gloss/matt/satin)
- Cutting: standard trim / custom shape die-cut
- Back side gluing: 2 gumming strip / 3 gumming strip / full gumming sheet / Sticker sheet
- Qty: Total Qty x (different product / languages)
- Packing:
-
flat packing (best for no curl)
- Delivery deadline and locations list
Wall Calendars & Desk Calendars
Specification checklist
Wall calendar
- Size (W × H), number of sheets
- Total leaves
- Qty: its best to go for 300+ Nos.
- Paper:
- cover: 250/300 GSM
- inside: 170/200 GSM (based on premium level)
- Printing: CMYK
- Binding:
- Wire-O / twin-loop (common)
- hanging hook required – its always yes in wall calendar
- Finishing:
- lamination / aqueous
- spot UV / embossing / de-embossing / foil (logo highlight)
- Packing: sets per shrink + outer corrugated
Desk calendar
- Size and number of leaves
- Base board thickness (for stand)
- Board paper is printed or plain
- Stand type: tent style – 350 – 400 gsm fbb paper / hard base – 1.5 to 2 mm kappa board
- Binding: wire-o
- Packing: individual box packing if premium gifting or individual plastic packaging
Rough Pads, Chit Pads, Notepads
Specification checklist
Rough pad / Notepad
- Size (W × H)
- Pages/Sheets per pad
-
Paper GSM (writing feel matters) – 70 gsm / 80 gsm / 90 gsm
- Inside Printing single side:
- plain / 1 colour / 2 colour / full colour
- Ruling: blank / ruled / grid
- Binding: glue binding / pin perfect binding
- perforation required (yes/no)
- Title paper: 250 / 300 gsm art card with lamination
- Packing: bundles + outer corrugated
- Qty: Minimum qty would be 3000+ Nos.
Chit pad (very common for distributors/retailers/pharma industry)
- Size: L x b x h
- Pages per pad
- Outer box thickness: 1.5 mm board or 2 mm board
- Outer board paper: 170 gsm art paper with lamination
- Paper GSM (writing feel matters) – 70 gsm / 80 gsm / 90 gsm
- Inside Printing single side:
- plain / 1 colour / 2 colour / full colour
- Binding: padding / no binding(as required)
- Packing requirement:
- Qty: minimum qty would be 2000+ Nos.
Tags & Labels
Specification checklist
This section is for sheet labels, not roll labels.
Garment tags / hang tags
- Tag size (W × H)
- Shape: rectangle / rounded / square / custom die-cut
- Paper type + GSM
- Printing: single side / double side
- Finishing:
- lamination / aqueous
- spot UV / foil / emboss / deboss
- Hole requirement: size + position
- String attachment required (yes/no)
- Qty: minimum would be 1000 Nos.+
- Packing count per bundle
Sheet stickers / labels
- Sticker size and shape
- Sheet size required (A4/A3/custom)
- Material:
- paper sticker / synthetic sticker
- Adhesive type: normal / strong / removable (if known)
- Cutting: kiss-cut / full cut
- Packing: sheets per bundle + outer corrugated
- Qty: Minimum would be 1000 sheets+
UV Sheet Printing (Full UV / Drip-Off printing)
UV sheet printing is selected when you want sharp print + fast handling + premium surface.
- Product type (carton / brochure cover / label )
- Sheet size / printing size
- Paper/board type + GSM
- Printing colours (CMYK / CMYK + Pantone)
- UV type:
- Drip-off UV (matt + gloss contrast effect)
- Any spot highlight requirement (if yes, specify artwork mapping)
- Sheets Qty: minimum is 1000 sheets
For a deeper understanding of finishes and when to use them, read our UV printing and drip off printing guide.
MetPet Printing/ Metallised Printing
MetPet is used to create metallic premium packaging (common in cosmetics, FMCG, premium gifting).
- Board type: metallised board (mention GSM)
- Product type (carton / brochure cover / label )
- Sheet size / printing size
- Printing: CMYK + White ink (important for metpet printing)
- Sheets Qty: minimum is 1000 sheets
- Finish: UV Drip-off (gloss and matt effect)
Offset Printing Process (brief, for non-technical teams)
Offset printing is chosen for high quality, accurate colour, sharp text, and bulk production consistency.
with any modern offset printing press, correct file specs reduce wastage and rework too.
Typical flow:
- Artwork check + pre-press settings
- Plate making
- Printing on offset press (CMYK/Pantone)
- Drying / setting (depends on ink and paper)
- Finishing (aqueous/lamination/UV/drip-off/foil etc.)
- Die-cut / folding / gluing / binding
- Quality checks + packing + dispatch
If you want premium packaging, the post-press stage (finishing + die-cut + packing) matters as much as printing.
If you are comparing offset and digital for the same job, our Offset printing vs digital printing guide will help you decide based on quantity, quality, and cost.
Summary of Print Terms (Finishes & Processes)
- Aqueous coating: water-based protection; available in gloss / matt / satin
- Lamination: plastic film for protection; gloss / matt / soft-touch
- Spot UV: UV only on selected areas (logo pattern etc.) – available in gloss / matt / Texture
- Full UV: UV on full sheet
- Drip-off: special effect where gloss and matt areas contrast
- Foil stamping: metallic foil (gold/silver/copper/black etc.) pressed using die
- Emboss: raised effect
- Deboss: pressed-in effect
- Deep Deboss: flattening/pressing effect for design contrast specially in kappa boards printing jobs
- Screen printing: thick ink layer for raised/special effect
- Die-cut: shape cutting
- Crease: fold line for cartons/brochures
- Box Pasting: The final gluing stage where box flaps are pasted and pressed to form the final shape of mono cartons. Includes side pasting, flap pasting, and sometimes window patching (if required)
- Back to Back binding: Two sheets bound together back to back (often two sheets pasted in opposite side)
- Perfect binding: Pages are glued at the spine (paperback-style finish).
-
Centre pin binding: Staples at the centre fold (saddle stitch)
Copy & Paste Quote Request Format (WhatsApp-friendly + Email format)
Option 1: Short WhatsApp format (fastest)
Copy this and fill:
- Product:
- Use-case (industry):
- Size (L×W×H / closed size / open size):
- Quantity:
- Material (paper/board + GSM):
- Printing (1 side/2 side, CMYK/Pantone):
- Finishing (lamination/aqueous/UV/drip-off/foil):
- Die-cut / folding / gluing / binding details:
- Packing requirement (inner poly + outer corrugated):
- Delivery location + deadline:
- Artwork status (ready/in progress):
Option 2: Detailed format (best for premium jobs)
Company name:
Contact person:
Phone/WhatsApp:
Email:
Product category: (mono carton / rigid box / paper bag / catalogue / etc.)
Product type/style: (RTE/STE, magnetic box, rope handle bag etc.)
Finished size:
Open size/dieline: (if available)
Quantity: (and variants/SKUs if any)
Material: (type + GSM / board thickness)
Printing: (CMYK/Pantone, sides)
Finishing: (aqueous gloss/matt/satin, lamination, UV/drip-off, spot UV mapping)
Special items: (braille, foil, emboss, window patch, security features)
Assembly needs: (glue points, partitions, inserts, magnet, ribbon)
Packing: (pieces per bundle, shrink, corrugated, pallet)
Delivery: (date + location + staggered dispatch if needed)
Reference: (sample images or competitor reference, if available)
Ready to Get a Fast, Accurate Quote?
Copy the Quote Request Format above, fill it, and send it to us with your artwork (PDF/AI) and dieline (if any). We’ll reply with pricing, timeline, and packing guidance—so your approval cycle stays clean.
WhatsApp Your Specs Email for Quote
Prefer a call? Use the “Book a call” button on this page at your right side top of the screen.
FAQs
What is the best file format for artwork submission?
Print ready PDF is preferred (CMYK, outlined fonts, 300 DPI images, bleed + crop marks). If you have editable files, share AI/CDR along with linked images and fonts.
How do you decide paper GSM and finish (UV/drip-off/foil/emboss)?
We decide based on product use, handling, and the look you want. For premium appearance, we recommend matte lamination + spot UV; for packaging, we match GSM and finish to strength and shelf impact.
What affects cost the most in cartons and rigid boxes?
Paper GSM / board thickness, Quantity, box style, finishing (foil/emboss/UV), and manual processes. Rigid boxes cost is mainly driven by structure + wrapping + hand work.
What is your dispatch capability (Ahmedabad + Pan-India)?
We manufacture in Ahmedabad and dispatch across India. Share your dispatch city and timeline - our team will confirm the best packing method and delivery plan.
Do you support repeat orders with QC checkpoints?
Yes. We maintain reference samples, standardise key checks (colour, finishing, fit), and keep repeat job specs consistent. This helps brands maintain uniformity across multiple batches.
