How to Properly Package Your Label Files in Adobe Illustrator

by | Mar 29, 2025 | Label Design, Technical | 0 comments

One of the most common issues we see at Rose City Label is label artwork submitted without all the necessary files. We get it—file prep can be confusing. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you get it right the first time so your labels print perfectly.

When you create a label in Adobe Illustrator, it’s essential to understand that the final .ai file often doesn’t include everything it needs to print correctly—mainly if you’ve used custom fonts or imported images.

Packaging your file is a critical step before you send it to us.

Why You Need to Package Your File

When you send only the Illustrator file:

  • Custom fonts may not display correctly on our end.
  • Linked images may be missing entirely.
  • The layout might shift, causing unexpected print issues.

Packaging gathers all the assets—images, fonts, and artwork—into a single folder. It keeps everything clean, tidy, and ready for print.

How to Package in Adobe Illustrator

Here’s a quick walkthrough:

  1. Open Your Final File: Ensure everything looks correct on your end—images are linked, text is in place, and you’re happy with the design.
  2. Go to File > Package: This tells Illustrator to gather everything needed to reproduce your file correctly.
  3. Choose a Destination: Pick a folder location (like your Desktop), name your package something clear (like Sarat_2023), and make sure these options are selected:
    • ✔ Copy Links
    • ✔ Collect Links in Separate Folder
    • ✔ Include Fonts
    • ✔ Include Linked Files
  4. Click “Package”: Illustrator will create a folder that contains your .ai file, a Links folder for images, and a Fonts folder with any custom typefaces you’ve used.
  5. Zip the Folder: Right-click the new folder and choose “Compress” (Mac) or “Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder” (Windows). This ensures nothing gets lost in transit.

How to Send It to Us

Once zipped, you can send the package in whichever way works best for you:

  • Email
  • FTP
  • Dropbox
  • WeTransfer
  • Or any file-sharing method you prefer!

Taking a few extra minutes to package your file correctly saves time, avoids production delays, and ensures your labels look as great in print as they do on screen.

Thanks for working with us—we’re excited to bring your label to life!

Watch the Tutorial