Design Resources | Single-Color Printing for Shipping Boxes
Turn every shipped box into a brand moment.
Get the right level of creative help: print-ready artwork support, dieline templates, branded panel design, QR-connected landing pages, and hands-on guidance from a package designer.
Jump straight to your question.
Why we print in black ink only.
Using black ink on kraft corrugated keeps packaging simpler, cleaner, and more recyclable while reducing unnecessary print complexity.
Single-color printing produces cleaner corrugated results.
Bold logos, QR codes, handling icons, and high-contrast branding usually print more clearly and consistently when simplified into black ink artwork.
- Lower ink coverage
- Easier recycling
- Cleaner corrugated print results
- Better contrast for QR codes + handling icons
- We recommend color for brands doing over 1,000 boxes per month and in need of mailers: GET A QUOTE HERE
How colorful artwork gets adapted for black ink printing.
- Full-color logos are converted to black ink.
- Gradients, shadows, and photographic effects are simplified.
- Fine details may need to be enlarged or removed.
- High-contrast, bold artwork prints best on kraft corrugated.
Choose the help you need.
Not every project needs a full-service design sprint. Pick the lane that matches your artwork, timeline, and appetite for “wait, which panel is the top?” energy.
Dieline templates
Use standard-size dielines, Canva-friendly workflows, and Illustrator setup tutorials to design your own box.
Basic artwork help
Best for clean, print-ready files that only need light prep before production.
Standard assistance
Includes digital proofing, black ink conversion, background removal, and production cleanup.
Panel-ready upgrades
Add handling icons, QR codes, barcodes, URLs, and multi-panel packaging layouts.
Dieline templates + DIY design help
Customers who want to design their own box can start with standard-size dielines, Canva-friendly workflows, and Illustrator setup tutorials.
Use Illustrator or Canva to build your box artwork.
Start with the right template, place your artwork correctly, and avoid common corrugated printing mistakes before you upload files for proofing.
Helpful reminders
- Keep important artwork away from folds and seams.
- Use vector files whenever possible.
- Plan around the 12-inch print height limit.
- Simple, bold artwork usually prints best on kraft corrugated.
Download standard box dielines.
Use these as a starting point for layout planning, branding placement, and production-ready artwork setup.
6×6×4 White-coated
6×6×6 White-coated
8×6×4 White-coated
8×8×4 White-coated
8×8×8 White-coated
10×8×6 White-coated
10×10×10 White-coated
12×6×6 White-coated
12×12×12 White-coated
14×14×14 White-coated
16×12×10 White-coated
Kraft 32ECT Templates
6×6×4 Kraft
6×6×6 Kraft
8×6×4 Kraft
8×8×4 Kraft
8×8×8 Kraft
10×8×6 Kraft
10×10×10 Kraft
12×6×6 Kraft
12×12×12 Kraft
14×14×14 Kraft
16×12×10 Kraft
Good file types for black ink corrugated printing
Not sure whether to upload an AI, PDF, PSD, PNG, or something else? Use this guide to choose the right file type, understand black ink corrugated printing limits, and pick the right level of support.
AI, EPS, SVG, editable PDF
These give the best starting point for sharp black ink printing, scalable artwork, and easier production prep. Vector files are especially helpful when color artwork needs to be converted to a clean one-color version.
PSD, TIFF, layered exports
These may be workable, but often need cleanup, conversion, or packaging-specific adjustment before proofing. Layered files are helpful when we need to separate colors and rebuild artwork in black.
PNG, JPG, screenshots, Canva exports
High-resolution PNG and JPG files can work for corrugated printing, especially for simple black artwork. Lower-resolution files, screenshots, or compressed exports may need rebuilding, cleanup, or simplification before production.
Reminder: uploading a color file does not mean the box will print in color. Color files are treated as source artwork that must be translated into a single-color black ink print design.
Simple black artwork prints better on kraft boxes.
Corrugated box printing is different from designing for screens or labels. Material texture, print-area limits, ink coverage, and file quality all affect how cleanly your box prints and how smoothly it moves through production. Because we print in black ink only, artwork needs to rely on shape, contrast, scale, and spacing instead of full-color detail.
Quick print rules
- Best files: AI, EPS, SVG, editable PDF.
- Best design style: bold, simple, single-color black artwork with low ink coverage.
- Maximum print height is 12 inches.
- Folded corners and glued seams can interrupt patterns between panels.
- Heavy gradients, intricate patterns, full-color graphics, and web-style effects are converted or simplified for black ink printing.
Artwork assistance options
Choose the support level that matches your files, proofing needs, and how much corrugated print setup you want help managing.
Basic Assistance
Best for repeat or previously confirmed artwork.
AI, EPS, SVG, editable PDF
Low
- Basic print-readiness review
- No preview proof before production
Standard Assistance
Best for workable artwork needing packaging adaptation.
PSD, TIFF, layered assets, high-resolution PNG/JPG
Moderate
- Cleanup, formatting, and print-area planning
- Color-to-black artwork conversion
- Digital proof included
Premium Assistance
Best for rough files or more hands-on support.
PNG, JPG, screenshots, AI-generated images, low-resolution artwork
Higher
- Barcode help + flap-print planning
- Artwork rebuilds and black ink simplification
- Digital proof included
Package Plus
Best for customers who want a more done-for-you process.
Logos, rough concepts, mixed files, incomplete assets
Connected QR strategy, packaging layout guidance, branding support, and corrugated print planning.
- Fewer decisions and less back-and-forth
- More guided support from concept to proof
- Best for connected packaging experiences
Make the box tell the same story as the brand.
Our design team translates your voice, values, and visual identity onto the box panels so the package feels intentional from warehouse shelf to doorstep photo, while adapting colorful brand assets into artwork that can print clearly in black ink on kraft corrugated.
Brand messaging + graphics
Build panel layouts that connect your website, product, mission, and post-purchase experience.
Shipping + handling icons
Custom visual cues make packaging feel polished and unmistakably yours.
More ROI with every scan.
Dynamic QR codes can route customers to landing pages built for reviews, reorder flows, special offers, product education, or post-purchase engagement.
The QR code shown here links to an example landing page that also features connected packaging experiences and landing pages we’ve built for other brands.
Need flap printing, barcodes, or QR codes?
These features can add real value to your packaging, but they also require better planning than a basic front-panel logo.
Plan the printable space
Flap printing is generally available for boxes 8" tall or shorter. Larger layouts may require four unique panels and more advanced print planning. We recommend Premium Assistance for the best results.
Keep codes scannable
We recommend Premium Assistance for barcode placement and scan testing. Vector barcode files are strongly preferred because we cannot guarantee scan reliability when vector artwork is not provided.
Build a smarter packaging experience
Dynamic QR codes, custom handling icons, and connected landing pages can turn shipping boxes into stronger post-purchase touchpoints. We recommend Package Plus for the most comprehensive strategy, layout planning, and connected-box experience.
Want the easiest route? Let us take care of everything.
Bring your logo, rough concept, existing files, or even just an idea. We’ll help translate that into single-color black packaging artwork that is better matched to corrugated printing realities.
Package Plus is ideal when:
- You are starting from scratch.
- You have incomplete or low-quality files.
- You want help planning black ink print layout details.
- You want a more guided process from concept to proof.
Frequently asked questions about corrugated box artwork
Common questions about file formats, ink coverage, flap printing, barcodes, and choosing the right support level.
What is the best file type for corrugated box printing?
Vector files like AI, EPS, SVG, and editable PDFs are usually the best choice because they stay sharper and are easier to adapt for production.
Can I use PNG or JPG artwork on a shipping box?
Yes. High-resolution PNG or JPG artwork can often work well for corrugated printing, especially for bold single-color graphics. Lower-resolution files, screenshots, or compressed exports may need rebuilding, cleanup, or simplification before production.
Do you print full-color artwork?
No. Artwork is adapted for black ink printing on corrugated material. Color files can be used as source artwork, but the final printed design is converted to a single-color black layout.
Can I print on flaps?
Flap printing is generally available for boxes 8 inches tall or shorter. Larger or more complex layouts may require additional planning and are best handled with Premium Assistance.
Can you print QR codes or barcodes?
Yes, with proper placement and file setup. Vector files are strongly preferred for scan reliability, and we recommend Premium Assistance or Package Plus for QR code and barcode layouts.
Which artwork assistance option should I choose?
Choose Basic for clean repeat artwork, Standard for workable files that need conversion or cleanup, Premium for rough files or barcode/flap planning, and Package Plus for guided concept-to-proof support.