Preparing Artwork Files
| FIle Type | Preferred file type is Adobe Illustrator with artwork left in layers. If files bleed then make sure artwork extends beyond the die line | |
| Fonts | Convert all fonts to outlines whenever possible or supply us with your fonts | |
| Color Mode | Provide all graphics and colors in CMYK mode. Files submitted as RGB will be converted to CMYK. | |
| Number of Colors | STANDARD sleeves require that the number of print colors be limited to 2 (shades of the colors are permitted). In addition STANDARD sleeves have a defined imprint area | |
| Resolution | Images should be 300dpi at the final size they will print at. When images are enlarged the resolution decreases. Images should be embedded and not left as links | |
| Graphics / Logos | Graphics and logos should be left as vector whenever possible. Graphics should be embedded and not left as links | |
| Pantone (PMS) Colors | For both PREMIUM and STANDARD sleeves all Pantone (PMS) colors are converted to their closest CMYK equivalent. If you are working in PMS colors then please specify colors using the C (coated) version of the color and not U (uncoated) as we are printing on a coated paper. | |
| Arcing Artwork | Artwork should be arced so that text and graphics appear horizontal when the sleeve is placed around the cup. You can do this or our prepress department will do this (only for vectory artwork) |
Send us your artwork files
Please place your order online before sending us your files.
You may email files up to 20 MB. For really large files please send files via services such as DropBox or WeTransfer.
*** Only send to the above email address for orders that are in production. If you have not yet placed an order and have sales related questions then email your questions and files to
Review and Approve your PDF proof
Once we have received your files we will prepare a PDF for your review. Upon approval of the proof we will put your sleeves into production.
Templates have been set up using Adobe Illustrator. Templates below are using our 1 Glue Side Sleeve.
Our sleeves are meant to fit Hot Cups only. Our sleeves are not meant for cold cups or double wall cups unless specified.
Coffee Sleeve Templates
Premium corrugated Templates
PREMIUM templates are for sleeves with more than 2 colors and/or you are printing with bleeds (full background printing).
Most common size
The industy standard.
Additional sizes
At this time we only produce Corrugated Sleeves in the 12-20oz size. For other sizes please refer to our Classic Sleeves.
Standard corrugated templates
For sleeves printing in 1 or 2 colors and you DO NOT require printing right to the edge of the sleeve (bleeds).
Most common size
Additional sizes
At this time we only produce Corrugated Sleeves in the 12-20oz size. For other sizes please refer to our Classic Sleeves.
Double Wall Paper Cup Templates
Clear Plastic Cup Templates
Clear Plastic Cup Templates
We are presently updating our templates.
Please contact our office for templates for custom printing on clear cups.
Let HotShot design your coffee sleeve for you – No extra cost!
We will gladly prepare a coffee sleeve design for you. In order to make the process as efficient as possible we ask that you provide us with some important information. Once we have your received your information we will contact you should we have any questions or we will get working on your design and will send you a PDF proof shortly.
Please provide us with the following:
- Provide a brief overview (in writing and/or sketch) of what you would like to have in terms of layout on the front and back of your sleeve
- Provide all logos, graphics and images that you would like us to use
- We prefer to receive graphics in vector formats including Adobe Illustrator, EPS or vector PDF whenever possible
- When providing graphics in JPEG, PNG, PSD or BMP format please try to supply us the highest resolution files that you have. If you are not sure which format is best then please send everything you have and we will use what is best
- STANDARD sleeves permit printing in only 1 or 2 colors so all graphics and text must make use of the same colors.
- Email the above information to
Design Time Restrictions
STANDARD sleeve orders include 15 minutes of FREE design layout time. PREMIUM sleeve orders allow up to 30 minutes FREE design time. In most cases the allotted time should be sufficient to prepare a design. If we believe your requirements will require more time (layout or fixing supplied graphics/logos etc) then we will let you know prior to starting. In addition multiple client changes may incur additional charges.