In today's digital world, most engravings (dies) are created and sent to the engraver in a digital format. Negatives and artboards are still used, but more often than not, digital files have become the artwork of choice for most engravers.

Most engravers suggest that artwork for creating dies be sent as an original art file instead of a file in a layout program such as QuarkXPress, Pagemaker, or InDesign. Illustrator or other vector files are recommended. This will ensure crisp, solid artwork to create the die. Other helpful hints include the following:

• Do not include masks.
• Convert all type to outlines.
• Do not include compound paths.
• All objects should be filled.
• Avoid intersecting lines or images.

When preparing artwork for flat stamping dies that will be photo-etched or CNC engraved, it must be solid line art without the use of any screens. The digital file must be 100% of size, and the artwork also should be saved at 600dpi or higher to ensure a crisp engraved image and best results.

These same rules apply to single-level embossing dies as well – the only addition is to ensure the engraver knows the type and thickness of the stock that will be embossed. This will tell the engraver how deep the die can be etched.

Artwork for brass multi-level or brass sculptured engravings can be a bit more complicated. If the image is to be multi-level embossed, the type of embossing effect must be indicated. The most common choices are either raised round (round lift), raised flat (beveled flat lift), or raised roof (raised faceted). See a complete list of Terms and Symbols here. On a multi-level image, a portion of the artwork might indicate to raise flat the first level and indicate a raised round effect on the second level.

With sculptured embossed dies that are, for the most part, completely hand-engraved by a talented master engraver, the designer can have input and make suggestions, but must trust the engraver's expertise. It is recommended to take the artwork that will include sculptured embossing and indicate what areas on the image should include intricate detail in the embossing die. If there is a printed image that is partially sculptured embossed, separating out a layer in the digital artwork that indicates the portion of the image to emboss is the best solution. Then on a key line or black and white laser print, the embossing effects and amount of detail can be indicated.

Combination (foil and embossing) dies must follow the same guidelines as above. The only exception is when an image is flat foil stamped in certain areas and foil stamped and embossed in others on the same die. This must be well marked on the artwork.

Note: Any type of image that can be embossed also can be debossed into the paper stock.

Preparing Artwork Checklist:

For a Flat Stamping Die - Be sure all objects are filled, do not use screens, and make sure art is 100% in size. Also be sure all raster images are at least 600dpi and create separate artwork layers for each die.

For a Single-Level Embossing Die or for Multi-Level Dies - All of the above rules apply as well as indicating if embossing registers to print or foil, the type and thickness of stock, and the type of embossing effect using the engraver's terms and symbols.

For Sculptured Embossing/Debossing Dies - All of the above rules apply as well as indicating the degree of detail and trusting the artistic talent of the master engraver.

For Combination Dies - All of the above rules apply as well as indicating areas that flat stamp v. areas that emboss.

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