Ready To See Your Can Digitally Printed?

• DO NOT alter the size of the artboard. Place all artwork on the Your Artwork layer.
• ALL text must be converted to vector outlines. In Illustrator, you can do this by using the tool bar at the top and selecting (Select > Object > All Text Objects), then selecting (Type > Create Outlines).
• Embed ALL images and links.
• Ensure everything is vector based, not raster or pixel based to ensure the highest quality print possible.
• Make sure to export the PDF as an editable PDF in Illustrator so that the layer structure stays in-tact
• Do not apply any bleed or crop settings in your artwork files. We print a full 360° around the can without traditional bleed settings but please extend your artwork past the artboard edges to ensure full ink coverage when printing.
• Make sure your barcode (UPC-A) follows the minimum size requirements of .85" in height by 1.5" in width.

• Files MUST be CMYK, do not use RGB

Our digital printers use inkjet technology. Since the neck of the can is further from the inkjet nozzle, the definition in the neck will be less pronounced.

• Recommended: avoid intricate designs and small characters in the neck area for an optimum print.

Digital Cans are non-metallic by default. Usage of the Selective White layer is used to control where white ink is laid down before artwork prints, determining which areas appear metallic, non-metallic, or fully knocked out.

Any artwork submitted without a Selective White layer will print fully non-metallic.

Selective White must be applied using the “WHT” spot color included in the Canworks artwork template and must remain visible and set to Overprint Fill.

‍

Using Selective White for Colored Metallics

Selective White is used as a mask to indicate where white ink should and should not be printed beneath your artwork. This allows CMYK artwork to appear as colored metallics by printing ink directly on the aluminum can.

If Selective White is missing, hidden, or not set to Overprint Fill, the artwork will not print as intended.

• The Spot White layer must sit above the artwork layer.
• CMYK artwork prints on top of the Selective White underprint.
• Apply the “WHT” spot color swatch to all areas where non-metallic color is desired.
• Any area without Selective White coverage will allow the aluminum of the can to show through and cause the CYMK ink above to appear metallic.

‍Creating Knockouts (Bare Aluminum)

Knockouts are areas where the aluminum can is fully exposed with no ink printed. Selective White alone does not create a knockout. CMYK artwork alone does not create a knockout. A knockout only occurs when both layers are absent, allowing the aluminum can to show through with no ink applied.

To create a true knockout, both of the following conditions must be met:

• No Selective White (WHT) coverage in the knockout area
• No CMYK artwork in the artwork layer beneath

Technical Requirements (Required)

Any deviation from these requirements may result in incorrect metallic behavior or unintended knockouts.

• Use only the “WHT” spot color swatch provided in the Canworks template.
• Do not create or rename Spot White swatches.
• The Selective White layer must be placed above the artwork layer.
• The WHT spot color must be set to Overprint Fill.
• The Selective White layer must remain visible at time of export.

Selective Varnish is used as a mask to indicate where spot gloss varnish should be applied. Spot gloss creates areas that are slightly more glossy and subtly raised compared to the surrounding finish.

Selective Varnish does not affect color or metallic behavior. It only controls where the gloss varnish is printed on top of the finished can.

‍

Using Selective Varnish

Selective Varnish is applied as a mask that tells the printer where to apply spot gloss. Selective Varnish should be used intentionally to highlight key design elements such as logos, typography, or pattern details.

• The Selective Varnish layer must sit above the artwork layer.
• Apply the "VRN" spot color swatch to all areas where gloss is desired.
• Varnish prints on top of all ink and finishes.
• Any area without Selective Varnish coverage will receive no spot gloss.

Technical Requirements (Required)

Any deviation from these requirements may result in missing or misaligned varnish.

• Use only the "VRN" spot color swatch provided in the Canworks template.
• Do not create or rename varnish spot colors.
• The Selective Varnish layer must remain above the artwork layer.
• The Selective Varnish spot color must be set to Overprint Fill.
• The Selective Varnish layer must be visible at time of export.