Make a Spotwhite Layer
If you’re using clear, metallic, or dark opaque materials like Kraft paper, you’ll need a spotwhite layer in your artwork. This layer determines which areas will be opaque and which will have a clear or metallic effect.
Our Prepress Team can assist with creating a spotwhite layer, but there may be additional charges for this service. To save time and costs, follow our quick guide or step-by-step video to do it yourself.
How to Build a Spotwhite Layer (Adobe Illustrator)
- Duplicate Your Artwork Layer: Rename the new layer to “spotwhite” and place it at the top of the Layers panel.
- Create a Spotwhite Swatch:
- In the Swatches panel, create a new swatch named “spotwhite.”
- Change the color type to Spot Color and set it to 100% magenta.
- Assign Spotwhite:
- Elements requiring white ink (opaque areas) should be set to 100% spotwhite.
- Elements without white ink (clear/metallic areas) should be set to 0% spotwhite.
- Ensure all elements on the spotwhite layer use the spotwhite swatch.
- Apply Overprint:
- Select all elements on the spotwhite layer.
- In the Attributes panel, check Overprint Fill (and Overprint Stroke, if available).
- Preview Overprint:
- Go to View > Overprint Preview to ensure your artwork aligns correctly with the spotwhite layer.
Using Photoshop?
Check out our step-by-step video for creating a spotwhite layer in Photoshop.