How do I supply my file for foiling on printed artwork?

Due to the delicate nature of foiling, we strongly recommend ordering a proof before placing a full production run. This allows you to check that you're happy with the positioning and appearance of the finished foiling.

What files do I need for foiling?

You'll need to supply two separate files:

Cover artwork – your printed artwork with any text or designs you want to appear in foil omitted.
Foiling artwork – a plain white background with all areas you want to be foiled supplied in black.

Both files must have exactly the same dimensions. If the dimensions don't match, this can cause alignment issues and affect the quality of the finished product.

How should I prepare my foiling PDF?

Your foiling PDF should contain only black and white artwork. The black areas represent the elements that will receive the foil.

Do not include gradients within your foiling artwork. Gradients can result in poor foiling results.

There can also be some movement between the printed cover artwork and the foiling layer. For this reason, we don't recommend including the same content, such as a book title, on both the printed artwork and the foiling layer.

Foiling PDF checklist

Before uploading your files, check:

Does your foiling artwork obstruct your cover artwork when the two are combined?
When you zoom in, is there any aliasing, pixelation or distortion around your text or designs?
Is your foiling PDF completely black and white?
Have you placed foiled text over printed text? This is not recommended due to possible movement between the two layers.
Are your cover artwork and foiling PDF exactly the same dimensions?

Foiling PDF

Cover artwork

The finished product with foiling overlay

Where is Bookvault Bespoke foiling produced?

Bookvault Bespoke products are produced exclusively at our UK print facility.

Bespoke products can still be shipped worldwide or sold through your own direct store using Bookvault integrations.