How do I set up a mask file for Spot UV or raised gloss?

Spot UV and raised gloss need two files: your normal full-color artwork and a mask file that shows where the coating goes.

• Make the mask exactly the same size as your artwork, with the same bleed, so the two line up.
• Use solid 100% black (C0 M0 Y0 K100) where you want the coating, and white where you don't.
• Don't use shadows, glows, gradients or gray. The coating is either on or off.
• Build the mask as vector art in a program like Illustrator. Raster masks give soft, fuzzy edges.

On greeting cards, keep the mask at least 0.25" away from the fold so the coating doesn't break when the card is folded. Name your files clearly, for example "card-front.pdf" and "card-front-mask.pdf".