Artwork Placement Guide
Napkin Print Area, Alignment and Fold Panels
Direct answer
A napkin design must be checked in the finished folded state, not only on the flat artwork. Fold lines determine which panel remains visible and whether the logo, text and orientation appear where intended. Use the template for the actual napkin size and fold before approving the proof.
Flat artwork vs finished view
A flat layout and a folded napkin show different views.
The flat file shows the complete design area. The finished view shows only the face left visible by the selected fold. Check both before approving placement.
The artwork should be checked against the template for the actual napkin specification.
Flat artwork
Finished folded view
Visible panel
Logo / key artwork
Three placement checks
Check the panel, the folds and the key artwork together.
- 01
Visible panel
Identify the finished folded face that should carry the logo or other key artwork.
- 02
Fold lines
Read the fold lines on the template for the selected napkin before placing important artwork.
- 03
Logo and key artwork position
Confirm the intended position and orientation on the finished folded view, not only on the flat layout.
Common placement problems
Artwork can look correct flat but read differently after folding.
- 01
The logo crosses a fold.
A mark can look centered on the flat file but be divided when the napkin is folded.
- 02
Important text leaves the visible face.
Text may sit on a panel that folds inside or turns around an edge in the finished presentation.
- 03
The design is split across panels.
A connected motif can separate when different parts of the flat artwork become different folded panels.
- 04
The orientation changes after folding.
Artwork can read sideways or upside down on the intended face if the panel direction is not checked.
Before proofing
Send the napkin format and the intended visible face.
The supplier needs the selected format before the correct artwork template and folded view can be reviewed.
- Napkin unfolded size
- Napkin folded size
- Fold type
- Artwork file
- Desired visible face
- Logo orientation
- Reference image, if available
If the open and folded dimensions are not yet clear, review the folded vs unfolded paper napkin size guide.
Proof review
Review the finished view before approval.
Use the proof for the selected napkin and fold. Do not approve placement from a logo file alone.
- Visible face
- Is the intended logo or key artwork on the panel that remains visible?
- Orientation
- Will the artwork read in the intended direction after folding?
- Fold lines
- Do any folds cross important text, logos or other critical details?
- Position
- Does the folded view show the requested placement and visual alignment?
Ready to review the folded view
Send the napkin format, artwork and intended visible face.
TISVEN can review the supplied artwork direction against the selected napkin and fold before quotation.