This document outlines the official artwork requirements and print production standards for vinyl and CD releases manufactured by elasticStage.
Artwork is produced exactly as supplied. elasticStage does not correct, redesign, colour-adjust, enhance, or modify uploaded files. Files that do not meet the specifications below may be rejected by the upload validator or may print with unintended results.
Artwork Upload Methods
elasticStage supports two artwork routes:
Quick & Easy Upload (JPEG / PNG)
Designer Upload (Print-Ready PDF)
Both methods produce commercial-grade packaging. The difference is the level of manual control you require.
Quick & Easy Upload Specifications
Accepted File Types
JPG / JPEG
PNG
How Quick & Easy Upload Works
You can build a complete vinyl or CD release using only a front cover image.
Images are automatically cropped to fit the product format.
If you do not upload certain elements (such as back cover or labels), elasticStage will generate them automatically using the Quick & Easy layout.
The spine is generated automatically and cannot be manually customised in this route.
Track listings may be auto-generated depending on the layout selected.
Always review your artwork carefully in the interactive 3D preview before locking your release.
Formatting Limits (Quick & Easy Layout)
Vinyl: Maximum 6 tracks per side
CD: Maximum 12 tracks
Artist name: 26 characters
Title: 30 characters
Even within these limits, layout can vary depending on characters used. Always confirm spelling, spacing and positioning in the 3D preview.
Designer Upload Specifications
Designer Upload is intended for experienced designers who want full control over cover, spine, back cover, labels, inner sleeve, and booklet layout.
Required File Format
PDF/X-4:2008 (mandatory)
Required Colour Profile
Coated Fogra39 must be embedded
Fonts
Fonts must be embedded in the PDF, or
Converted to outlines (Type → Create Outlines)
Layers & Annotations
PDFs must not contain non-printable layers
PDFs must not contain annotations
Document Dimensions
Artwork must match the exact dimensions provided in the official templates. Incorrect document size will result in upload rejection.
Colour Requirements (CMYK vs RGB)
Print uses the CMYK colour model. Screens use RGB.
Designer Upload: Design in CMYK and embed Coated Fogra39.
Quick & Easy Upload: RGB images are accepted but may appear more vibrant on screen than in print.
CMYK has a more limited colour range than RGB. Bright greens and blues may not reproduce exactly as seen on screen.
Image Resolution Requirements
All raster images must be at least 300 ppi at final print size.
Do not enlarge raster images beyond their original resolution.
Low-resolution images may print blurry or pixelated. elasticStage does not upscale or enhance supplied artwork.
Templates & Bleed
Official templates are provided for both upload methods. Always use the latest template version available.
Bleed (Usually 3 mm)
Artwork extending to the edge must include a 3 mm bleed.
The bleed area is trimmed during finishing and is not visible in the final product.
Failure to include bleed may result in unwanted white edges.
Download official templates here:
elasticStage Vinyl & CD Artwork Templates (Download & Dimensions)
Print & Packaging Standards
Outer sleeves: 290gsm (vinyl and CD)
Vinyl inner sleeves: 170gsm
Booklets: 12 pages (where selected)
All paperboards carry FSC® and PEFC™ Chain of Custody certification.
CD-Specific Notes
CD Silver Option
When CD Silver is enabled, CMY ink is printed directly onto the silver disc surface. White areas will appear silver, and colours may appear duller.
The 3D preview simulates this effect.
Softpack Crease Lines
Lines visible inside the Softpack in the 3D preview simulate material creasing. These lines are not printed.
Common PDF Upload Validation Errors
Not exported as PDF/X-4:2008
Missing Coated Fogra39 profile
Fonts not embedded or outlined
Non-printable layers present
Annotations present
Incorrect document dimensions
For detailed export instructions and troubleshooting guidance, see:
The Complete Guide to Preparing Artwork for Vinyl & CD On-Demand
Final Checklist
Correct upload method selected
Official templates used where required
3 mm bleed included where necessary
All images are 300 ppi
PDF exported as PDF/X-4 with Coated Fogra39 (Designer Upload)
Fonts embedded or outlined
3D preview reviewed carefully
Next Steps
Once your artwork meets these specifications, return to your Release dashboard to upload your files and preview your product.