Our Designer Upload workflow is built around Adobe Illustrator (.ai) because it allows precise control over layout, CMYK colour management, bleed areas, and export to PDF/X-4:2008 — the required format for professional print production.
Adobe Illustrator is one of the few tools that can reliably:
Create artwork in CMYK colour mode
Embed the Coated Fogra39 colour profile
Export compliant PDF/X-4 files
Maintain correct vector quality for typography and layout
For this reason, Illustrator is our recommended software for Designer Upload.
Can I Use Other Design Software?
Yes — but with care.
Inside each template download, you will find two folders:
For Illustrator → .ai files (recommended)
Reference Files → PDF and JPG files showing exact dimensions and layout guides
The Reference Files allow you to build artwork in other professional design software if it can:
Work in CMYK colour mode
Export valid PDF/X-4:2008 files
Embed the Coated Fogra39 colour profile
If your exported PDF does not match the exact dimensions shown in the reference files, the upload will be rejected.
elasticStage cannot guarantee results if templates are recreated in unsupported software.
What About Photoshop?
Photoshop is primarily a raster (image-based) editor rather than a layout tool. While it can be used carefully, it is not ideal for:
Precise bleed control
Spine layout
Vector typography
Reliable PDF/X export for print production
If using Photoshop, you must ensure:
The document dimensions exactly match the template
Resolution is at least 300 ppi
Artwork is prepared in CMYK
The exported PDF meets PDF/X-4 requirements
What If I Don’t Use Design Software?
If you prefer not to work with professional design tools, you can use Quick & Easy Upload instead.
Quick & Easy Upload allows you to upload JPEG or PNG artwork and automatically generates the spine and track listing layout.
Vinyl: maximum 6 tracks per side
CD: maximum 12 tracks
You can preview everything in the interactive 3D preview before publishing.
Download Official Templates
All official templates — including Illustrator files and reference files — are available here:
Next Steps
If you’re unsure about export settings, colour profiles, or common upload errors, see: