Hot foil, emboss and spot UV—when to use which?
Three finishes, three jobs: foil is metallic film, emboss is relief, spot UV is selective gloss. Grapxo places finish areas as vector layers—it is not an image generator.
Three finishes, three jobs
Hot foil = metallic or coloured film. Emboss/deboss = raised or recessed. Spot UV = selective gloss varnish. They can combine; cost and registration rise.
When which?
Logo emphasis → foil or emboss. Photo/area gloss → spot UV. Tactile luxury → emboss ± soft-touch. Shelf light and budget decide. There is no “most premium” guarantee.
Brief and layer notes
Keep finish areas on separate vector layers; check overlap with the dieline. Printer minimum stroke and gap specs win. Note emboss die/thickness in the brief.
Next step in Grapxo
Open the studio from the box design page. Grapxo is a vector engine, not an image generator. The soft-touch vs matte and layered vector checklist pages are also useful. Questions: info@grapxo.com
Frequently asked questions
Can foil and spot UV combine?
Yes; registration and cost rise—confirm with the plant.
Does emboss change the dieline?
You need die/thickness notes; put them in the brief.
Does Grapxo output finishes as photos?
No. Vector finish areas, not generated images.
Start producing in the studio
Write your brief and let Grapxo produce a print-ready vector surface.