Emboss vs deboss
| Emboss | Deboss | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Raised | Sunken |
| Back of the board | Shows a dent | Shows a bump |
| Good with | Foil on top (foil emboss), ink, or blind (no ink) | Blind, foil, or ink filled in |
| Best on | Thicker folding board, rigid box wraps, textured label stock | The same, plus soft-touch laminates |
Blind means the emboss or deboss has no ink or foil, just the shape.
Design rules
- Keep shapes simple and bold; fine type and hairlines lose definition.
- Keep it at least 5 mm from folds and creases, and inside the safe area.
- The inside of the box shows the reverse, so check what sits behind the emboss on the inside print.
- Not suitable for corrugated board; use folding board, rigid wraps or thick label stock.
- If you combine it with foil or print, the emboss must line up exactly with them; say so on the spec sheet.
Embossing in Packaroo
Give any label layer the Emboss or Deboss effect. The 3D preview shows the raised or pressed-in shape on the bottle or jar, and the spec pack carries it as its own plate for the die maker. Labels also take high build, spot matte varnish and metallic ink the same way.