Designing your own custom scratch off card gives you complete control over the look of your promotion, event, fundraiser, or campaign. However, scratch off card artwork requires more planning than a standard business card because the hidden message and machine-applied scratch off sticker must work together.
Our best advice is to contact us before you begin designing. We can confirm the card size, scratch off area formatting, and file setup for your order. A quick check before you start can prevent delays and design changes later.
Important: We are unable to print artwork created using artificial intelligence (AI).
View the complete Custom Scratch Off Card Artwork Requirements →
1. Choose the scratch off area before designing
Start by deciding which scratch off sticker will cover your hidden message. The sticker’s size and shape determine how much text or artwork can fit underneath it.
A short message such as “You Win!” fits easily beneath a smaller round sticker. A longer prize description, promotional code, or set of instructions may require a larger scratch off area. Choosing the sticker first helps you avoid squeezing too much information into a space that is too small.
2. Submit an editable, layered file
Submit your artwork in one of these approved formats:
- Adobe Illustrator (.AI) with all layers and assets accessible
- Layered PDF
Flattened files, screenshots, Canva links, JPGs, and PNGs are not considered print-ready artwork. An editable file allows our team to confirm the setup and prepare the artwork correctly for production.
3. Use professional print settings
Before submitting your file, confirm that it includes:
- CMYK color mode
- Minimum resolution of 300 dpi
- All fonts converted to outlines
- All images embedded in the file
- Rich Black set to C:60, M:40, Y:40, K:100
These settings help preserve image quality, reduce missing-font or missing-link problems, and produce a stronger printed black.
4. Add bleed and protect the safe area
Your artwork must include at least 0.125 inches of bleed on every side. Background colors and full-bleed images should extend through the bleed area so trimming does not leave an unprinted white edge.
Keep text, logos, and other important design elements at least 0.25 inches inside the final trim line. This safe area protects important content from normal cutting movement.
5. Leave enough spacing for scratch off application
The hidden message or prize should remain at least 0.125 inches inside the sticker edge. Also leave at least 0.125 inches of clear space between the sticker and surrounding text or important design elements.
That spacing gives the hidden message adequate coverage and keeps nearby artwork from crowding the scratch off area.
6. Leave the area around the sticker blank
Do not place a printed circle, square, rectangle, border, or outline around the scratch off sticker. Our stickers are applied by machine, and normal machine movement can cause a printed shape around the sticker to show.
If a shape is an important part of your design, email info@myscratchoffs.com before designing. We can help determine whether the concept can be produced successfully.
7. Send each variation as a separate file
If your order includes multiple prize amounts, messages, or card versions, submit a separate front file for every variation. If all variations use the same back design, the back only needs to be submitted once.
- Clearly label every file with its variation name.
- ZIP large files before attaching them to your email.
- Do not send Google Drive, Dropbox, Canva, or other file-sharing links.
Common artwork mistakes that can delay an order
- Designing before choosing the scratch off sticker size
- Submitting a flattened or non-editable file
- Using RGB instead of CMYK color
- Forgetting to include 0.125 inches of bleed
- Placing text or logos too close to the trim line
- Crowding the hidden message or surrounding artwork against the sticker
- Adding a printed outline around the machine-applied sticker
- Combining several card variations into one artwork file
Frequently asked questions
Can My Scratch Offs design my custom card?
Yes. You can provide print-ready artwork or have our team create the design for you according to the design service included with your selected custom card package.
Can I submit a Canva file?
No. Canva links and flattened Canva exports are not accepted as print-ready artwork. Submit an editable Adobe Illustrator (.AI) file or layered PDF.
Why does the design need bleed?
Bleed extends the background beyond the final trim line. It helps prevent unprinted white edges when the cards are cut.
Why should I avoid a circle or border around the scratch off sticker?
The stickers are applied by machine. Normal placement movement can allow part of a printed shape around the sticker to remain visible.
What should I do if I am unsure about my artwork?
Contact us before designing or submitting your files. We can confirm the planned card size, sticker area, and file setup before you invest time in the final design.
Prepare your artwork with confidence
Review the complete visual requirements before creating or submitting your custom scratch off card artwork.
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