Spot UV (Scodix): How to Design and Create Spot UV files
Spot UV (often referred to as Scodix) is a premium digital finish that applies a raised, gloss varnish to specific areas of your design. This adds both visual shine and a tactile, 3D texture to your print.
To tell our press where to apply the varnish, you must define a specific spot colour in your design software (such as Adobe InDesign or Illustrator).
Swatch Name: You must name the new swatch Scodix (case-sensitive).
Colour Type: Set the colour type to Spot Colour.
Visibility: Choose a high-contrast colour (e.g., 100% Magenta) so you can easily see where the finish is applied over your artwork.
Once your swatch is created, you need to identify the elements you want to enhance.
Layering: Duplicate the elements you want to UV (logos, text, or patterns) and place them exactly over the original artwork.
Colouring: Apply your new Scodix swatch to these duplicated elements.
Build Height (Opacity): You can vary the "lift" or thickness of the varnish by adjusting the opacity of the Scodix swatch.
To prevent the varnish from cracking or peeling during the finishing process, you must respect the physical limits of the guillotine and folding equipment.
The 2mm Rule: Leave a 2mm clear area (no Scodix) around the outer edges of your design and any fold lines.
Why? If the Scodix varnish is cut by the guillotine or folded, it can crack, resulting in a jagged or messy edge.
Your supplied PDF should contain both the standard print elements and the Scodix elements in a single file.
PDF Format: Ensure your file is exported as a high-quality, multi-page PDF.
Check: Verify that the Scodix elements are set to "Overprint" to ensure the underlying colour still prints.
