What file format do I need for gold foil embossing on business cards?

For gold foil or gold foil emboss on business cards, you submit three files: the foil is called out separately from the color print so the press knows exactly where to lay the foil.

The three files are:

1. A vector mask file for the foil areas alone, kept separate from the print file
2. One front print file
3. One back print file

The important detail is that the foil area is left off the print file entirely. The mask defines the foil, and the print files carry only the CMYK artwork, so the two do not overlap.

Make the mask solid 100% black. Keep foil elements bold, since very fine lines and small type may not hold foil. If the card also gets embossing, debossing or spot UV, give each effect its own mask file and say which side it goes on.