Beyond the zip: a smarter way to store and access artwork files

Managing packaging assets shouldn't be a guessing game. Yet for many FMCG teams, traditional artwork file management still revolves around bulky zip folders, endless downloads, and version confusion. In this article, we explore a smarter, faster, and more transparent approach to storing and accessing artwork files—one that puts control and clarity back in your hands. Whether you're in marketing, operations, or packaging, you'll learn how to simplify your workflow and empower your team.

The Frustration We’ve All Faced

If you’ve ever worked with artwork files in FMCG, you know the drill: you need a dieline or a logo update, but it’s buried in a zip file. You download it. You unzip it. You dig through folders to find the one file you actually need. It’s clunky, slow, and error-prone.

And it’s the default on most artwork management platforms.

Why Zip-Based Storage No Longer Works

While zipping files may have once offered a tidy “handoff” solution, it’s now a major liability in today’s collaborative, multi-stakeholder packaging workflows.

Here’s why zip-based workflows fall short:

• Lack of granularity: You can’t view or share single elements without downloading the full set.

• Reduced visibility: You lose clarity on what's been approved, updated, or reused.

• No real-time collaboration: Files are disconnected from the rest of the artwork lifecycle.

• Compliance risks: Critical assets may be overwritten, misplaced, or outdated.

In short: zip folders were designed for storage, not agility.

And it's not just storage—sending large creative files via email is another bottleneck many teams face. If you're still relying on attachments or FTP, check out our practical guide on how to send large files without email limits. It outlines 4 secure alternatives tailored for packaging, design, and marketing teams.

A Smarter Way: Granular, Accessible, Structured File Management

At Collabra, we thought there had to be a better way. So we built it.

In our system, Cway, files aren’t locked inside a zip. Instead, each element is uploaded individually and logically connected to its artwork record — editable files, linked images, keylines, approvals — all visible and accessible in context.

That means you can grab the PDF when you need it. Or the AI file. Or just the barcode. Instantly. No unzipping. No mess.

Of course, if you do need a bundled package — say, for handoff to a print partner — Cway lets you generate a zip on demand. But crucially, that’s the exception, not the default.

Results That Matter

Switching to non-zipped, structured storage unlocks measurable efficiency for FMCG packaging teams.

What teams experience:

• Faster asset retrieval and fewer internal file requests

• Improved version control across all file types

• Reduced manual work and administrative burden

• Greater confidence in launch readiness and compliance

• Streamlined collaboration with print partners and internal teams

And because Cway supports zip export on demand, nothing is lost for vendors or printers that require packaged files — it just happens on your terms.

Control, Clarity, and Confidence — Built In

This may sound like a small shift in how artwork is stored, but it has a massive impact on productivity, accuracy, and morale. With Cway:

• Packaging teams stay focused on execution

• Marketing gains peace of mind over approvals and deadlines

• Operations regain visibility and control

• Everyone wastes less time on file management

No more zip file roulette. No more last-minute scrambles. Just clear, fast access to exactly what you need.

A Quiet Revolution in FMCG Asset Management

In a world where packaging timelines are shrinking and demands are growing, Collabra’s approach is about giving teams the tools to work smarter — not harder.

Storing assets at the tip of your fingers, not trapped in folders. Keeping control in your hands, not behind another download button. That’s not just an upgrade. It’s a transformation.