How to design custom labels: size, material and print-ready files

A good custom label is often decided before anything is printed. Get the size, material and artwork right and you avoid endless back-and-forth and nasty surprises.

1. Size and shape

Measure the flat part of the pack, not the widest point. On jars and bottles, keep the label on the straight section so it doesn't run onto the curve. Leave a few millimetres all round.

• Rectangular labels with rounded corners are the simplest and cheapest.
• Round and oval labels work well on lids and pouches.
• A custom shape needs its own cutting die, so allow for it in the budget.

2. Material

Use	Recommended material
Dry goods, boxes, gift packs	Matt or gloss paper
Fridge, damp, bathroom	White polypropylene (PP)
"No-label look" on glass or clear plastic	Clear PP
Soft squeezy bottles	Polyethylene (PE)
Natural, handmade look	Kraft paper

A varnish or laminate protects the print from scuffs and splashes.

3. Artwork

• A vector PDF is best, with fonts outlined or embedded.
• 2 mm bleed: extend backgrounds and images past the cut line.
• 2 mm safe area: keep text and logos inside it.
• Images at 300 dpi at actual size, in CMYK. If a brand colour must match exactly, give the Pantone reference.
• On clear labels, add a white underprint wherever the print needs to be opaque.
• Nothing smaller than 6 pt.

4. Roll details

If the labels go on by machine, the printer needs the core size, maximum outside diameter and unwind direction. All explained in our guide to label cores and winding.

5. Quantity and proof

The unit price drops sharply with volume, because setting up the press takes the same time for 1,000 labels as for 20,000. You always sign off a proof before the run.

Take a look at our printed labels and send us your project through the quote request. Artwork not quite ready? We'll help you finish it.