How to order custom roll labels: the checklist
Size, material, core, winding, quantity and artwork: the details a label printer needs to quote your roll labels right first time.
A quote for printed roll labels is only as good as the brief behind it. These are the details to decide before you ask.
1. Size and shape
- Measure the space on your product, not just the label you'd like. Leave a few millimetres around the edges, and check curved surfaces such as bottles.
- Shapes: rectangle, square, round, oval, or a custom die-cut that follows your design.
2. Material and finish
- Paper for dry products, PP for anything wet, cold or handled, clear PP for the no-label look, matt silver for a technical look. See paper or polypropylene.
- Finish: varnish or laminate protects against scuffs and moisture.
- Adhesive: permanent as standard; removable on request; special adhesives for cold or difficult surfaces.
3. Core and roll size
| If you apply labels… | Usual core |
|---|---|
| by hand from the roll or with a small dispenser | 25 or 40 mm |
| with a desktop label printer | 25 or 40 mm |
| with a labelling machine | 76 mm |
Also give the maximum roll diameter your dispenser or machine accepts.
4. Winding direction
Labelling machines need the labels to come off the roll the right way round: wound outside or inside, and which edge leads. Machines have a winding chart with numbered positions; send us the number or a photo. Our core size and winding guide shows how to check.
5. Quantity and versions
- Quantity per design. Larger runs cost less per label.
- Versions: flavours, sizes or languages are usually separate designs.
- Variable data: sequential numbers or barcodes on each label.
6. Artwork
A PDF at final size, fonts embedded or outlined, images at 300 dpi, and 2 mm bleed. See how to design custom labels. You get a proof to approve before anything is printed.
Ready?
Send the details above to us and you get a quote within 12 working hours. Everything we print on rolls is on our roll labels page.
FAQ
What core size do I need for roll labels?
76 mm is standard for labelling machines; 25 or 40 mm suits hand dispensers and desktop printers.
What is winding direction?
The way labels sit on the roll: outside or inside, and which edge comes off first. Labelling machines need a specific direction.
Which file format should artwork be?
A print-ready PDF at final size with fonts embedded and 2 mm bleed.