Label Design Tips
& Artwork Specifications
Save Time & Money When Ordering Labels
Being an all-digital print shop means that you can save time & money by providing us with the correct artwork for your labels (produced according to the specifications below).
Label Artwork Specifications
Please note that it makes good sense to check your designs (and spelling) before sending them to us - corrections or modifications made after the proofing stage will incur extra charges, as we need to repeat the entire pre-press process to incorporate the new files.
Software Supported (Mac and PC versions)
- Adobe Photoshop - versions up to and including CS4
- Adobe Illustrator - versions up to and including CS4
Our strongly preferred format is an Adobe Illustrator EPS file with all fonts converted to outlines, as this is the format we print directly from on our digital presses. Click here for an explanation of the font outlining process.
Note:
If you're creating multiple designs, please send each design (or version) individually in its own file to optimize the pre-press process and avoid manipulation errors.
Media
The easiest way to send us files is via email. We can receive email attachments up to about 10 Megabytes, but keep in mind that your outbound email server may have smaller limits. If you're sending many files and/or email proves to be unreliable, you can also upload files to our secure FTP site – please contact us for details. If none of these options are workable for you, please burn a CD-ROM and send it to us.
Full Bleeds and Layout requirements
A full bleed is when the color “bleeds” off the label. If your label design or background color is intended to cover the entire surface of the label, please note that we need a 1/16" (0.0625") bleed around each edge of the label. For example, if you have a 2” x 1” label where the color bleeds off the edges, you should size your design to 2.125" x 1.125" as this ensures a 1/16” bleed around the entire label. Click here for a detailed example of bleeds.
It's also wise to leave at least 1/16" (0.0625") of clear space (i.e. no significant design elements or text) inside the die-line to allow for slight shifts during die-cutting.
Click here for a detailed example of clear space layouts.
Other Considerations
Being an all-digital label printer, image mode and resolution are extremely important to ensure correct color and clarity. All raster (image-based) files need to have a resolution of 300 d.p.i. at actual size. Our presses handle CMYK mode only - all RGB images will be converted, which can cause extreme shifts in color. If in doubt, please take advantage of our free press proof offer, which allows you to see how the finished labels will look before going into production.
Additional Resources
Die Lines for Special Label Shapes
How Die Cutting Works
Top 10 Label Artwork Mistakes
Need Label Design Assistance?
If you don’t have an appropriate computer file or finished design, we can help. Our internal designers are specialists at label design and know what works best on our presses.
We charge very reasonable rates and happily provide no-obligation quotes before starting work. You will be consulted throughout the design process and will have ample opportunity to make changes if you choose.
Our firm goal is to produce designs that YOU are comfortable with - after all, the labels are going on your products!
Benefits of Digital Printing
- Fast turnaround time - Average is 3 days
- Amazing, full color print quality. Order a label sample pack to see for yourself
- No expensive press setup fees
- Ability to print custom label and sticker orders at low prices, even in small quantities
Read More
Curtis & Nicole D. of Golden, CO say:
I just wanted to drop a line and say thanks. Our labels look great, and we were extremely impressed with your professionalism, turnaround time, and value.
Holly Thorssin of Mosquito Mama says:
The bottle, and the new label by extension, hit a Fairbanks (Alaska) market this past weekend and my customers absolutely loved the design, apparently choosing it over the old one! It was, in short, a huge hit :) Thanks again for your professionalism, and your talent ...