Label Artwork Guidelines for Print-Ready Files
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A great label design still needs to be set up correctly for print. From bleed and cutter guides to colours, fonts and image resolution, a few technical details can make a big difference to the finished result.
These guidelines cover the key things your design team needs to consider when preparing print-ready artwork for your labels. And if anything is unclear, just send us your artwork or give us a call - we’re always happy to help.
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Accepted File Formats
Adobe Illustrator
All artwork should be designed in vector format, unless images are being used – then please see Images section. Document should be accompanied by any required fonts, or all text should be converted to outlines. Provide all links used in the design file and 3mm bleed added around all edges.
CS4 to CC | File formats accepted: .ai, .eps, .pdf (See PDF section)
Adobe Photoshop
This file format is mostly used when creating imagery as part of a design. Images are processed in photoshop to keep the quality and have better control of the adjustments. This can then be linked into an Illustrator document. Create the file as a .psd with editable layers. Supply all the fonts used. Ensure a minimum of 300 dpi resolution is used in the document to print out at the size required or provide high resolution image/PDF.
CS4 to CC | File formats accepted: .psd, .pdf (See PDF section)
Adobe InDesign
Package the document with all links and fonts used. 3mm bleed added around all edges.
CS4 to CC | File formats accepted: .indd, .pdf (See PDF section)
Adobe PDF
The best file format to submit your artwork with is PDF as this method preserves the quality of images, colour formats and embeds the majority of text all automatically. If submitting the original design files, remember to ensure all images, fonts and links are also submitted. Use the high resolution setting and provide artwork with trim marks, 3mm bleed and embedded fonts.
Up to DC | File format accepted: .pdf
Images, Fonts & Links
Images
If there is an image incorporated into the design work, this can have a great impact on the final appearance of the label. To achieve the best and desired result we recommend to use images which have a resolution of 300 dpi at 100% or above and are in a CMYK (Cyan/ Magenta/ Yellow/ Black) colour format NOT RGB.
Fonts
All fonts within the final artwork file which are to be outputted should be supplied or embedded into the file. If the font is not supplied, all elements of text in the file should be outlined/ converted to paths. We accept .otf and .ttf font formats.
Text is recommended to be a minimum of 4.5pt. Text in 100% Black (K), not a Rich Black containing multiple colour channels. Reversed out/negative text should be a minimum of 5pt.
Links
Any links which have been placed or linked into the design file must be provided along with the final artwork. Without supplying the linked file we will be unable to ensure the quality displayed on the original file will be replicated when the design is printed. All linked files must be supplied or imbedded into the final print file.
General Points: Bleed, Spot Colours & Special Finishes
Bleed
A minimum of 1.5mm bleed should be added all around the label where possible. A safe area of a minimum of 1.5mm on the inside of the cutter line is advised to ensure print does not cut off at production stage.
Spot Colours and Special Finishes
Spot colours should be defined using the correct Pantone colour references. All special finishes should be indicated on separate layers, clearly defining each finish.
Need Help with Your Artwork?
If you’re working on a new label or updating an existing one, get in touch with us and our studio team will guide you through getting your artwork set up correctly for print.
