Label Artwork Guide

Preferred file types are high-resolution flattened PDF or EPS files, but others work fine too, such as high-resolution AI, PSD or JPEG files.

For a more in-depth guide about file types click here.

Please try to supply all files in the CMYK colour mode.

For a more in-depth guide about colour click here.

To reduce the risk of any font-related issues, we advise making the fonts part of your original document through embedding, flattening or converting them to curves in the chosen design program. You can also send us the font if it’s an uncommon one you have used.

For a more in-depth guide about font click here.

All artwork supplied to us for print should have at least 3mm bleed and 3mm inner safe area on all trimmed edges. We prefer the file not to have crop marks.

For a more in-depth guide about bleed and safe area, click here.

Image and design files should have a minimum resolution of 300dpi. If artwork is generated at a lower resolution, then the quality of the final print may not be as good as it could be.

For a more in-depth guide about resolution click here.

The ink used to print on clear material is slightly translucent. This means for the parts of the design that you require to be opaque, we have to create a white base layer on the artwork which the colour is then printed on top of. Our design studio will set this up for you automatically and send you a proof to approve before we print.

You may also require visible white parts of your design to be printed on the clear material (some white text for example). The easiest way to do this is to create a separate layer on your artwork named “white” which only contains the text/elements you require printing in white.

Alternatively, you can describe the white printing required in the notes box when you upload your artwork. For example, you could describe a certain shape or piece of text in your design. We’ll then send you a proof to approve which shows the coloured and white parts of your design separately.

If they’re difficult to describe, you can also send us an example of your artwork with annotations. You’ll have an opportunity to do this when we email you for clarification.

Note that for clear labels and stickers, you do not need to make your artwork file transparent. You can send the file as-is and we’ll remove the background during proofing. That being said, there’s no issue making the background transparent if that helps to clarify what you’re looking for.

However you wish to approach this, bear in mind that with our Artwork Check Guarantee, we’ll be in touch shortly after you place your order if we need to discuss anything, so don’t worry about any misunderstandings. We’ll get it right!

For an in-depth guide of how to setup labels with white elements please click here.

The way we create metallic colours is by using a silver substrate and applying a thin layer of translucent CMYK toner to create the metallic colour required. When ordering please describe the colour required (or give the metallic swatch code from our color logic sheet which is included in all sample packs) in the notes box at the upload artwork stage.

We include free proofs with all metallic orders that you’ll have a chance to approve or amend before we print, so you can either provide a specific colour you need (such as a swatch or hex code), or just describe the colour you’re looking for.

Alternatively, you can include the colour in your artwork design and indicate which part needs to be metallic in the notes box. We’ll then take the colour directly from your artwork and turn that into metallic during printing.

If you require some parts to be metallic and others non-metallic, there are three ways you can do this:

• Create a separate layer in your artwork file to differentiate between the metallic and non-metallic elements.
  
  
• Upload your design as-is and explain in the notes box what you require
  
  
• After ordering, send us an annotated version of your design which points out metallic and non-metallic areas

Whichever way you choose, you’ll always be sent a proof to approve before we start printing to make sure we get it right. That will also allow an opportunity for further amendments if needed.

For an in-depth guide of how to setup labels with metallic elements please click here.

Think about the appearance you are trying to achieve for your label, some materials may darken or lighten the appearance of your artwork once printed.

The different finishes may also affect the way your labels appear, Matt effects will make the colours look a little dull or faded and a gloss finish might make them appear brighter.

For more in-depth information about all of the materials and finishing options we offer click here.