Artwork For Label Printing: How To Get The Best Results
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Creating great artwork is an important part of producing great labels. But what looks perfect on screen doesn’t always translate perfectly into print.
Whether you are preparing artwork for a new product, updating an existing label or sending files for a repeat order, a few simple checks can help make the printing process smoother and ensure your finished labels look their best.
Our studio team is always happy to help, but here is what you should know when preparing artwork for label printing.
Use High-Resolution Artwork
Good-quality artwork is the starting point for a high-quality printed label.
If your artwork includes images, we recommend a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. This is particularly important for photographs, detailed graphics and smaller elements.
An image may look sharp on your computer screen but appear soft or pixelated when printed. Starting with a high-resolution original gives us the best opportunity to reproduce those details clearly.
It is also worth remembering that simply increasing the DPI of a low-resolution image does not recreate the missing detail. Where possible, always use the highest-quality original available.
Supply An Editable PDF
Where possible, send your label artwork as a print-ready, editable PDF.
Editable artwork gives our studio greater flexibility when preparing your files for production. Rather than everything being flattened into a single image, individual elements can be worked with and adjusted where necessary.
This is particularly important if you are considering embossing, debossing, foiling, metalising or adding white layers. If you are thinking about adding an embellishment to your labels, let us know early. We can advise on how the artwork should be prepared and what will work best with your design.
Remember Your Bleed
Bleed is a small detail, but it is an important part of artwork for label printing. We recommend 3mm bleed wherever possible.
Bleed is the extra artwork that extends beyond the finished label size. It allows for the cutting process and helps prevent unwanted white edges around your labels.
It is also important to keep key elements such as logos, text and barcodes safely away from the cut edge. Giving these elements some breathing room helps ensure your finished label looks clean and balanced.
Prepare Your Artwork In CMYK
Our digital press prints in CMYK as a standard, so supplying your artwork in CMYK gives us the best starting point for reproducing your colours as intended.
Colours displayed on a computer or phone screen can sometimes look different when printed, so it is important to consider how your chosen colours will translate from screen to physical label.
If you have a specific brand colour that needs to be matched, let us know. Our team can discuss the best approach with you. Our special colour management tool allows us to print colour scales in CMYK for you to pick the best possible match.
Think About The Material And Finish
Your artwork doesn’t exist in isolation. The label material and finish can affect how your design looks, once printed.
The same artwork can have a very different appearance on a smooth white material, textured stock, clear film or metallic substrate. Laminates will also create a different appearance on your labels; certain laminates can alter colours and metallics slightly.
If you’re unsure which material or finish will work best, that’s where an experienced label manufacturer can help. We will help you understand what is achievable and what to expect with certain materials at the start of every project.
Not Sure? Ask Our Studio
You don’t need to be a label printing expert.
If you are unsure whether your artwork is suitable for print, send it to our studio team. We can check your files, highlight anything that may affect the finished label and help you understand available options.
And if you’re looking to take your label design further, we are happy to explore that with you too, Â whether that’s a different material, a premium finish or a completely new design approach.
Getting your artwork right before printing can save time, reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and help achieve the best possible finished label.
From artwork preparation and material selection to printing and specialist finishes, we are here to help at every stage.
If you are preparing artwork for label printing and aren’t sure where to start, talk to our team. We are always happy to help.
