Artwork Design Specifications

Our primary preferred file type is .AI (Adobe Illustrator native format).

We also accept .PDF, .PSD (photoshop native), and EPS. If you need help with file formatting, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Note: if using Photoshop to design your labels, please read the special note under the resolution section on this page, which explains the challenges associated with textual content built in Photoshop.

For best results, all files should be designed and submitted in CMYK mode (not RGB) – otherwise the file will be converted to CMYK automatically and significant colour shifts can occur.

If you intend to use White ink in your design (for example on Clear or Chrome labels), check out this FAQ about white ink.

Note: Never look or rely on a computer monitor for colour or print out your digital proof for colour. If your project is colour critical, we will be happy to assist you in getting a press proof.

All fonts should be outlined (or flattened) – please do not send live fonts with your files. To learn more, check out our blog post: How To Outline Fonts When Sending Artwork

Each label design file should be named clearly and correspond to the label artwork, e.g. Body Lotion 8oz Vanilla.eps. This helps to keep organisation, and clearly differentiates between artwork files. If you’re working with a designer, please ask them to use file names that reflect the content of the label so we can easily identify different versions.

A bleed refers to the extension of the background beyond the edge of the intended label print area. This ensures that the design isn’t inadvertently cut off during the die-cutting process, and will not show on your final label product. To learn more, read our blog post: Product Label Design Artwork Bleeds

We require 1.5mm of bleed on ALL sides of your product label. When dealing with circles, ovals, and unique shapes, it is important to size your art 3mm larger overall to cover the requisite 1.5mm bleed at each side.

If an image or text is too close to the finished edge of your label, it may be trimmed off during the die-cutting process. To ensure this does not happen, please include at least 1.5mm of space between the die line and any image(s) or text that should not be cut off.

To learn more, read our blog post: Product Label Clear Space

All artwork should be created using metric measurements (i.e. millimetres) and dimensions rounded to the nearest 1mm with the exception of special shapes.

Please read our Blog post about Label Artwork Sizing for further explanation.

For best results, files should be created at 300 dpi resolution.

Note – Lower resolutions can be disappointing when printed.

Please make sure all placed graphics and images are embedded and not included as a linked image. Note: embedded images should be sized at 300 dpi (at intended image size when printed)

To learn more, check out our blog post: Embedding Linked Images in Your Label Artwork

Please review all text and artwork for spelling or typing mistakes – we do not proofread artwork.