How to prepare artwork for roll labels
In short
- closed PDF file (version 1.6), no open files such as AI, CDR, PSD
- page trim size equal to the size from the calculator (TrimBox)
- 2 mm bleed on every side (BleedBox)
- safe margin min. 1 mm from the cut line for text and important elements
- CMYK colour space, no embedded ICC profiles, Pantone and HKS converted to CMYK
- bitmaps min. 300 ppi, fonts converted to outlines, graphics embedded
- no printer's marks, colour bars or cut lines in the print file – for a custom shape the cut line is uploaded as a separate file
- each design in a separate file, file names without special characters (e.g. label_raspberry_1000pcs.pdf)
Size, bleed and margin
The PDF page is the label size plus 2 mm bleed on each side: for a 50 x 30 mm label that is 54 x 34 mm. Extend backgrounds and edge elements into the bleed. Keep text, logos and codes at least 1 mm from the cut line; with 3D finishing this margin is mandatory.
Cut line (custom shape)
For rectangles, squares, circles and ovals you do not need to draw an outline – we add it at trim size, with a 2 mm corner radius on rectangles (or square corners if chosen). For a custom shape upload the cut line as a separate PDF file – the order has a dedicated field for the cutting file, next to the print file:
- a page of the same size as the print file (label + 2 mm bleed on each side), with the outline in the same position as the artwork
- only the cut line as a vector – a thin line (e.g. 0.25 pt), a closed path; no artwork, text or bitmaps
- one outline per label, no duplicated lines (overlapping copies are removed automatically)
Once both files are uploaded, we show a preview of the design with the cut line applied – check that it runs where it should.
White underprint (clear, silver and holographic film)
Mark the areas to be printed white as a mask on a separate layer White_Ink. Fill with a spot colour named White_Ink (CMYK 30/0/0/0) with overprint enabled. With “white + CMYK” the white objects sit under the colour artwork.
3D finishing and foils
- raised 3D varnish: layer and spot colour Varnish 40 (CMYK 100/0/0/0, 40 % opacity); min. line 0.5 pt, min. type 10 pt (3.5 mm)
- 3D MAX varnish: layer and spot colour Varnish 100 (CMYK 100/0/0/0); min. line 2 pt, min. type 23 pt (8 mm)
- gold foil: layer and spot colour Gold (CMYK 0/0/100/0); silver foil: Silver (CMYK 0/0/0/60)
- 3D or 3D MAX may cover at most 15 % of the label area; 3D and 3D MAX cannot be combined in one file, foil can be combined with varnish
Colours and barcodes
Black for text and fine elements is pure CMYK 0/0/0/100 without overprint; rich black is not needed. Save barcodes as vectors in 0/0/0/100, at least 21 mm wide – otherwise scanner readability is not guaranteed.
Sending files
Upload files after placing the order, in your customer account. With several designs, name the files so they can be told apart and add the quantity at the end, e.g. strawberry_500pcs.pdf, raspberry_1500pcs.pdf. Files that do not meet the specification are returned for correction – we can also fix them for you according to our artwork services price list.