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Artwork

Artwork guidelines

How to send artwork that prints beautifully. Not a designer? That's fine. Send what you have and we'll check it before your proof.

File typesGet design help

File types

What to send.

Preferred

  • PDFPDFBest all-round choice. Keep fonts embedded or outlined.
  • SVGSVGVector artwork that stays sharp at any size.
  • AIAdobe IllustratorVector artwork, straight from Illustrator.
  • EPSEPSVector artwork from most design programs.
  • PNGHigh-resolution PNGGreat for images and artwork with transparent backgrounds.

Also accepted

  • JPGJPGFine when the resolution is high enough. JPGs can't have transparent backgrounds.

The basics

Five things worth knowing.

  1. Resolution

    Images need enough detail for the size they'll print. A small web image stretched onto a label will look soft or blocky. As a rule of thumb, aim for about 300 pixels per inch at the final printed size. Vector files (PDF, SVG, AI, EPS) stay sharp at any size.

  2. Bleed

    If your background color or image runs to the edge of the label, extend it a little past the edge. That extra area is the bleed. It's trimmed off, and it prevents thin white slivers if the cut shifts slightly.

    We'll confirm the exact bleed for your label size on your proof.

  3. Safe area

    Keep important text and logos a little inside the edge of the label. That way nothing important gets too close to the cut.

    We'll show the safe area on your proof so you can see exactly where it sits.

  4. Cut line

    The cut line is the shape your label is cut to. For standard shapes, choose the shape when you order. For custom or die-cut shapes, the cut follows your artwork. Not sure how to set one up? Send your artwork and we'll help.

  5. Transparency

    For custom shapes and clear labels, a transparent background (PNG, SVG or PDF) tells us exactly where your design ends. On clear material, anything left transparent will show the container through it.

Label anatomy: bleed extends past the cut line; the safe area sits inside it.Your designKeep text inside the safe area
BleedCut lineSafe area

Before you send

Quick checklist.

Miss something? No problem. We review every file and flag anything that needs attention on your proof.

  • The file is PDF, SVG, AI, EPS or a high-resolution PNG (or a sharp JPG)
  • Images look crisp at the size they'll print
  • Backgrounds that touch the edge extend past it
  • Text and logos sit comfortably inside the edge
  • Fonts are embedded or converted to outlines
  • Custom shapes have a transparent background

Need a hand?

Three ways to get your artwork ready.

  • Ready

    I have print-ready artwork

    Attach your finished file to your order email. No design service needed.

    Artwork guidelines

  • Prep

    I need minor artwork help

    Send what you have. TAGS can help prepare your existing label artwork for print.

    How design help works

  • Design

    I need a label designed

    Tell us what it's for and TAGS can create the label artwork for you.

    Design help

Not sure your file is ready?

Send it anyway. We'll take a look and let you know what, if anything, needs to change.

Email your artworkOrder Labels