Set Up Your Artwork for Success
To ensure your Custom Labels print perfectly, follow these guidelines when preparing your artwork:
File Setup Checklist
- Resolution: 300 DPI or higher for crisp, clean printing
- Color Mode: Set your file to CMYK for accurate color results
- Accepted File Types: AI, PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, or EPS
- Preferred Files: Vector artwork or high-resolution raster files (300 DPI)
Size & Layout Guidelines
- Minimum Size: 0.50” x 0.50” (sizes under 0.75" will need to be on a carrier sheet)
- Maximum Size: 11” x 14”
- Safety Margin: Leave at least 1/8” (0.125") of space around the edge of your design to prevent accidental trimming
- Small Details: We can print fine elements and fonts as small as 5 pt clearly
- Wrap-Around Labels: For containers like tubes or jars, add 1/4” to the length so the label overlaps cleanly
Industry-Specific Requirements
If your labels need to meet compliance or packaging standards (e.g., food, cosmetics, supplements), make sure your design includes all required elements—we print what you provide.
Cutting Corners with Precision
- Our laser cutting process ensures a clean, professional finish—designed to reduce peeling and maintain durability across packaging and product applications.
- Standard Corner Radius: 1/8” (0.125”) for smooth, consistent results
- Tight Corner Option: 1/25” (0.04”), available when your design allows for more precise cuts
- Need tighter corners? Leave a note in the Special Instructions box at checkout. Our Art Team will review your file and confirm feasibility based on your artwork and label use case.
Why 300 DPI Matters?
Artwork resolution plays a crucial role in print quality. Here's why 300 DPI is the standard for printing:
- Sharp, Detailed Prints: High DPI ensures your design looks clean and professional without pixelation.
- Accurate Colors: More pixels result in more precise color representation.
- Professional Quality: Avoid blurry, distorted prints that may harm your brand’s image.
- Customize Your Labels: Pick your your material, lamination (if required), shape, finish, roll orientation, size, and quantity from the dropdowns above.
- Upload Your Artwork: Upload your design file right away—or upload it after checkout.
- Accepted formats: AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD, TIF, TIFF, JPEG, JPG. View artwork setup guide.
- Pro Tip: Use the Special Instructions box to share any design notes you'd like reflected in your proof. What to include.
- Place Your Order: Head to checkout and complete your order.
- Want to save designs and reorder faster? Create an account at checkout.
- Need it fast? Choose Rush Printing and expedited shipping (extra fees apply). Learn more about Rush P
- Pro Tip: Sign up for our emails to get 20% off your first order. And check our coupons page for the latest deals.
- Review & Approve Your Proof: We’ll email a free digital proof showing your design layout, cutline, and size. Approve it or request edits—we don’t print until you say go. See what’s included in your proof.
- Print & Ship: Once you approve your proof, we get to work. Your Custom Labels will be printed and shipped before you know it!
Need help? Our real human support team is ready to assist or visit the Help Center.
StickerGiant offers a wide range of Custom Labels to suit nearly any product or packaging need. Whether you're looking for professional polish, sustainable charm, or eye-catching shine, each label material is designed to help your brand shine in its own way. Here's how our label types stack up in terms of applications and use cases.
Popular Uses for Custom Labels:
- Product Packaging: Perfect for food, beverage, cosmetic, and wellness products. Use glossy or clear labels for a professional look, or matte and kraft for a natural, upscale vibe.
- Retail & E-Commerce: Add a branded touch to boxes, jars, bags, and mailers with high-quality labels that make your packaging stand out.
- Event & Promotional Materials: Customize labels for conferences, client gifts, giveaways, party favors, or trade shows. Holographic or Glossy finishes are especially eye-catching.
- Organization & Inventory: Keep supplies, warehouse items, or storefront displays tidy and professional with easy-to-read matte or paper labels.
- Eco-Friendly Brands: Choose Kraft or Matte Paper Labels to align with sustainable packaging goals while maintaining visual appeal.
- Customization & Handwriting: Matte and Recycled Paper Labels are writable with permanent markers—ideal for batch numbers, notes, or personal touches.
Application Tips:
- Apply labels to clean, flat surfaces for best adhesion.
- Start from one edge and smooth across to avoid air bubbles.
- Use extra care on curved surfaces like bottles or jars to prevent wrinkles.
Product Labels often have specific size requirements, and incorrectly sized labels may actually send out the wrong message for your brand.
Here are a few size comparisons to things we see all the time.
- 1 inch (quarter-sized): Great for small items or subtle branding
- 2 inch (Oreo-sized): Ideal for laptops, bottles, and packaging
- 2 x 3.5 inch (business card size): Perfect for promos, events, and handouts
Frequently Asked Questions
- White BOPP (Glossy or Matte): Flexible, durable, water- and oil-resistant. Great for food & beverage, health & beauty, and refrigerated products.
- Clear BOPP: Offers a “no-label” look on glass or plastic.
- Holographic Polyester: Shiny, rainbow-reflective surface for bold packaging.
- Glossy Paper: Tearable with a UV varnish finish. Best for dry-use, tamper-evident applications.
- Kraft Paper: Natural, writable, and made from 100% recycled materials.
- Matte Recycled Paper: Smooth, FSC-certified, and writable—ideal for sustainable packaging.
- Rush applies to your entire order—place separate orders to expedite only certain items.
- Delays in proof approval will delay production.
- Not available for Waterless Tattoos or Backprinting
- Rush availability depends on our current production capacity. If you don’t see the option at checkout, contact our Customer Service Team —we’ll do our best to help.
What are Custom Labels and how are they used?
Custom Labels are made-to-order adhesive products that can be tailored by size, shape, material, and finish. They’re great for product packaging, promotions, shelf appeal, and reinforcing your brand identity across various surfaces like jars, bottles, boxes, and bags.
Are Custom Labels waterproof or dishwasher safe?
No. Our Glossy, Matte, Clear, and Holographic BOPP Labels are water- and oil-resistant, not waterproof. They hold up well in humid or refrigerated environments but shouldn’t be submerged.
Dishwasher use isn’t recommended—handwashing is best to preserve the laminate.
Paper-based labels (Kraft, Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled) are not water-resistant and should only be used in dry, indoor settings.
Can Custom Labels be ordered on rolls for dispensers or Label applicators?
Yes! All Custom Labels are finished on rolls, and you can choose the unwind direction that works best for your label applicator—Top First, Bottom First, Left Side First, or Right Side First. Select your preferred orientation using the Roll Finishing dropdown during customization.
For high-speed automation, PET backing is available as an optional liner material on Glossy and Matte White BOPP Labels. It’s ideal for smooth, reliable performance in machine-applied settings. Learn more about PET backing.
What sizes are available for Custom Labels?
We offer custom label sizes from 0.5" x 0.5" up to 11" x 14".
You can choose from a list of popular sizes in the dropdown—or select “Custom Size” to enter the exact dimensions you need.
When designing your file, always include a 1/8" safety margin to prevent important artwork from being trimmed.
What’s the difference between Matte and Glossy Labels?
Matte Labels have a smooth, non-reflective finish that gives a soft, premium feel. They’re perfect for modern or minimalist designs, and they can be written on with a permanent marker—great for small batch details or personal touches.
Are Custom Labels safe for food packaging?
Custom Labels are not certified for direct contact with food, but they are safe for packaging like jars, bottles, and wrappers.
Our BOPP and Paper Labels can be applied to the outside of food containers—including refrigerated and frozen items—as long as the labels do not touch edible surfaces. Additionally, the UV varnish used on our paper labels is rated safe for food packaging environments, making options like Kraft, Glossy Paper, and Matte Recycled Paper suitable for tamper-evident seals or dry goods packaging.
Labels should not be placed directly on food or used inside packaging where they may come into contact with edible products.
What Are Custom Labels Made Of?
Our Custom Labels are made from premium materials designed to perform across packaging types, labeling machines, and shelf environments. Most labels are printed on 2.4 mil white BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) for its durability, flexibility, and moisture resistance. We also offer eco-friendly and specialty options to fit your brand’s aesthetic and functional needs.
Each label is finished with your choice of glossy or matte lamination, which adds protection and enhances the look of your design. Labels come on rolls, and PET liners are available only for glossy and matte White BOPP Labels—ideal for high-speed applicators and automated labeling systems.
Label Material Types
What is Rush Printing?
Rush Printing is a priority service that ensures your stickers are printed and shipped 1 business day after you approve your proof. It moves your order to the front of our proofing and production queues to help you meet tight deadlines.
Rush applies to production time only—it does not affect shipping speed. To receive your order sooner, select expedited shipping at checkout or choose Local Pick-Up if you're in Colorado.
At checkout, select “Rush Your Order" under shipping options.
Important Notes:
- Matte BOPP Labels have a soft finish that works well with permanent markers.
- Paper-based labels—including Kraft, Glossy Paper, and Matte Recycled Paper—are ideal for handwritten notes, batch numbers, pricing, or flavor variations.
- Clear Labels provide a seamless, “no-label” look—perfect for glass jars, bottles, or transparent packaging where you want the product to shine through. Available in glossy or matte finishes for your preferred look.
- Holographic Labels reflect a full spectrum of color with a bold, high-shine finish that grabs attention. Ideal for cosmetics, craft beverages, and limited-edition products. Available with a glossy laminate for a rainbow pop or a matte finish for a metallic marker effect.
- Smooth, reliable dispensing with less risk of jamming or tearing
- Performs in moisture-rich conditions like rinse cycles or cold fill environments
- Resists temperature swings—apply as cold as 25°F and store between -75°F to 200°F
- Reduces production downtime by preventing liner tears
- Recommended for liquid products, refrigerated items, or wet application surfaces
Can you write on Custom Labels?
Yes! Several of our labels have writable surfaces:
For best results, use oil-based paint pens or permanent markers. Avoid gel pens or ballpoints, as they may smudge or not adhere.
Writable labels are a great choice for tamper-evident seals, handmade goods, or personalized packaging.
Do you offer Clear and Holographic Label options?
Yes! We offer both:
What is PET backing in Custom Label printing?
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a clear plastic liner used for roll labels that require strength, stability, and speed.
It’s tear-resistant and ideal for machine-applied labels, especially in automated or high-speed environments like beverage canning lines or product packaging lines.
Why choose PET backing?
PET backing is available on our Glossy and Matte White BOPP Labels—perfect for breweries, beverage brands, health & beauty packaging, and more. Learn more about PET baacking.
Why choose PET liners over paper?
PET liners are stronger and more consistent, particularly for machine-applied labels. They are less prone to snapping or jamming and are ideal for applications involving liquids, like beverages and cosmetics. PET backing is available as an optional liner material for our Glossy and Matte White BOPP Labels.
Can Custom Labels be used for full-wrap applications on bottles or jars?
Yes! For full-wrap applications, we recommend adding 1/4" of overlap to your design to ensure secure adhesion around curved surfaces. This applies to most label types, including BOPP and paper materials.
How long does it take to print my order?
Once you approve your proof, your order moves into production which typically takes 2 to 5 business days, not including weekends or holidays. Need it faster? Rush Printing is available on most products (excluding Waterless Tattoos and Backprinting). Pro tip: The sooner you approve your proof, the sooner we can start printing!
What does “Next Day Air” shipping mean?
Next Day Air speeds up shipping time, not production time. That means your custom order will still take 2–5 business days to print after proof approval. Once it ships, it should arrive the next business day via UPS or FedEx. Be sure to factor in both production and shipping time when planning your delivery date.
How do I check my order status?
Easy! Just go to our Order Status Page, enter your Order # or Item #, and you’ll see where your order is in the process—from proofing to shipping. If any action is needed from you, like proof approval, we’ll reach out with clear next steps.