Set Up Your Artwork for Success
To ensure your Paper Labels print beautifully—whether Glossy Paper, Kraft Paper, or Matte Recycled Paper—follow these guidelines when preparing your artwork:
File Setup Checklist
- Resolution: 300 DPI or higher for sharp, high-quality printing
- Color Mode: CMYK for accurate color reproduction
- Accepted File Types: AI, PDF, EPS, PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF
- Preferred Files: Vector formats (AI, PDF, EPS) or high-resolution raster images at 300 DPI
Size & Layout Guidelines
- Minimum Size: 0.5" x 0.5" (labels under 0.75" x 0.75" may include a carrier sheet for processing)
- Maximum Size: 11" x 14"
- Safety Margin: Leave at least 1/8" (0.125") of clear space inside the cutline to avoid unintentional cropping
- Text & Line Weight: Use fonts 5 pt or larger and line weights of at least 0.5 pt for readability
- Wrap-Around Labels: Add 0.25" to the width for clean overlap on cylindrical surfaces like tubes or jars
Paper Label Considerations
- Bleeds: Full-bleed designs are accepted—extend your background color or image at least 1/8" (0.125") beyond the cutline
- Rounded Corners: Recommended to prevent edge lift, especially for labels exposed to friction
- Custom Shapes: Available at no extra charge—just ensure your cutline is clearly defined in a separate vector layer
- No Neon or PMS Matching: We print in full-color CMYK only and do not support Pantone or neon inks
Application & Finishing Notes
- Finish: Labels are printed with a protective UV varnish—glossy or matte depending on the material
- Adhesive Compatibility: Designed for clean, dry indoor surfaces such as boxes, glass jars, paper bags, and product packaging
- Roll Orientation: Let us know if you need a specific rewind direction for machine application
Need help preparing your file? Check out our artwork setup guide or reach out to our team—we’re happy to help.
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, shape, roll finishing, 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 Printing.
- 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.
Why Choose Paper Labels?
Glossy Paper, Kraft Paper, and Matte Recycled Paper Labels are ideal for brands that prioritize texture, affordability, and indoor product labeling. These materials offer flexibility for hand application and short-run production, making them a favorite for small businesses, artisan products, and sustainable packaging.
Popular Uses for Paper Labels
- Handmade & Artisan Goods: Perfect for candles, soaps, baked goods, and other handcrafted items. Kraft and Matte Recycled Paper Labels offer a natural look and writable surface for personalization.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Matte Recycled Paper Labels are made from post-consumer waste and FSC-certified materials, making them an excellent choice for sustainable brands and earth-conscious product lines.
- Retail & Product Branding: Use Glossy Paper Labels for a polished, high-shine finish that adds shelf appeal to boxes, envelopes, jars, and tamper-evident seals.
- Tamper-Evident Packaging: The easy-tear nature of all three paper options makes them a smart choice for safety seals on food packaging, wellness products, and subscription boxes.
- Indoor Promotions & Events: Affordable and easy to apply, paper labels are ideal for seasonal promos, envelope seals, or in-store displays where water resistance isn’t needed.
Application Tips
- Best for Hand Application: Paper labels are flexible and easy to peel, making them perfect for applying by hand or with low-speed labeling tools.
- Apply to Clean, Dry Surfaces: Ensure surfaces are free of moisture, oil, or dust for the best adhesion.
- Use Indoors Only: These labels are not suitable for refrigerated, wet, or outdoor environments.
- Writable Options: Kraft and Matte Recycled Paper Labels work well with pens and Sharpies. Glossy Paper Labels should be written on with a permanent marker.
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
- Glossy Paper Labels – Printed with a shiny UV varnish that enhances color vibrancy. Best for bold, full-color designs.
- Matte Recycled Paper Labels – Made from FSC-certified, post-consumer recycled materials with a soft satin finish. Our most eco-friendly and writable option.
- Kraft Paper Labels – Printed on textured, brown kraft paper with a matte varnish. Ideal for rustic or organic aesthetics.
- Matte Recycled Paper Labels – Excellent for pens and Sharpies
- Kraft Paper Labels – Great with permanent markers
- Glossy Paper Labels – Use a Sharpie only; ballpoint pens may smear
- Matte Recycled Paper Labels are made from post-consumer waste and are FSC-certified.
- Kraft Paper Labels are also recyclable and made with sustainably sourced materials.
- Best for indoor, dry-use applications
- Writable and available in Glossy, Matte Recycled, and Kraft finishes
- A great fit for handmade goods, retail packaging, and eco-conscious branding
- Water-, oil-, and scratch-resistant
- Ideal for refrigeration, frequent handling, and moisture-prone environments
- Great for cosmetics, beverages, health products, and anything with extended shelf life
- 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 Paper Labels?
Custom Paper Labels are printed on high-quality paper stock with a protective finish, making them ideal for indoor product packaging, branding, and marketing. They’re writable, versatile, and available in Glossy, Matte Recycled, and Kraft Paper finishes. These labels add a handcrafted, natural look to jars, boxes, bags, and handmade goods.
What’s the difference between Glossy, Matte Recycled, and Kraft Paper Labels?
All three Paper Label options are food-safe, writable, and finished on rolls for easy application:
Can I write on Paper Labels?
Yes! All Paper Labels are writable:
Are Paper Labels eco-friendly?
Absolutely.
Great options for brands that care about sustainability
What is the difference between Laminated Labels and Paper Labels?
Paper Labels, by contrast, are printed on premium paper stock with a protective UV varnish, not lamination. They’re:
Laminated Labels are printed on durable BOPP (polypropylene) or polyester film and finished with a glossy or matte lamination. They’re built for performance and protection in demanding conditions. Laminated Labels are:
If you need durability and moisture resistance, go with Laminated Labels. If you're looking for a more natural or handcrafted look, Paper Labels are the way to go.
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 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:
- Handmade products (like soaps, candles, or baked goods)
- Retail packaging and point-of-sale branding
- Eco-friendly or organic brands that want a natural look
- Short-run or seasonal product labels that need a polished, professional finish
- Made from paper stock, like Glossy, Matte Recycled, or Kraft Paper
- Has a natural texture and is often writable
- Finished with a UV varnish, not a lamination
- Ideal for dry, indoor applications (e.g., packaging for handmade or retail goods)
- Not waterproof or oil-resistant
- The liner the label sticks to before application
- Commonly used with Glossy or Matte Laminated Labels
- The label itself is made from durable BOPP (polypropylene)
- Offers a smooth peel and supports hand or machine application
- Discarded after the label is applied
- A Paper Label is made of paper.
- A White Paper Backing is just the liner used for labels made from plastic film like BOPP—not the label itself.
Are Paper Labels waterproof or freezer-safe?
No. Paper Labels are not waterproof or oil-resistant, and they are not suitable for frozen or refrigerated products. For moisture-heavy environments, we recommend our Glossy or Matte BOPP Labels, which are water- and temperature-resistant.
Will Paper Labels stick to textured or curved surfaces?
Custom Paper Labels adhere best to smooth, dry, flat surfaces like glass jars, cardboard boxes, and paper bags. For textured, curved, or slick surfaces, our BOPP-based labels (Glossy, Matte, or Clear) are a better choice.
Can Paper Labels be used with labeling machines?
Yes—Paper Labels are finished on rolls, making them compatible with most manual and automatic label applicators. If your machine requires a specific unwind direction or roll orientation, just include those details during checkout.
What are the best use cases for Paper Labels?
Paper Labels are great for:
What is the difference between a Paper Label and a White Paper Backing Label?
It’s easy to confuse Paper Labels with labels that use a white paper backing, but they refer to different parts of the label:
Paper Label (Label Material)
White Paper Backing (Liner Material)
In short:
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.