REFERENCE / ARTWORK SPECS
Artwork specifications
The specs on this page are how we keep your file from hitting a snag in pre-press. Every label artwork file we receive runs through a pre-press review before plate-making — we'll catch most issues for you, and reach out when something needs your eyes. But files that land within spec move faster, proof cleaner, and skip the back-and-forth. Bookmark this page or share the link with your designer.
File formats
Send native design files when you have them. Flattened PDF works in a pinch.
Preferred — Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .pdf exported from Illustrator)
Preferred — Adobe Photoshop (.psd or .pdf exported from Photoshop)
Supported — Adobe Illustrator (.eps)
Supported — Adobe Photoshop (.psd, .jpeg, .tiff at 300 DPI or higher)
Supported — Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf)
Supported — Adobe InDesign (export to .eps or .pdf before sending)
Send all linked images and fonts with the parent document, or convert all fonts to outlines. Set document size to the final trim size — bleeds extend past it.
Resolution
Raster artwork: 300 DPI minimum
Color mode: CMYK
Web images (typically 72 DPI) will pixelate at print size — pull at your own risk
Not sure if a placed image will hold up? Send the file and we'll flag it during pre-press review.
Minimum type size
Positive type (dark on light): 4 pt minimum
Negative type (light on dark): 4 pt minimum
Regulatory fine print: 5–6 pt safer
Anything smaller risks ink fill on positives and dropout fill-in on negatives, especially on flexo.
Line weights
Reverse rules (light line on dark background): 1 pt minimum
Positive rules (dark line on light background): 0.5 pt minimum
Same principle as type — thinner rules fill in on flexo, especially in reverse. Walk hairlines up to spec before sending.
Bleeds and safety margins
Bleed: 0.125 inch (1/8 in.) for images and backgrounds that run to the edge of the label
Safety margin: 0.0625 inch (1/16 in.) inside the dieline for text and critical graphics
Dieline: on a separate layer or spot color, labeled Dieline
UPCs and barcodes
UPCs are the most common reason for a label to fail scanning at retail. We treat them carefully.
Minimum magnification: 80%
Quiet zone: at least 0.125 inch on either side of the bars — no graphics, text, or color in this margin
Color: black or dark; light blues, greens, and reds don't have enough contrast for scanners
On clear or metallic substrates: white ink backup required behind the bars
Send us your GTIN/UPC numbers — we recreate every UPC and set the bar widths based on whether you're running flexo or digital.
White ink
On clear or metallic substrates, white ink is structural — it's what makes the rest of your colors look the way you intended.
Create a layer in your file called White
Set the white color as a spot color with overprint turned on
Add a corresponding shape on the White layer for any element that should print on white backing
Required behind UPCs, text on clear, and full-coverage backgrounds
Not familiar with the white-layer workflow? Send your file and we'll set it up — it's a common pre-press touchpoint, nobody gets it perfect on the first run.
File delivery
Small files: attach to email
Larger files or full design packages: compress to .zip first for faster transfer and lower failure rate
File-sharing services accepted: WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, YouSendIt
Send to your account contact or directly to art@thelabelshoppe.com
Before you send
Quick checklist to run through before submitting your file.
Document set to final trim size
All raster images at 300 DPI, CMYK
All fonts packaged with the file or converted to outlines
0.125 inch bleed on edge-running images and backgrounds
0.0625 inch safety margin inside the dieline for text and graphics
Dieline on its own layer, labeled Dieline
White layer present if printing on clear or metallic substrate
GTIN/UPC numbers sent separately so we can generate the barcode
Spelling double-checked
Corrections after proofing reset the pre-press clock.
READY TO SEND A FILE?