Print-ready label artwork: the complete checklist

Most delays on a label order don't come from production, they come from the file. A PDF with no bleed or text too close to the edge means one more round of corrections and a lost day. The checklist below covers everything we check at preflight, so you can go straight to print approval.

Format and resolution

• PDF/X-4 is the ideal format. We also accept AI or EPS with resources embedded.
• Raster images: minimum 300 dpi at final size, not at 50% scale.
• No aggressive JPEG compression on product photography - artefacts show at 1200 dpi print.

Bleed and safe zone

• Bleed: 2 mm on each side, with the background actually extended into it, not just a scaled frame.
• Safe zone: 2 mm inside. Text, logo and critical elements stay within it.
• On round or oval labels, push the safe zone to 3 mm - cut deviation shows more easily on curves.

Colours

We work in CMYK. If you send RGB we convert it, but the result can differ from your screen, especially on saturated greens and blues. If you have a critical brand colour, give us the Pantone reference and we simulate it as closely as possible in CMYK, with a physical proof before the run. For large black areas use rich black, not 100% K alone.

Technical layers

• Die line: vector, on its own layer, in a clearly named spot colour, set to overprint.
• Opaque white on clear materials: separate layer, in spot, indicating where it applies.
• Hot foil or embossing: separate layer, 100% vector only, no gradients.
• Fonts: converted to outlines. Removes any substitution risk.

What we send back

After preflight you get a print-approval PDF with the die line visible, final dimensions and, on request, a physical proof on the chosen material. The signed approval is the reference for the whole run.