Artwork Guidelines for Label Printing
Artwork that’s ready to print – first time
Supplying truly print-ready artwork saves time, avoids extra costs and helps your labels look precisely as you expect. This page explains how to set up your label artwork and submit it to us, with practical, up‑to‑date guidance from our studio and press teams.
If you’d rather we handled the technical details, our in‑house designers can create or refine your artwork.
How to send your artwork to Kingfisher Labels
1. Preferred file types
For production, we prefer press‑ready PDFs:
- Primary format: High‑resolution, press‑ready PDF with bleed and cutter guide
- Also accepted: AI (Adobe Illustrator), INDD (InDesign, packaged), PSD (Photoshop), EPS, high‑resolution TIFF
If you’re sending native files (AI, INDD, PSD), please include all linked images and fonts, or export a press‑ready PDF as well.
2. How to transfer your files
- Up to 10MB: Email your artwork to your usual contact or via our contact form
- Larger files: Use a file transfer service (WeTransfer, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.) and send us the download link
When you send files, please tell us:
- Your company name and contact details
- Project or product name and any internal reference / PO
- Exact label size and shape (or the cutter code if we’ve provided one)
- Material and finish, if known (e.g. white PP, matt varnish, foil)
- Quantity and whether this is the short run or the long run
- Any special requirements – variable data, peel & reveal, specific regulations, etc.
If you’re unsure whether your files are suitable, send them over, and we’ll review them and advise on any tweaks needed before printing.
Setting up your label artwork
Size, bleed and safe area
- Document size: Set the artboard to the exact finished label size (e.g. 80mm × 60mm).
- Bleed: Add 3mm bleed on all sides. Extend backgrounds, images and colour blocks into the bleed so there are no white edges after die‑cutting.
- Safe area: Keep logos, text, barcodes and key design elements at least 1.5–2mm inside the trim to allow for cutting tolerances.
If you don’t yet know the exact size or shape, we can recommend standard cutters or create a custom one for you.
Colour setup
- Set your document to CMYK colour mode.
- Avoid RGB values; convert any placed RGB images to CMYK for predictable results.
- If you require Pantone (spot) colours, name them correctly using the Pantone library.
- For metallic foils, white ink or special varnish areas, use clearly named spot colours (e.g. “White Ink”, “Foil”, “Spot Gloss”) on separate layers, set to overprint.
Some on‑screen colours cannot be reproduced exactly in print. Our colour control systems ensure excellent consistency across runs.
Images and graphics
- Resolution: All raster images at 300 dpi minimum at final print size.
- Format: Preferably TIFF or PSD for images; avoid low‑quality JPEGs or web graphics.
- Vector where possible: Logos, icons and line art should be supplied as vector (AI, EPS, PDF) for sharp, clean edges.
Quick pre‑flight checklist
Before you send artwork, run through this checklist:
- Document set to the correct finished size
- 3mm bleed added on all sides
- Colour mode is CMYK (and Pantone colours named correctly if used)
- Images 300 dpi at final size
- All fonts are embedded or outlined
- Barcodes / QR codes at the correct size, with a quiet zone and strong contrast
- Cutter guide on its own layer, set as a stroke (not filled)
- White ink, foils, varnish areas on clearly named separate spot‑colour layers (if applicable)
- Text and critical elements kept inside a safe margin (at least 1.5–2mm from the trim)
If you can tick these boxes, your artwork is usually ready for proofing. We’ll always supply a PDF proof for approval before printing.
Fonts and outlining
- Embed all fonts when creating your PDF, or
- Convert all live text to outlines (curves) before final export.
This prevents unexpected font substitutions and layout changes.
Legibility on label materials
- Minimum sizes: Aim for 6pt minimum for body text, and larger where space allows.
- Reverse text: For light text on dark backgrounds, use at least 7–8pt and avoid very fine or condensed fonts.
- Line weights: Minimum line thickness 0.25pt (0.5pt for reversed‑out lines).
Small text on textured or uncoated stocks can appear softer. Ask us if you’re working with a challenging material.
Barcodes, QR codes and variable data
Barcodes and QR codes
- Use the correct symbology (e.g. EAN‑13, Code 128, QR Code, Data Matrix) for your application.
- Supply codes as vector where possible, or as high‑resolution images.
- Ensure sufficient quiet zone (clear area) around the code – no text or graphics encroaching.
- Use strong contrast (e.g. black code on a light background).
If you’re unsure about minimum order sizes for specific retailers or markets, we can check for you.
Variable and changing information
If your labels require changing data (batch numbers, expiry dates, serialisation, personalisation):
- Show a sample layout in your artwork with the longest likely data string.
- Provide your variable data in a spreadsheet (Excel or CSV) with clear headings.
- Leave sufficient space so longer entries don’t crash into other elements.
Our team will advise on the most efficient way to handle variable data on our digital presses.
Exceptional finishes, cutters and technical details
Dies and cutter guides.
- Supply a single, continuous vector path for the cutter, on a separate top layer.
- Set the cutter line to a clearly named spot colour (e.g., “Cutter”) and set it to overprint.
- Please do not include the cutter line in CMYK artwork; it should not print as a visible graphic.
If we’ve already created a cutter for you, we can send you the official template to build your artwork on.
Foiling, embossing and spot finishes
For foils, embossing, spot varnish and other effects, please:
- Place effect areas on separate layers using clearly named spot colours (e.g. “Foil Gold”, “Emboss”, “Spot UV”).
- Use solid shapes (100% of the spot colour) – no tints or gradients for these layers.
- Avoid excellent type or delicate serifs for foil or embossing; keep text reasonably bold.
Print process considerations
- Digital printing: Ideal for short runs, multiple SKUs and variable data. Allows white ink and complex designs with minimal setup.
- Flexographic printing: Better for higher volumes. Artwork may need attention to line weights, trapping and dot gain.
We’ll let you know which process we’re using for your job and flag any artwork adjustments that will improve the final result.
Need help & advice?
Speak to one of the Kingfisher Labels team experts?
Need support with your files?
You don’t have to be a pre‑press expert – that’s what we’re here for. If you send what you have, we can:
- Check your artwork and highlight any issues before printing
- Make simple fixes such as adding bleed, outlining fonts or setting up white ink layers
- Redraw low‑resolution artwork or logos where needed
- Take your brief and create complete label designs from scratch
Please tell us how involved you’d like us to be, and we’ll tailor our support accordingly.
Artwork Guidelines: Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats do you accept for artwork?
We prefer a high-resolution, press-ready PDF with bleed and a cutter guide. We also accept AI (Adobe Illustrator), packaged INDD (InDesign), PSD (Photoshop), EPS and high-resolution TIFF files.
How much bleed do I need to include?
Add 3mm bleed on all sides. Extend backgrounds, images and colour blocks into the bleed so there are no white edges after die-cutting.
Which colour mode should my artwork use?
Set your document to CMYK. Avoid RGB values and convert any placed RGB images to CMYK for predictable results. If you need Pantone spot colours, name them correctly using the Pantone library.
What resolution do my images need to be?
All raster images should be 300 dpi minimum at final print size. Supply logos, icons and line art as vector wherever possible for sharp, clean reproduction.
Do you check my artwork before printing?
Yes. We pre-flight every file, highlight anything that needs attention, and send you a PDF proof for approval before we go to press.
Can you help if my artwork is not print-ready?
Yes. Send us what you have and we can make simple fixes such as adding bleed, outlining fonts or setting up white ink layers, and advise on the best way forward.
Our Label Printing Services
Ready to send your artwork?
If your artwork follows these guidelines, you’re ready for the next step. Send your files to us via email or file transfer, and we’ll confirm receipt, pre‑flight them, and then send you a PDF proof for approval before we go to print.
Send us your files or ask a question – we’re happy to review your artwork and advise on the best route to high‑quality printed labels.
How our label design process works
Initial consultation
We discuss your products, objectives, target audience and any existing brand guidelines.
Brief & proposal
We confirm the scope, timelines and costs, and agree on the design brief.
Concept creation
Our designers produce initial concepts for your review.
Feedback & refinement
We refine the chosen direction until you’re happy.
Artwork sign‑off
You approve final press‑ready artwork.
Printing & delivery (optional)
We print your labels in‑house and deliver them ready to apply.
Get in touch today...
and speak to one of the Kingfisher Labels team, on 01454 321456 or click on the link below