One of the most common issues we see at Rose City Label is label artwork submitted without all the necessary files. We get it—file prep can be confusing. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you get it right the first time so your labels print perfectly.
When you create a label in Adobe Illustrator, it’s essential to understand that the final .ai file often doesn’t include everything it needs to print correctly—mainly if you’ve used custom fonts or imported images.
Packaging your file is a critical step before you send it to us.
Why You Need to Package Your File
When you send only the Illustrator file:
Custom fonts may not display correctly on our end.
Linked images may be missing entirely.
The layout might shift, causing unexpected print issues.
Packaging gathers all the assets—images, fonts, and artwork—into a single folder. It keeps everything clean, tidy, and ready for print.
How to Package in Adobe Illustrator
Here’s a quick walkthrough:
Open Your Final File: Ensure everything looks correct on your end—images are linked, text is in place, and you’re happy with the design.
Go to File > Package: This tells Illustrator to gather everything needed to reproduce your file correctly.
Choose a Destination: Pick a folder location (like your Desktop), name your package something clear (like Sarat_2023), and make sure these options are selected:
✔ Copy Links
✔ Collect Links in Separate Folder
✔ Include Fonts
✔ Include Linked Files
Click “Package”: Illustrator will create a folder that contains your .ai file, a Links folder for images, and a Fonts folder with any custom typefaces you’ve used.
Zip the Folder: Right-click the new folder and choose “Compress” (Mac) or “Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder” (Windows). This ensures nothing gets lost in transit.
How to Send It to Us
Once zipped, you can send the package in whichever way works best for you:
Email
FTP
Dropbox
WeTransfer
Or any file-sharing method you prefer!
Taking a few extra minutes to package your file correctly saves time, avoids production delays, and ensures your labels look as great in print as they do on screen.
Thanks for working with us—we’re excited to bring your label to life!
When submitting your label design, a few last-minute checks can save you from costly errors and reprints. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through essential final checks—from clipping masks to text placement—so you can be sure your design is ready for press.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration, and read on for a concise overview.
1. Verify Your Die Line & Clipping Masks
Check shape alignment. If you’re using a custom shape, offsetting the path Object > Path > Offset Path (for example, by 0.2 inches) helps reveal any misalignment.
Clean up your clipping masks. Make sure your image and die line match perfectly. If there’s a stray or incorrect mask, remove it and create a correct clipping mask with the right object.
2. Maintain a Safety Margin
Offset the die by 1/16″ (0.0625″). This margin is your die “safety zone.” Any critical text or artwork that crosses this line risks being cut off.
Move the text inward. Keep important details inside the safe area so the final cut won’t clip your design elements.
3. Align & Center Your Elements
Use alignment tools. Double-check that text or graphics are centered and look balanced on the label.
Watch for off-center text. Even small shifts can be noticeable when printed, so take a moment to make it perfect.
4. Remove Extraneous Objects
Path Clean Up. In Illustrator, use Object > Path > Clean Up to get rid of unwanted points or stray elements.
Check your links. Ensure there aren’t any hidden images or random objects hanging around that you don’t actually need.
5. Final Review
Hide/unhide layers. Temporarily hide layers to see if there’s anything still lurking on the artboard that shouldn’t be there.
Set up for success. With everything cleaned up and properly placed, you’ll avoid surprises once the job hits the press.
Watch the Video
Curious about how it’s done in real-time? Check out our quick demonstration of these final checks. You’ll see exactly how to offset paths, manage clipping masks, and keep your design safe and tidy.
Have Questions?
If you’re still unsure about your file setup or need help finalizing your design, feel free to reach out to Rose City Label. We’re here to help make your label printing process as smooth as possible!
If you’ve ever wondered why your colors look different on-screen than they do in print, this video is for you.
In our latest tutorial, we explore two common color spaces—CMYK and RGB—and explain why CMYK is critical when designing labels for print.
Watch the embedded video below and read on for a detailed overview.
Why CMYK vs. RGB Matters
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Best for anything going to print.
Prints on surfaces that reflect light rather than transmitting it.
More accurately represents how your final printed labels will look.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Best for digital displays (computer screens, TVs, projectors).
Has a wider color range than CMYK.
Many bright colors in RGB can’t be reproduced exactly in CMYK.
Setting Up Your Document in CMYK
Check Your File Mode
In Adobe Illustrator, go to File > Document Color Mode, then select CMYK Color.
Anything you create or import will adopt the CMYK color space.
Convert Imported Images
If you’re using Photoshop artwork in your Illustrator file, open that image in Photoshop.
Go to Image > Mode, and select CMYK Color.
Expect a slight color shift—especially if the image has colors that don’t exist in the CMYK range.
Be Ready for Changes
Some vibrant colors—like intense greens or pinks—may dull or shift noticeably when you switch from RGB to CMYK.
Converting ahead of time lets you see these shifts before sending your files to print.
Example: Bright Colors in RGB
In the video, we demonstrate how colors like neon greens and pinks can appear vivid in RGB but look more muted in CMYK. This is a normal (yet sometimes surprising) result of working within a smaller color space. By converting to CMYK early in your design process, you’ll avoid unexpected color shifts on the press.
Video: Watch and Learn
Here’s the full walkthrough in our video. We’ll show you exactly how to switch color modes in Illustrator and Photoshop, why it matters, and what to watch out for when working with especially bright hues.
Custom shapes are a fun way to make your labels stand out, but the process can be trickier than working with standard shapes. Below are our tips to help you set up a file for a custom die line—so you can get the exact shape you want without any surprises.
Watch the Tutorial
1. Set Up Your Artboard to Match the Desired Label Size
Size matters. Make sure your artboard size matches the final label size you want. In the example, we used a 3″ x 4″ artboard.
Align carefully. Position your shape to align perfectly with the artboard’s boundaries. This positioning will help ensure accurate cutting and printing.
2. Watch for Sharp Corners & Tight Curves
Die limitations. If your design has extremely sharp corners or tiny details, the die-maker may be unable to produce them. It’s best to avoid tiny or delicate shapes or simplify them so they can be cut cleanly.
Adjust as needed. If a corner is too sharp, remove or smooth it out so it meets manufacturing requirements.
3. Use a Dedicated Die Line Layer
Keep the die line separate. Place your die line on its own layer named something like “Die Line.”
Stroke only. Set the die line as a stroke rather than a filled shape to differentiate it from the rest of your design clearly.
4. Create a Spot Color for the Die Line
Define a spot color. Name it something like “Die Cut” in your swatches. This should be set as a Spot Color, not CMYK or RGB.
Check separations. In your Separations Preview (if you have one), you’ll see your new die line spot color listed alongside the usual CMYK inks.
Overprint. Set the stroke to overprint so it doesn’t knock out or alter the artwork underneath.
5. Don’t Forget Bleeds
Set bleed values. If your design extends to the label’s edge, ensure you have the proper bleed (usually around 0.125″ beyond the cut line).
Avoid white slivers. Proper bleeds ensure there aren’t any thin white edges after cutting.
Why All This Matters
Following these tips will save you time and headaches. The die line is crucial for telling our manufacturing equipment exactly where to cut the label. Clear setup and proper spot color designation mean fewer revisions, lower costs, and a quicker turnaround for your project.
Need More Help?
Check out the video for a step-by-step demo of creating a custom die line. Or reach out to our team here at Rose City Label for guidance—we’re always happy to help you get the perfect shape for your project.
Welcome to our new series, where we share quick technical tips for better label design! This post will walk you through creating a simple rectangular or circular label template in Adobe Illustrator, including bleed and safety margins. Check out the embedded video below for a step-by-step demonstration or read below for a quick tutorial.
Key Steps and Tips
Document Size and Bleed
Create a new document (e.g., 4″ wide × 3″ tall).
Set bleed to 1/16 inch (0.0625″).
This 1/16″ bleed applies no matter the overall label size.
Inside Safety Margin
Create a guide 1/16″ inside the label to mark your “type limit” or “die safety margin.”
In Illustrator, you can do this by drawing a box the same size as the label and then using an Offset Path at –1/16″. Convert it to a guide so it won’t print.
Shape Options
Rectangles: Use the desired dimensions (e.g., 4″ × 3″).
Circles: Set your artboard to the size of the circle (e.g., 1″ × 1″).
Tell your CSR (Customer Service Representative at Rose City Label) the shape and size so it’s clear whether you’re printing a circle, rectangle, or any other shape.
Background and Bleed
Extend your background color or imagerybeyond the bleed line.
The red line (or outer border) marks where the label will be cut. Make sure your background or any non-critical design elements continue past this line.
Safe Zone for Text and Critical Graphics
Keep all important text and imageswithin the 1/16″ safety margin inside the label.
This ensures important elements won’t be trimmed off or look misaligned if the label shifts slightly during cutting.
Why This Matters
Prevents Trimming Errors: Setting up bleed and safety margins ensures your label designs come out crisp and professional without unwanted white edges.
Maintains Legibility: Keeping text within the safe zone avoids accidentally cutting off important info.
Simplifies Production: Printers have consistent guidelines to follow, reducing back-and-forth corrections.
That’s all there is to it! Embedding a proper bleed, creating clear safe zones, and specifying the correct shape upfront will help your labels print perfectly every time.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your label designs, feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help you get the best results possible!
