Creating Custom-Shaped Labels: Tips from Rose City Label

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.

Thanks for reading, and happy label designing!

How to Set Up a Basic Label Design Template in Illustrator

How to Set Up a Basic Label Design Template in Illustrator

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Background and Bleed
    • Extend your background color or imagery beyond 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.
  5. Safe Zone for Text and Critical Graphics
    • Keep all important text and images within 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!

Happy designing!