Preferred
- Adobe Illustrator artwork
- Vector PDF files
- Editable vector logos
- Outlined type when practical
Artwork & Production Planning
Label Artwork Preparation Guide
Good artwork preparation helps reduce avoidable prepress revisions and supports clearer, more consistent label production. This guide outlines preferred file formats and technical setup recommendations for customer-supplied brewery and beverage label artwork, especially for flexographic printing.
Every project should still receive a production-specific review. Label size, material, print method, color requirements, barcode use, finishing, application surface, and end-use conditions can all affect the final specification.
- Use vector artwork whenever possible.
- Build process-color artwork in CMYK mode.
- Supply images at 300 dpi minimum at final print size.
- Include 1/8-inch bleeds and 1/8-inch safe zones.
- Outline fonts or include font files and support files.
Before You Submit Files
Artwork Submission Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare files before sending artwork for a brewery promotion, seasonal release, case-label program, event sticker, or other beverage campaign.
| Artwork Element | Recommended Setup |
|---|---|
| Preferred file format | Adobe Illustrator file or vector PDF whenever possible. |
| Color mode | CMYK for process-color artwork. |
| Image resolution | 300 dpi minimum at final print size; 600 dpi or more is preferred when available. |
| Bleed | Extend bleeding artwork at least 1/8 inch beyond the trim line. |
| Safe zone | Keep important text and critical elements at least 1/8 inch inside the trim edge. |
| Fonts | Outline fonts or include font files with the artwork package. |
| Support files | Include linked images, placed graphics, and other required support files. |
| Reference proof | Provide a color proof or PDF for reference with the submitted artwork. |
File Setup
Preferred File Format: Vector Artwork
Use vector graphics whenever possible. Adobe Illustrator files and vector PDF files are preferred because vector artwork can scale without the pixelation associated with low-resolution raster images. Vector files also help preserve clean edges for text, logos, line art, and other graphic elements.
Include With Artwork
- Linked or placed images
- Support graphics
- Required fonts, if not outlined
- Reference PDF or color proof
Review Before Sending
- Correct label dimensions
- Current artwork version
- Required variable information
- Barcode data, if applicable
Color Management
Color Setup for Label Printing
Create process-color artwork in CMYK color mode. RGB artwork is intended for screen display and can produce unexpected color changes when converted for print production.
Avoid using process colors for text when a solid color is appropriate. If the project includes specified brand colors, spot-color requirements, or critical color expectations, identify those requirements during quoting and artwork review so the production approach can be evaluated.
Image Quality
Image Resolution and Support Files
Save images at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi at final print size to support sharp, clear printed output. Higher-resolution images, such as 600 dpi or more, are preferred when available.
Resolution should be evaluated at the final size used on the label. An image that looks large enough on a screen may be too low in resolution for print if it has been enlarged beyond its original dimensions.
- Use images that are at least 300 dpi at final print size.
- Use 600 dpi or higher when available for the best potential image quality.
- Include linked images and placed graphics with the artwork package.
- Do not rely on screen appearance alone to judge print quality.
- Provide the current, approved version of every required artwork file.
Trim Requirements
Bleed, Trim, and Safe Zone Requirements
Label trimming and die-cutting require artwork to account for the trim edge. Background colors, patterns, and other elements intended to reach the edge of the finished label should extend beyond the final trim line.
| Area | Artwork Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bleed area | Extend artwork that reaches the finished edge by at least 1/8 inch beyond the trim line. |
| Trim line | Represents the intended finished edge of the label. |
| Safe zone | Keep important text, logos, barcodes, and other critical content at least 1/8 inch inside the trim edge. |
Safe-zone spacing helps reduce the risk that important content appears too close to the finished edge. Final requirements may vary when label size, shape, material, die-cutting, print registration, or application needs require additional consideration.
Prepress Review
Fonts, Proofs, and Final Content Approval
Outline fonts whenever practical. If fonts are not outlined, include the required font files with the artwork package. This helps avoid missing-font substitutions or unintended changes during prepress review.
Include a PDF or color proof with artwork as a reference. The proof should help identify the intended layout, artwork version, content, and general color expectations. It does not replace the need for final review and approval of production-ready files.
Application Planning
Artwork Requirements Can Vary by Label Application
Artwork is only one part of a successful brewery or beverage label program. The appropriate material, adhesive, print method, finish, roll format, and barcode setup depend on the product, application surface, environment, application method, and production requirements.
Promotional Roll Labels
Plan artwork for efficient application across cans, bottles, crowlers, and other promotional packaging formats.
Case Labels
Consider artwork dimensions, messaging, placement, and retail presentation for cases, mixed packs, and displays.
Materials & Applications
Consider label facestock, adhesive, refrigeration, moisture exposure, handling, and expected service conditions.
Production Readiness
Test Before Full Production
Before full production, test labels on the actual surface and in the intended operating environment whenever possible. This is especially important for curved containers, textured surfaces, refrigerated products, condensation, moisture exposure, and automated application.
For barcode projects, test printed barcodes with the intended scanners, software, lighting, scanning distance, and actual operating conditions. Barcode readability can be affected by artwork, print contrast, symbol size, material, finish, scanner configuration, and application conditions.
Artwork Preparation FAQ
Common artwork questions
What file format should I submit for label artwork?
Vector artwork is preferred whenever possible. Adobe Illustrator files and vector PDF files are recommended because vector graphics can scale cleanly and help maintain clarity in the printed result.
Should label artwork be created in CMYK?
Yes. Artwork should be created in CMYK color mode for process-color printing. Avoid using process colors for text when a solid color is appropriate. Identify requested spot colors, brand-color requirements, or critical color expectations during quoting and artwork review.
What image resolution is required for label printing?
Images should be saved at a minimum of 300 dpi at final print size. Higher-resolution images, such as 600 dpi or more, are preferred when available. Include linked or placed support files with the submitted artwork.
How much bleed and safe zone should label artwork include?
Extend background artwork and other bleeding elements at least 1/8 inch beyond the trim line. Keep important text, logos, barcodes, and other critical elements at least 1/8 inch inside the trim edge.
Should fonts be outlined or included with the artwork?
Yes. Outline fonts whenever practical, or include the font files with the artwork package. This helps prevent missing-font substitutions or unintended text changes during prepress review.
Ready to Send Artwork?
Bring the artwork details together in one quote request.
Share the label type, dimensions, quantity, artwork status, application conditions, and target delivery date.