A surprising number of label orders are delayed not by printing or shipping, but by artwork issues. Design mistakes that seem minor on screen can cause real problems in production — from color shifts to illegible text to labels that don’t fit the container. Here are the most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid each one.
Low-Resolution Images
Images from websites, social media, or screenshots are typically 72 DPI. Labels require 300 DPI at print size. Low-res images look fine on screen but print blurry and pixelated. Always use original, high-resolution source files for any photos or graphics in your label design.
Designing in RGB Instead of CMYK
RGB colors can look dramatically different when converted to CMYK for printing. Bright blues, greens, and oranges are especially prone to shifting. Design in CMYK mode from the beginning to avoid color surprises.
No Bleed or Insufficient Bleed
If your design has color or imagery that extends to the edge of the label, you need bleed — typically 1/16″ beyond the cut line. Without bleed, you risk white edges appearing on your finished labels.
Text Too Close to the Edge
Important text and logos should stay at least 1/16″ inside the cut line (the “safe zone”). Content too close to the edge may get partially trimmed during cutting.
Wrong Label Size for the Container
Always measure your actual production container — not a similar one or a prototype. A label that’s 1/4″ too wide or too tall can wrinkle, overlap itself, or leave awkward gaps.
Fonts Not Outlined
If your design file uses fonts that aren’t installed on the printer’s system, they’ll be substituted — changing your design. Convert all fonts to outlines (vector paths) before submitting your final file. This embeds the font shapes directly in the file so they render correctly everywhere.
Want help reviewing your artwork before ordering? Send it our way and we’ll flag any issues before production begins.
