Your Guide to Label Printing Terminology

Adhesive

Choosing the right adhesive is essential to ensure your labels perform as intended. We offer several adhesive options for different applications:

• Permanent
• High-tack permanent
• Peelable
• Removable

If you have any questions, our customer service team is happy to help. Contact us by phone at 866 295 4822, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., or email us at info@labelmakers.com.

Adhesive Labels

Self-adhesive labels are suitable for a wide range of applications across nearly every industry. Whether used for food, beverages, cosmetics, or other products, they provide a versatile labeling solution that’s easy to apply using either manual or automated application methods.

Alternating Labels

Alternating labels are front and back labels supplied alternately on the same roll. This configuration is especially useful for automated labeling systems, allowing both front and back labels to be applied in a single pass.

Artwork

For the best print results, create your artwork using professional design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or ArtPro.

For detailed requirements, visit our Artwork Guidelines. You can also choose our Artwork Service. Depending on the service you select, we’ll review your artwork for technical issues and make any necessary corrections before production.

Black

To achieve a true black in digital printing, use the following color values:

C: 0% M: 0% Y: 0% K: 100%

Barcodes should be supplied as vector artwork and printed in 100% K (black) to ensure reliable scanning.

Black Mark

A black mark is a printed black indicator, typically applied to the reverse side of the backing material. It allows finishing or labeling machines to accurately detect the start and end of each label. Black marks are especially useful when working with clear or transparent labels, where traditional detection methods may be less effective.

Bleed

Bleed is the area that extends 0.125 in (1/8″) beyond the final cut size of the label. It compensates for minor cutting tolerances and ensures that colors, images, and background graphics extend all the way to the edge of the finished label. Without bleed, unwanted white edges may appear after trimming.

Blind Embossing

Blind embossing creates a raised three-dimensional effect without using ink or foil. Using heat and a custom-made embossing die, selected design elements are pressed into the material to create a distinctive tactile finish.

CMYK

CMYK is the standard four-color printing process used in commercial printing. The acronym stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). By combining these four colors in varying percentages, a wide range of colors and images can be reproduced.

Conventional Die-Cutting

In conventional die-cutting, a flexible die is mounted on a magnetic cylinder. As the material passes through the press, the die cuts the required label shape with precision and consistency.

Cut Line

The die-cutter line indicates the final size or outer edge of the label. This cutting line should be defined as a spot colour and labeled “dieline”. It must be set to overprint, as it serves purely as a technical guide and will not appear in the final printed design.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a modern printing process that transfers digital artwork directly from a computer to the press. It delivers high-resolution print quality and accurate color reproduction while maintaining consistent results across a wide variety of label materials.

Double Hit

“Double Hit” refers to the technique of applying black or white ink twice during the printing process to enhance opacity. This method produces a particularly vibrant white or a rich, deep black for striking visual impact.

Please note that all areas set to 100% black will receive a double application of black ink. Similarly, all areas designed in 100% opaque white will be printed twice. White must be defined as a spot color named White and set as a solid fill.

DPI

DPI (dots per inch) refers to the resolution of a printed image. During the printing process, images are rasterized into tiny dots to reproduce artwork accurately. To achieve the best print quality, your artwork should meet the following minimum resolution requirements:

Minimum resolution: 250 dpi
Recommended resolution for images: 300 dpi
Recommended resolution for line art: 1,200 dpi

Fluorescent Ink

Fluorescent ink—also known as invisible ink—creates a unique effect that is invisible under normal lighting conditions. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the printed areas glow, creating a striking visual effect. This specialized ink is commonly used for security features, product authentication, and eye-catching label designs.

Gap

The gap is the distance between two labels on the web. As standard, we produce labels with a 0.197 in gap between each label.

If you require a different gap, please let us know when placing your order. The minimum available gap is 0.118 in.

For alternating labels, the required gap must be specified in the artwork.

Hot Foil Stamping

Hot foil stamping gives your labels a premium, eye-catching finish. During this process, a metallic foil is applied to the label using heat and a custom stamping die, creating a distinctive high-gloss effect that enhances the overall appearance of your design.

This finishing technique is especially popular for premium products such as wine, spirits, cosmetics, and luxury packaging. Hot foil is available in a wide range of colors, including classic gold, silver, and bronze, as well as more distinctive options like pink and mint green.

HP Indigo

At labelmakers.com, we print using HP Indigo digital presses, delivering exceptional print quality with outstanding flexibility. Unlike conventional printing methods, HP Indigo technology does not require printing plates. Instead, digital artwork is transferred directly to the label material, allowing for fast setup and highly consistent results.

Compared with traditional digital and inkjet printing, HP Indigo presses provide superior image quality, accurate color reproduction, and exceptional detail. They also make variable data printing possible, allowing every label to be unique with personalized barcodes, serial numbers, QR codes, or other variable information.

JPG

JPG has been one of the most widely used image formats since its introduction in 1992. It is ideal for photographs and other raster images because of its broad compatibility and relatively small file size. However, it is not the recommended format for complete label artwork.

Because JPG files are raster-based, individual design elements such as text, logos, and fine lines cannot be edited without affecting image quality. Compression can also reduce sharpness, resulting in less accurate print reproduction.

For the best print results, we recommend submitting artwork in standard file formats such as PDF, which preserve vector graphics, text, and image quality.

For complete file preparation requirements, please refer to our Artwork Guidelines.

Lamination

Using a wet lamination process, a liquid adhesive is applied to a clear protective film. Under heat and pressure, the solvent evaporates, permanently bonding the film to the label surface. Available in both gloss and matte finishes, lamination creates a distinctive visual effect that cannot be achieved with varnish alone.

In addition to enhancing the appearance and feel of the label, lamination provides added durability by protecting the printed surface against scratches, moisture, oils, and light chemicals.

Laser Die-Cutting

Laser die-cutting is an advanced cutting process that uses a laser beam to produce highly precise label shapes. Unlike conventional die-cutting, no physical cutting die is required. Because the laser is digitally controlled, virtually any label shape can be produced quickly, accurately, and with exceptional flexibility, making laser die-cutting ideal for custom designs and short production runs.

Liner

The liner supports the label material and adhesive until application. It protects the adhesive while providing stability during printing, die-cutting, storage, and application.

Our liner materials include:

• Glassine
• PET

Matrix

The matrix, also known as waste material, is the excess label material and adhesive surrounding each die-cut label. Depending on the production process, the matrix is either removed during manufacturing or remains on the liner until the labels are applied.

Offset printing

Offset printing is a traditional printing process that uses printing plates and an indirect image transfer method. Instead of transferring ink directly to the label material, the image is first transferred from the printing plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the substrate, such as paper or film.

Both conventional offset printing and HP Indigo digital printing deliver exceptional print quality with sharp detail and accurate color reproduction.

Overlabeling

Overlabeling is the process of covering an existing label with an opaque label to hide outdated or incorrect information. A special black blocking layer on the reverse side prevents underlying colors, graphics, and text from showing through, ensuring complete coverage.

PDF

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a universal file format developed by Adobe. It can contain both images and text while preserving the appearance of a document across different operating systems and devices. Its reliability and compatibility have made PDF a standard file format in the printing industry.

Accurate artwork is essential to label production because it forms the foundation for every subsequent stage of the manufacturing process. To help ensure a smooth and efficient workflow, please submit your print-ready files in PDF format.

Print Proof

A print proof is a sample of your labels produced under actual production conditions. It allows you to evaluate the colors, material, and overall print quality before full production begins, helping ensure the finished labels meet your expectations.

Protective Varnish

Protective varnish is available in matte and gloss finishes. Its primary purpose is to protect the printed surface from ink abrasion during handling and shipping while providing basic resistance to everyday wear.

For products packaged in a way that causes labels to rub against one another frequently, or when greater protection from ink abrasion is required, we strongly recommend film lamination.

Relief Embossing

Relief embossing is a refined finishing technique that combines blind embossing with hot foil stamping. A custom embossing tool creates a raised, multidimensional effect in selected areas of the material, which are then enhanced with metallic foil.

The result is a visually striking and tactile finish that adds depth, elegance, and premium appeal to the label.

Reprint

Would you like the colors in your current order to match those from a previous print run? To achieve the closest possible color match, we will need a physical printed sample from the original order.

Without a sample, we will proceed using our standard production settings without additional color correction. Slight color variations may occur between print runs.

RGB

RGB is an additive color model based on the primary colors red, green, and blue. It is primarily used for digital displays such as computer monitors, smartphones, and televisions.

For printing, artwork is generally produced using CMYK, a subtractive color model based on cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

Roll Core Diameter

Roll labels are customized to meet specific application and production requirements. Selecting the correct roll core diameter helps ensure compatibility with your labeling equipment and supports smooth, efficient application.
You can specify your preferred roll core diameter directly in our online calculator.

Available roll core diameters include:

• 1 in
• 2 in
• 3 in

Choosing the correct core diameter helps prevent equipment downtime and supports optimal labeling speed.

Roll Diameter

The roll diameter is the overall outside diameter of the finished roll, including the labels. You can specify the required diameter when configuring your order.

When a specific roll diameter is required, the number of labels per roll must also be provided. The maximum roll diameter indicates the largest permitted roll size, although the finished rolls may be smaller.

Roll labels

Roll labels, or labels on a roll, are self-adhesive labels wound around a core for convenient dispensing and application.

They can be fully customized to meet your design and production requirements. Roll labels are particularly well suited for machine application and automated labeling processes.

Safety Margin

The safety margin is the recommended space between the cut line and any important design elements, such as text, logos, and graphics. To ensure accurate printing and die-cutting, all critical artwork should be positioned 0.125–0.25 in inside the cut line.

Failure to maintain the recommended safety margin may result in important design elements being trimmed during the die-cutting process.

Weeding

Weeding is the process of removing the excess matrix from around each die-cut label after die-cutting.

This step is especially important for labels that will be applied using automated labeling equipment, as it ensures smooth dispensing and reliable application. At labelmakers.com, all labels are weeded as part of our standard production process.

White (Opaque white)

Opaque white acts as a base layer, allowing colors to appear brighter and more vibrant when printed on clear, metallic, or colored materials.

In your artwork, opaque white must be created as a spot color named White and set to overprint.

Winding Direction

Winding direction refers to the orientation of labels on a roll and is an important specification for automated labeling equipment. It includes both the winding type (labels facing inward or outward) and the direction in which the labels unwind, such as head-first, foot-first, left-edge first, or right-edge first.

Specifying the correct winding direction helps ensure smooth and accurate label application.