Label Artwork Basics

Label Artwork Fundamentals

Guiding you through setting up and exporting label artwork in Adobe Illustrator to meet printing requirements, ensuring professional and accurate results.

  • Document Setup
  • Bleed & Safety Margins
  • Creating Artwork
  • Adding Cut & Bleed Lines
  • Exporting Artwork

Setting Up the Document

Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.

• Go to File → New.

• Set the artboard size to match your label dimensions (e.g., 100mm x 50mm).

• Add 2 mm bleed on all sides in the Bleed settings.

• Set the Color Mode to CMYK.

• Resolution: 300 dpi.

Name Layers

• Suggested layers:

1. Artwork

2. Cutting Line/Die Line

3. Background/Fill Color

Bleed & Safety Margins

• Step 2.1: Draw a rectangle that matches the artboard size + bleed (e.g., 104mm x 54mm for a 100mm x 50mm label with a 2 mm bleed).

• Step 2.2: Lock the bleed guide on a separate layer for reference.

• Step 2.3: Add a smaller rectangle (98mm x 48mm) for the safety margin inside the trim area.

Tip: Use Smart Guides (View → Smart Guides) for alignment.

Creating Content

• Step 3.1: Place vector graphics, images, and text.

• Images: Ensure they are 300 dpi and embedded (not linked).

• To embed: Select the image → Go to Window → Links → Click the Embed Image button.

• Text: Convert all text to outlines.

• Select text → Right-click → Create Outlines.

• Ensure no critical design elements (e.g., text or logos) are placed outside the safety margin.

Adding a Cut Line

• Step 4.1: Create a Cut Line/Die Line.

• Use the Pen Tool or Rectangle Tool to create the cut line.

• Assign the line a 0.25 pt stroke with a spot color named “Cut Line”.

• Ensure the stroke is set to Overprint Stroke (Window → Attributes → Overprint Stroke).

Extend Background

Extend background colors/images to the bleed area.

• Use the Clipping Mask tool if necessary to mask content extending beyond the bleed.

Overprint Preview

Step 5.1: Preview Overprint settings.

• Go to View → Overprint Preview.

• Ensure spot colors and overprint strokes are applied correctly.

Save As PDF

Flatten the artwork for submission.

• Go to File → Save As → Choose PDF.

• In the PDF settings, select:

• Adobe PDF Preset: High Quality Print.

• Marks and Bleeds: Include trim marks and use document bleed settings.

• Compression: No downsampling.

Premium Effects

Advanced Label Artwork Techniques

  • Custom Shape Die-Cuts
  • HPI® White Ink
  • Alternating Labels
  • Perforations
  • Color Optimization

HPI® White Ink Tutorial

Utilizing HPI® White Ink

A white underlay neutralizes the transparency or metallic effect of silver and transparent materials, allowing colors to print in full saturation.

  • Create Spot Color
  • Define White Layers
  • Set to Overprint
  • Transparency
  • Exporting Artwork

Create the White Spot Color

1. Open the Swatches Panel:

• Go to Window → Swatches.

2. Add a New Swatch:

• Click the New Swatch icon.

• In the dialog box:

• Name: Type White (case-sensitive).

• Color Type: Select Spot Color.

• Color Mode: Set to CMYK.

• Assign the color 30% cyan (C: 30, M: 0, Y: 0, K: 0).

3. Save the Swatch:

• Click OK to add the White spot color to the Swatches panel.

Define White Layers

1. Create Shapes for the Underlay:

• Use the Pen Tool, Rectangle Tool, or Shape Tools to draw vector shapes over the areas where a white underlay is needed.

• These shapes should match the areas of your design requiring full-color saturation.

2. Apply the White Spot Color:

• Select the shapes and assign the White spot color from the Swatches panel.

3. Organize Layers:

• Place these white shapes on a separate layer for easier management.

• Name the layer "White"

Set White Layer to Overprint

Open the Attributes Panel:

• Go to Window → Attributes.

2. Set to Overprint:

• Select the white shapes on the White Underlay layer.

• In the Attributes panel, check the Overprint Fill option.

3. Verify Overprint:

• Enable Overprint Preview:

• Go to View → Overprint Preview.

• Check that the white underlay appears correctly beneath your design.

Transparency Effects

1. Adjust the White Ink Percentage

Lower the Tint in the Color Panel to control opacity (e.g., 50% for semi-transparency). Use higher percentages for vibrant colors and lower for subtle effects.

2. Create Gradients

Apply gradients with the White spot color. Transition from 100% white to 0% for smooth fades or frosted effects. Ensure gradients are set to Overprint Fill.

3. Combine Transparency Effects

• High Coverage: Opaque text and logos.

• Low Coverage: Metallic highlights or soft fades.

• Layered Designs: Add depth with patterns and transparency transitions.

Exporting the File

1. Save the File as a PDF:

• Go to File → Save As → Choose Adobe PDF.

2. In the PDF Settings:

• Marks and Bleeds: Ensure the document bleed settings are applied.

• Output: Select No Color Conversion to preserve spot colors.

• Save the file with the spot color White intact.