Label Roll Specs: Core Sizes & OD (What to Send Your Printer)

Last updated: 2026-01-03

If you’ve ever ordered labels and they showed up on the “wrong” roll (won’t fit your applicator, won’t load in your printer, or the unwind is backwards), you’ve learned the hard way: the roll spec is part of the product.

Need help fast? Send a photo of your current roll + your label size and we’ll tell you what to spec.

Typical production is 3–5 business days after proof approval. If you have a hard deadline, mention it up front.

What matters on a roll label spec

For roll labels, the “spec” is usually a short checklist:

  • Label size (W × H) + shape/corners
  • Material (paper/BOPP/clear/metallic/PET/vinyl/polyolefin, etc.)
  • Finish (gloss/matte/satin) + any laminate/varnish needs
  • Quantity + number of SKUs
  • Core size (inner diameter)
  • Maximum roll OD (outer diameter) your machine can accept
  • Unwind (how the label feeds off the roll)
  • Label orientation (face out/in) + leading edge
  • Gap between labels (if you’re using an applicator sensor)
Roll label diagram showing core inside diameter and maximum outer diameter
Diagram: Core ID (inside diameter) and Max OD (outer diameter) are the two roll-fit specs that prevent most compatibility issues.

Core sizes (1”, 1.5”, 3”) — what they actually mean

The core is the cardboard tube the roll is wound on. Core size is the inside diameter of that tube. This is usually the first thing that breaks compatibility with applicators.

Core size Common use What to watch
3” core Industrial label applicators and higher‑volume roll handling Often the safest default when you’re not sure — but verify your machine.
1.5” core Compact roll holders; some small applicators Less common; confirm before ordering.
1” core Desktop roll printers / smaller dispensers Great for compact setups; can limit maximum roll OD.

Maximum roll OD (outer diameter)

OD is the outside diameter of the finished roll. OD limits are set by your printer/applicator’s roll bay. Bigger OD usually means fewer roll changes — but only if the roll fits your hardware.

OD range Typical scenario Why it matters
~6–8” OD Compact bays; smaller operations Fits more machines, but you’ll change rolls more often.
~10–14” OD High-volume handling Less downtime; verify fit and your core requirement.

Quick checklist: what to send us for a quote (copy/paste)

Paste this into the quote form and you’ll avoid 90% of back-and-forth:

  • Label size: ___ × ___
  • Shape: square/rectangle/circle/rounded corners/die-cut
  • Material + finish: ___ (gloss/matte/satin)
  • Quantity: ___ (and # of SKUs: ___)
  • Core size: 1” / 1.5” / 3”
  • Max roll OD: ___
  • Unwind: (if unknown, attach a photo of your current roll)
  • Application: hand apply / semi-auto / applicator model ___
  • Environment: dry / refrigerated / freezer / oils / outdoor exposure

Don’t guess. If you’re unsure on core/OD/unwind, send:

  • a photo of your current label roll sitting in the machine, and
  • the printer/applicator model number.

We’ll match the roll spec so you can focus on the label itself. Request a quote →