Product Label Design Guide

A product label is a silent salesperson. The best labels do three things at once: get noticed, get understood, and survive the real world (handling, moisture, oils, abrasion, cold storage). This guide is the practical version — not “design inspiration”.

Label layout: the hierarchy that sells

• 1) Brand + product name: readable at a glance. Don’t bury it in texture.
• 2) Variant info: flavour/scent/strength/size — whatever changes across SKUs.
• 3) Proof points: one or two benefits, not a paragraph.
• 4) Compliance text: clear blocks with contrast, consistent spacing, and predictable placement.
• 5) Scan area: protect barcode/QR quiet zones; metallic and textured stocks need extra care.

Design for the material (or the material will design your failures)

• Film (BOPP/PET/Vinyl): better for moisture and oils, usually better for shelf life.
• Paper/Kraft: premium feel, but spec for scuff and moisture. Don’t assume “paper = fine”.
• Metallic/specialty: looks expensive; plan scan contrast and text readability.

Print-ready files: the checks that prevent delays

• Preferred file formats and what “print-ready” means
• Bleed rules (and how much you actually need)

Tools: what to use for label design

• Canva: fast for simple layouts; export print-ready PDF and keep text readable.
• Illustrator / Affinity Designer: best control for dielines, spot colours, and production files.
• NiceLabel workflows: ideal for variable data (serials, QR codes, lot codes) and consistent reprints.

When you should request a proof (and why)

• New material, new container, new finish, or anything with compliance text.
• Metallic stocks or layouts that must scan.
• Multi-SKU runs where errors scale fast.