Artwork Requirements for Label Printing

To ensure the best possible print quality and avoid delays in production, all final label artwork must meet the following requirements.

Artwork File Format

Label artwork should be created in Adobe Illustrator or a comparable professional vector-design program.

Preferred file formats:

·         Adobe Illustrator (.AI)

·         Editable vector PDF

·         EPS or other approved vector format

Vector artwork is strongly preferred because it allows logos, text, lines, and graphic elements to be reproduced clearly and accurately at the required label size.

Files created primarily for web or screen use—including PNG, GIF, low-resolution JPG, screenshots, and flattened web graphics—are generally not suitable as final production artwork.

CMYK Color Mode Required

All artwork intended for printing must be created and submitted in CMYK color mode (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black).

Do not submit final artwork in RGB color mode. RGB is designed primarily for digital screens and can display colors that cannot be reproduced accurately with standard CMYK printing.

If RGB artwork is submitted, it must be converted to CMYK before production. This conversion may cause colors to shift or appear different from the original screen image. Any significant color changes may require client approval before the artwork is released for printing.

Fonts & Text

All text should be carefully proofread and then converted to outlines before the final artwork is submitted.

In Adobe Illustrator, this is done using Create Outlines. Comparable vector programs may refer to this as converting text to outlines, paths, or curves.

Converting fonts to outlines helps prevent missing fonts, font substitutions, and unexpected changes to the appearance or spacing of text during prepress.

Please proofread all text carefully before converting it to outlines, including:

·         Product name

·         Ingredients

·         Net contents

·         Scripture and scripture references

·         Website and contact information

·         Spelling and punctuation

·         Any required product statements

For very small text, a clean, easy-to-read sans-serif font is generally recommended.

Images & Resolution

Any photographic or raster images incorporated into the label artwork should be:

·         At least 300 DPI at the final printed size

·         High-resolution originals

·         Prepared in CMYK color mode

·         Properly embedded or supplied as linked files

Images copied from websites, screenshots, low-resolution JPG files, GIF files, and other low-resolution graphics may appear blurry or pixelated when printed and should not be used for final production artwork.

Linked Files

Please include all linked images and supporting files used to create the artwork.

Whenever possible, embed linked images into the final Illustrator file before submission to reduce the possibility of missing files.

Bleed

Any background color, photograph, pattern, or graphic intended to print completely to the edge of the finished label must extend beyond the label’s cut line.

Please provide the required bleed beyond the dieline on all sides.

Important text, logos, borders, and other critical design elements should remain safely inside the dieline and should not be positioned too close to the finished edge.

Label Dieline & Dimensions

Final artwork must be designed using the actual label dimensions and approved dieline for the selected bottle.

Do not determine final label dimensions from a photograph, rendering, AI-generated mockup, or visual estimate.

The actual bottle and usable label area must be confirmed before final label artwork is prepared.

AI-Generated Artwork

AI-generated artwork and product mockups may be used for creative inspiration, but they are not automatically considered print-ready artwork.

AI-generated graphics may be RGB, low resolution, flattened, incorrectly proportioned, or contain text and design elements that cannot be properly edited or reproduced for professional printing.

If AI-generated artwork will be incorporated into the final label, it may need to be recreated or professionally prepared in Adobe Illustrator or a comparable vector program and converted to the appropriate CMYK production format.

An AI-generated product mockup should never be used to establish final label dimensions. Final artwork must be based on the actual bottle specifications, label dimensions, and printer-approved dieline.

Final Artwork Checklist

Before submitting artwork for production, please confirm:

☐ Artwork was created in Adobe Illustrator or a comparable professional vector-design program.

☐ Artwork is in CMYK color mode.

☐ Final artwork is the correct label size.

☐ The approved label dieline was used.

☐ Required bleed has been included.

☐ All text has been proofread.

☐ All fonts have been converted to outlines.

☐ All images are high resolution.

☐ Linked images are included or embedded.

☐ All spelling, product information, scripture references, and net contents have been verified.

☐ The client has reviewed and approved the final artwork.

Artwork that does not meet these requirements may require additional graphic preparation before it can be submitted for printing. Additional artwork preparation, revisions, or conversion may result in additional charges and may affect the production schedule.