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The Complete Guide to Label Design, Layout & Packaging
Expert insights for creating print-ready artwork that delivers exceptional results. From dieline specifications to color management, master every aspect of professional label design.
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Creative Excellence
Design that captures attention, communicates brand values, and drives purchase decisions
Technical Precision
Print-optimized artwork ensuring consistent, high-quality reproduction every time
Regulatory Compliance
Meeting UAE/GCC requirements and international standards for all product categories
Label Design Fundamentals
Successful label design simultaneously achieves creative impact, technical excellence, and regulatory compliance.
Creative Impact
Brand recognition and distinctive visual identity
Shelf presence in competitive retail environments
Emotional connection through visual storytelling
Design elements driving purchase decisions
Technical Excellence
Artwork optimized for specific printing processes
Consistent color reproduction across production runs
Design appropriate for substrate and finishing
Files prepared for smooth manufacturing
Regulatory Compliance
Meeting UAE/GCC and international labeling laws
Proper emphasis of mandatory elements
Text meeting minimum readability requirements
Multi-market compatibility
The Design Triangle
Great label design exists at the intersection of three critical elements:
Creative Impact
Distinctive visual identity that stands out on shelf and resonates with target audiences
Technical Excellence
Artwork optimized for printing processes, materials, and finishing techniques
Regulatory Compliance
Meeting legal requirements while maintaining brand aesthetics and readability
Dielines & Technical Specifications
Precise technical requirements ensuring perfect label production every time.
Dielines & Dimensions
Precise vector paths defining label shapes with accurate measurements and die-cutting specifications.
Vector format (Adobe Illustrator preferred)
3mm bleed on all sides
3mm safety zone for critical content
Corner radius specifications
File Requirements
Professional print-ready artwork with proper color management and resolution.
Adobe Illustrator (.AI) or PDF/X-1a format
CMYK color mode (or Pantone spot colors)
300+ DPI for raster images
Fonts outlined or embedded
Layer Organization
Structured artwork layers for efficient production and quality control.
Separate layers for artwork and dieline
Organized spot color layers
Varnish/finishing layers clearly marked
Hidden layers removed from final files
Critical Measurements
Bleed Area
Background artwork must extend 3mm beyond trim line on all sides to prevent white edges.
Only backgrounds extend into bleed—never text or logos.
Safety Zone
Keep all critical content 3mm inside dieline to protect from cutting variations.
Text, logos, barcodes, and QR codes must stay within safety zone.
Trim Line
Exact line where die cuts the label. ±0.5mm tolerance is typical.
Defined as precise vector path in your artwork file.
Artwork Requirements & File Preparation
Professional file preparation ensures smooth production and exceptional print quality.
Required File Formats
Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
Preferred format. Editable vector artwork with organized layers.
PDF/X-1a Format
Print-optimized PDF with fonts outlined and images embedded.
High-Resolution PDF
Minimum 300 DPI with CMYK color mode and proper bleed settings.
Avoid These Formats
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, JPEG, PNG (except as placed images), or low-resolution PDFs
Image Requirements
Resolution Standards
• Minimum: 300 DPI at final print size
• Recommended: 350-400 DPI for critical images
• Line art: 600-1200 DPI for sharp edges
Color Mode
• CMYK for process color printing
• Pantone spot colors when specified
• Convert RGB to CMYK before final submission
Image Formats
• Preferred: TIFF or PSD (uncompressed)
• Acceptable: High-quality JPEG or EPS
• Embed images in final artwork file
Layer Organization
Proper layer organization streamlines production and prevents errors:
Artwork Layer: All visible design elements
Dieline Layer: Cut path (separate, non-printing)
Text Layer: All typography (before outlining)
Spot Colors: Separate layer for each spot color
Varnish/Finishing: Special effects clearly labeled
Remove Hidden Layers: Delete unused layers
Design for Different Printing Processes
Understanding printing capabilities ensures designs optimized for exceptional results.
Flexographic Printing
Our 10-color flexo press delivers exceptional quality for long runs
Capabilities
10-color capability including CMYK + spot colors
Inline finishing (lamination, die-cutting, slitting)
High-speed production (50-100 meters/minute)
Substrate versatility (films, papers, foils)
Design Tips
Avoid fine gradients (step in 10% increments)
Minimum line weight: 0.5pt
Solid color coverage superior
Excellent for spot colors and metallics
Offset Printing
6-color offset with CTP technology for photographic quality
Capabilities
Exceptional halftone reproduction
Smooth gradients and photographic images
Fine line detail and small text
Computer-to-Plate (CTP) precision
Design Tips
Ideal for complex graphics and photos
Smooth color transitions achievable
Minimum text size: 6pt
Perfect for CMYK process color builds
Color Management & Accuracy
Precise color reproduction ensures brand consistency across all production runs.
CMYK Process Colors
Four-color process printing for full-color designs
Design in CMYK mode from the start
Total ink limit: 300% (C+M+Y+K)
Rich black: C60 M40 Y40 K100
Avoid single color above 90% for large areas
Pantone Spot Colors
Exact color matching for brand consistency
Perfect brand color reproduction
Metallic and fluorescent options
Superior opacity and vibrancy
Define using Pantone Solid Coated/Uncoated
Special Effects
Metallic inks, white underprint, and premium finishes
Gold, silver, and copper metallic inks
White ink for transparent films
Fluorescent colors for attention
Combination printing (CMYK + spots)
Rich Black Formula
C: 60% M: 40% Y: 40% K: 100%
Deeper, richer black than K100 alone. Essential for premium labels.
Total Ink Limit
Maximum: 300% (C+M+Y+K)
Prevents ink oversaturation, drying issues, and color shifting.
Pantone Matching
Use Pantone Solid Coated/Uncoated
Exact brand color reproduction with spot color inks.
Typography & Readability
Font selection and sizing critical for both brand impact and regulatory compliance.
Minimum Font Sizes
Positive text: 8pt minimum (6pt acceptable for fine print)
Reversed text: 9-10pt minimum
Regulatory text (UAE): 1.5mm x-height for food products
Headlines: 14pt+ for maximum impact
Font Selection
Sans-serif: Clean, modern, excellent small-size legibility
Serif: Traditional, authoritative, best for headlines
Script/Decorative: Use sparingly, never for body text
Limit to 2-3 font families per label
Multilingual Design
Arabic + English required for UAE/GCC consumer products
Use proper Arabic fonts (GE SS, Adobe Arabic)
Consider RTL (right-to-left) text flow
Side-by-side, top-bottom, or mirrored layouts
UAE/GCC Bilingual Design Requirements
Layout Strategies
Side-by-Side
Arabic right, English left. Equal prominence, clear separation.
Top-and-Bottom
One language top, one bottom. Works for narrow labels.
Mirrored Layout
Respects RTL/LTR natural reading directions. Premium appearance.
Arabic Typography Tips
Use proper Arabic fonts (GE SS, Adobe Arabic, Droid Arabic)
Enable right-to-left (RTL) text direction
Consider contextual letter forms and ligatures
Arabic text generally 20-30% larger than English equivalent
Avoid decorative fonts for regulatory text
Label Packaging Formats
Choose the optimal packaging format for your application method and production needs.
Roll Labels
Continuous labels on cores for automated application
Best For:
High-speed production lines
Automated labeling equipment
Large volume runs
Consistent application
Specifications:
• Core sizes: 40mm, 76mm standard
• Roll diameter: Up to 300mm
• Wind direction: Inside/outside
• Label spacing: 2-3mm gap
Sheet Labels
Multiple labels on sheets for manual or semi-automated application
Best For:
Short to medium runs
Manual application
Small businesses
Variable data printing
Specifications:
• Sheet size: A4, A3, custom
• Matrix removal available
• Pre-spaced for easy peeling
• Ideal for laser printers
Individual Labels
Separately die-cut labels for premium applications
Best For:
Luxury products
Specialty items
Sampling and testing
Craft products
Specifications:
• Precision die-cutting
• Premium finishing options
• Custom shapes and sizes
• Perfect for hand application
Industry-Specific Design Guidelines
Regulatory requirements and design best practices for major industries in UAE/GCC markets.
Food & Beverage
Regulatory Requirements
ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization) compliance
Bilingual labeling (Arabic + English mandatory)
Nutritional facts panel formatting
Allergen declarations and warnings
Halal certification display
Date marking (production, expiry, best before)
Recommended Materials
FDA-compliant adhesives
Moisture-resistant substrates
Food-contact approved inks
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Regulatory Requirements
INCI ingredient listing
Usage instructions and warnings
Batch number and expiry date
Manufacturer/distributor information
Volume/weight declarations
Safety symbols and pictograms
Recommended Materials
Water-resistant films
Premium finishes
Metallic substrates
Pharmaceuticals
Regulatory Requirements
Ministry of Health approval requirements
Drug identification (active ingredients)
Dosage and administration instructions
Contraindications and warnings
Batch number and expiry date
Serialization and track-and-trace
Recommended Materials
Tamper-evident features
High-resolution printing
Secure serialization
Common Design Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from common errors that cause production delays, quality issues, and unnecessary reprints.
Insufficient Bleed
Problem: Background doesn't extend past trim line
Result: White edges show if die-cutting shifts
Solution:
Extend all backgrounds 3mm past dieline on all sides
Critical Elements Too Close to Edge
Problem: Text or logos within 2mm of trim line
Result: Elements get cut off during die-cutting
Solution:
Keep all content minimum 3mm inside dieline (safety zone)
RGB Color Mode
Problem: Designing in RGB instead of CMYK
Result: Significant color shifts when converted to print
Solution:
Design in CMYK from start, or convert early and adjust
Low Resolution Images
Problem: Using 72 DPI web images
Result: Pixelated, blurry printed images
Solution:
Use 300+ DPI images at final print size
Fonts Not Outlined
Problem: Fonts missing when file opened at print provider
Result: Text displays in wrong font, layout breaks
Solution:
Outline fonts or embed fonts properly
Incorrect File Format
Problem: Submitting Word, PowerPoint, or low-res PDFs
Result: Production delays, quality issues, reprints
Solution:
Provide Adobe Illustrator .AI or PDF/X-1a files
Premium Finishing Options
Elevate your labels with our advanced finishing capabilities—designed into your artwork from the start.
Hot Foil Stamping
Metallic and holographic foils add luxury and attention- grabbing shine to logos, text, and design elements.
Design tip: Specify foil areas on separate layer, minimum 1pt line width
Embossing/Debossing
Up to 250-micron depth creates dimensional tactile effects that enhance perceived product value and brand premium.
Design tip: Works best with bold elements, avoid fine details under 2mm
Spot UV Varnish
High-gloss coating on specific areas creates striking contrast with matte backgrounds for sophisticated visual impact.
Design tip: Create separate spot varnish layer in artwork file
ASAS Design Support Services
Our experienced design team provides complimentary support with every label order, ensuring your artwork is optimized for production excellence.
Free Design Consultation
Complimentary design consultation with every label order to ensure optimal results
Professional Design Team
Experienced designers familiar with UAE market preferences and regulatory requirements
Digital Proofs
Receive detailed PDF proofs for approval before production begins
Fast Turnaround
Quick design revisions and proof approvals to keep your project on schedule
What We Provide
Artwork Review & Optimization
Technical review ensuring your files meet all production requirements
Dieline Creation
Professional dielines with precise specifications for any label shape
Color Matching
Pantone color matching and CMYK optimization for brand consistency
Regulatory Compliance Check
Ensure your labels meet UAE/GCC regulatory requirements
Material & Finishing Consultation
Expert guidance on optimal substrates, adhesives, and finishes
Ready to Create Exceptional Labels?
Let our expert design team help you create print-ready artwork that delivers outstanding results. Get complimentary design consultation with your label order.
Request Free Quote & Design Support
Schedule Design Consultation
Free Design Support
Fast Turnaround
UAE Compliance Expertise