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Flawless Labels Start with Flawless Files

Download our art prep guidelines and follow our pre-flight checklist to avoid print delays and ensure your artwork is ready for production.

Our Process

All prepress work is handled in-house at The New Label. With label engineering, prepress, and production under one roof, we maintain quality, speed, and cost efficiency. Our Quality Management System ensures every label goes through a repeatable, reliable pre-flight process before it ever hits the press.

Press Specifications

To ensure accurate production, your artwork should adhere to the following specifications:

  • Max Colors: 10 (including white)

  • Print Method: Flexographic or Digital

  • Max Press Width: 20"

  • Max Repeat Length: 24"

  • Bleed: 0.125"

  • Minimum Positive Rule: 0.5 pt

  • Minimum Negative Rule: 1 pt

  • Minimum Type Size: 3 pt (positive), 4 pt (negative)

  • Ink Trap: 0.006"

  • Minimum Flexo Dot: 0.8%

  • UPC Magnification: 80–110%

  • BWR: 0.0009”

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Accepted File Formats

We prefer vector-based files, but we accept all major design formats. 

  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai)

    • CMYK mode

    • Include 0.125" bleed

    • Outline fonts or provide font files

    • Embed raster images or submit separately

  • Adobe Photoshop (.psd)

    • CMYK or grayscale images 

    • Save at 300 dpi at 100% size

    • Use with Illustrator for text or vector elements

  • Adobe PDF / PDF+ (.pdf)

    • Preferred format

    • Vectorized when possible

    • Embedded images or include separately

    • Convert text to outlines or include fonts

Vector vs. Raster Artwork

  • Vector
    Vector files are made of scalable paths—great for text, logos, and illustrations. They stay sharp at any size.
     

  • Raster
    Raster files are pixel-based—best for photos. Must be 300 dpi or higher to print cleanly.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Before submitting your artwork, we review:

  • Correct color setup (Pantone or CMYK)

  • Proper resolution (minimum 300 dpi)

  • Embedded images and fonts

  • Outlined text or included font files

  • Proper bleed, trim, margins, and crop marks

  • Color separations and ink plates

  • Flattened transparency where needed

  • No hidden/non-printing elements

  • Files grouped or archived properly

Ready to Get Started?

If you have files ready to go or just need guidance on where to begin, we’re here to help. Submit your artwork with confidence—and if you need help, our prepress team is just an email away.

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