A great label can help attract customers, communicate value, and build trust in your brand. Unfortunately, even well-intentioned designs can suffer from common mistakes that reduce readability and make products look less professional.
In this guide, we'll cover ten of the most common label design mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Using Low-Resolution Artwork
One of the most common problems is submitting low-resolution images.
Low-quality artwork can result in:
- Blurry text
- Pixelated logos
- Poor print quality
Solution: Use vector artwork whenever possible or provide images at a minimum of 300 DPI at final print size.
Learn more:
How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Labels
2. Choosing a Label That's Too Small
Trying to fit too much information onto a small label often creates a crowded and difficult-to-read design.
Solution: Choose a label size that provides enough room for branding, ingredients, barcodes, and other required information.
Need help?
Label Size Chart for Bottles, Jars, Bags & Boxes
3. Using Too Many Fonts
Using multiple font styles can make a label feel cluttered and unprofessional.
Solution: Limit your design to one or two complementary fonts.
4. Poor Readability
If customers can't easily read your label, they may move on to another product.
Common readability issues include:
- Tiny text
- Low contrast
- Overly decorative fonts
Solution: Prioritize clarity over decoration.
5. Not Establishing Visual Hierarchy
Customers should immediately understand:
- Who made the product
- What the product is
- Why they should care
Solution: Use font size, weight, and spacing to guide attention.
6. Choosing the Wrong Label Shape
The wrong shape can limit your design space or clash with your packaging.
Solution: Select a shape that complements your product and provides adequate room for information.
- Custom Circle Roll Labels
- Custom Rectangle Roll Labels
- Custom Square Roll Labels
- Custom Die Cut Roll Labels
7. Ignoring White Space
Many businesses feel compelled to fill every inch of the label with text or graphics.
However, white space helps:
- Improve readability
- Create balance
- Increase perceived quality
Solution: Allow your design room to breathe.
8. Using Too Many Colors
Too many colors can create visual clutter and make branding less memorable.
Solution: Develop a consistent color palette that reflects your brand identity.
9. Forgetting Important Product Information
Depending on your product category, you may need to include:
- Ingredients
- Net contents
- Warnings
- Directions
- Manufacturer information
- Barcodes
Solution: Create a checklist before finalizing your design.
Learn more:
What Information Should Be on a Product Label?
10. Not Thinking About the Customer
Many labels focus entirely on what the business wants to say rather than what the customer needs to know.
Solution: Design your label from the customer's perspective.
Ask yourself:
- Can they quickly identify the product?
- Can they understand its benefits?
- Can they easily find important information?
Bonus Tip: Request a Proof Before Printing
Even experienced designers benefit from reviewing a proof before production.
A proof can help catch:
- Spelling errors
- Alignment issues
- Sizing problems
- Missing information
At PeelForge, every order includes a free proof for approval before printing.
Related Guides
- How to Design a Product Label That Sells
- How to Design Labels for Your Product
- How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Labels
- What Information Should Be on a Product Label?
Final Thoughts
Avoiding common label design mistakes can dramatically improve the appearance of your packaging and strengthen your brand.
By focusing on readability, simplicity, and professional design principles, you can create labels that look great and help drive sales.
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