Colour, Artwork,
Printing And Media
Guides

Colour Guide

Colour Process

We use high-tech printing processes with pigment or UV inks to create vibrant, durable labels on a variety of materials. This includes labels designed to withstand the elements for long-lasting outdoor use. We also offer a wide selection of self-adhesive paper options, from classic brown paper stock to the innovative Rockstock – the stone paper that’s as tough as it sounds!

Process colour printing uses just four inks – Cyan (blue), Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) – that combine to produce a vast spectrum of colours you see on printed materials. This approach offers a flexible and cost-effective way to achieve stunning results for your labels.
CMYK

C = Cyan (Blue) M = Magenta Y = Yellow K = Key (Black)

Artwork Guide

Artwork Process

General

We understand navigating artwork formats and printing methods can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process of bringing your vision to life.

File Types
Vector Files – Vector files are created using points and connecting lines – much like a board with nails hammered in and string tied between each one. Vector artwork is created in programmes such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw and QuarkXpress. Vector files are usually scalable to any size, and give sharp, clean edges when printing which is perfect for sharp text, lines and detail.
Raster Files – Raster files are created using an artboard and a swath of colour – much like a real canvas being painted on with a brush. The size and quality are determined at the start when creating the artboard size and resolution (e.g. pixels width and height, or millimetres and dots per inch – DPI). Raster files cannot be scaled up to a bigger size later, as they will lose detail and can look blurry or pixelated (blocky).
Printing Methods
Digital Printing – Digital printing is achieved by setting up the finished artwork using a computer, and then sending it directly to the printer. The cost of producing digital printing is considerably lower than offset in small and medium runs because of the savings in set up costs and time.
Offset Printing – Offset printing uses the traditional system of metal plates with the artwork etched onto them – one for each colour ink. The machine runs all of one colour at time before the paper is reinserted with the next metal plate and coloured ink. The cost of producing offset printing is usually only economical in large runs, to compensate for the set up costs and time.
Remember, the best option for you depends on your specific needs. We’re here to answer any questions and help you choose the best option.
Artwork Guide

Printing Process

Step 1 - PRINTING PROCESS
Please ensure your files have been prepared properly using the following checklist:
Layers – All artwork layers have been flattened to one layer (apart from the die-cutting line)..
Fonts – All fonts must be converted to curves, paths or outlines. DO NOT embed your fonts instead. Overlooking this step will cause delays in scheduling your print job, as the file will not be accepted.

Bleed – If your artwork has colour all the way to the edge of the label, please include 2mm of bleed on each side. Ensure your artwork has trim marks or a die-cutting line.

Colours -Ensure your file colourspace is the same as your final colour choice:

  • Pantone (preferred) – Check you have converted all colours to Pantone spot colours.
  • RGB (preferred) – Check you have converted all CMYK and spot colours to RGB
  • CMYK (not recommended) – Check you have converted all RGB and spot colours to CMYK.
    Check when exporting your file as a spot colour file that you do not select ‘convert spot colours to CMYK’. If you are supplying a spot colour file, convert all artwork and colours to Pantone. If you are supplying a process file, convert all artwork and colours to RGB. Check all of your blacks are the same colour value
File Formats for Printing

If you have any doubts please contact us, as we are more than happy to discuss your requirements and advise either you or your graphic designer on design considerations and the best formats. If you do not have a graphic designer, we have established relationships with designers in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, and can put you in direct contact with one of them.

Vector File Formats – Please supply vector files in either .EPS, .AI or .PDF formats
Raster File Formats – Please supply raster files in either .JPG, .PSD or .PDF formats Ensure your raster file is 300dpi at 100% print size
Step 2 - Sending Artwork For Printing

Print-ready artwork must be supplied to us in digital format and can be either emailed (at up to 8MB in size) or couriered to us on a USB, CD or DVD. Alternatively, artwork can be sent via LabelMan’s TransferNow account (link below)

Send Your Files
Paper Guide

Media

Cast Coated Sticker Paper
Fluorescent Sticker Paper
Kraft Paper Sticker
Matte Vinyl Sticker
Rock Tak
Self Adhesive PP Sticker
Self Adhesive Vinyl