The Ultimate Guide to Custom Labels: Types, Design & Printing

Custom labels are powerful tools for branding, packaging, and product communication. Whether you're a small business owner, a product designer, or someone planning a big event, understanding the different types of labels and how to design them can help you create a polished and professional look.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the main types of custom labels, key design tips, material options, and best practices for printing high-quality labels that stick—literally and figuratively.

Custom labels go beyond basic packaging. They:

• Enhance brand identity

• Communicate product information

• Create visual appeal

• Provide functional benefits like barcodes, warnings, or QR codes

From custom wine labels to product packaging stickers, labels help tell your story and connect with customers.

Used for jars, bottles, boxes, and more. These labels usually include branding, product name, and usage details.

• Ideal for food, cosmetics, health products, and household goods

• Must be durable and legible

• Often require compliance with industry regulations

These serve functional purposes like inventory tracking and delivery.

• Thermal or laser printed

• Commonly used with e-commerce packaging

• Must be scannable and adhesive under various conditions

Perfect for giveaways, events, or holiday marketing.

• Include custom graphics or seasonal designs

• Used on goodie bags, wine bottles, and party favors

• Often removable and decorative

Used for weddings, businesses, or personal gifts.

• Waterproof and temperature-resistant

• Personalized with names, messages, and dates

• Great for parties and corporate branding

Explore our variety of custom labels for every occasion.

Material affects durability, appearance, and application. Common options include:

• Affordable and easy to print

• Best for dry, indoor use

• Available in matte, gloss, or kraft finishes

• Waterproof and tear-resistant

• Ideal for food, beverage, and bath products

• Available in clear, white, and metallic options

• Add luxury and texture

• Perfect for high-end packaging and gifts

• Great for wine, candles, or cosmetics

Ensure your label reflects your business's personality:

• Use consistent fonts, colors, and logos

• Include key messaging or taglines

• Consider your audience's expectations

Labels should be legible at a glance:

• Use contrasting text and backgrounds

• Choose clear, easy-to-read fonts

• Keep spacing clean and uncluttered

Depending on your product, your label might need:

• Ingredients or materials

• Instructions for use

• Manufacturing or expiration dates

• Regulatory information (e.g., FDA, USDA)

Modern labels often go beyond text:

• QR codes linking to websites or videos

• Social media handles

• Scannable loyalty programs

Need help with design? Our custom label templates make the process easy.

• Ideal for small runs and vibrant color jobs

• Fast turnaround and affordable setup

• Best for large quantities

• High detail and consistent quality

• Requires setup and longer lead times

• Used for barcodes, receipts, and shipping

• Cost-effective for variable data printing

Tip: Always review a physical or digital proof before printing in bulk.

• Clean the surface of your product before applying

• Align carefully to avoid crooked placement

• Press firmly from the center outward to eliminate bubbles

• Use applicator tools for bulk labeling

Looking for reliable, affordable, and creative label solutions? At iCustomLabel, we offer:

• A wide range of label types, materials, and finishes

• Easy-to-use customization tools

• Low minimums and fast shipping

• Labels for weddings, business, home products, and more

You can also explore label design inspiration and printing tips from industry leaders like Avery.