Packaging and labels
Product label design services
Label design services create front and back labels that fit the container, carry the required information legibly and look right on the shelf. A careful label designer starts by measuring the container and getting the label printer's template, asks for all text before designing, checks mandatory information against the legibility rules that apply, such as the minimum text height in GOV.UK food labelling guidance, discusses materials and finishes with you and the printer, and recommends printing a sample to test on the actual product. Responsibility for the accuracy of mandatory content stays with the brand.
It covers what to ask a label designer, how responsibility for label wording is split, signs of a weak process, the files you should get and how fees are set. LetGetGrow designs packaging and labels and can include printing and box or pouch manufacture through suitable production partners, with specifications, quantities, production arrangements, delivery locations, costs and timelines agreed in the quotation.
Illustrative diagram
- Brief
- Content
- Design
- Artwork
- Test
Questions to ask a label designer
| Question | Good answer shows |
|---|---|
| How will you size the label? | Measured container and printer template |
| How will you handle mandatory text? | Laid out legibly from content we supply |
| Which materials do you suggest? | Options matched to where it is kept |
| Will we see a test print? | Yes, on the real product |
| What files do we get? | Print-ready and editable |
Working with limited space
Ask how the designer approaches labels with a lot of required text. Good answers include separating front and back labels, using a clear information panel, choosing a legible font for small text and asking whether some content can move to an outer pack or insert where the rules allow. Squeezing text below a legal minimum is not an option.
Warning signs
Designs without measurements
Labels may not fit.
Tiny text to fit the design
May breach legibility rules.
No printer template
Files may not print correctly.
No test print
Problems found after a full run.
Responsibilities
The brand supplies and checks mandatory information, such as ingredients, allergens, warnings and the business address. The designer lays it out correctly and flags anything that looks too small or missing. The printer prints to the approved proof. Agree this in writing.
How a label project runs
Brief
Product, container, printer.
Output: Label spec
Content
Final text from you.
Output: Approved copy
Design
Front and back layouts.
Output: Approved design
Artwork
Print-ready files.
Output: Files to printer
Test
Sample on product.
Output: Sign-off
Example: labels for a soap maker
Illustrative example — not a client case study
Situation: A soap maker needs labels for bars wrapped in paper bands.
- The designer measures the band and asks the maker for the full ingredients list, Responsible Person details and batch information from their adviser.
- Text is laid out on the inner side of the band in a clear font, with the brand and scent on the front.
- A test print is wrapped around a bar to check fit and readability.
What this shows: The band fitted and the required information was readable. This example is illustrative.
What you should receive
Design
- Front and back labels
- Variant versions if needed
Files
- Label files matched to the label printer's roll or sheet template
- Layered source files for each variant
Checks
- Legibility notes
- Test print approval
Printing
Label printing can be quoted alongside the design, or arranged with a label printer you choose. Ask whether the designer will liaise with them on materials and finishes, and who approves the final proof.
Fees
Label design is usually a project fee, by number of labels and variants. Printing and samples are separate.
Material advice
Ask what material and finish the designer suggests, and why. Products stored in fridges, bathrooms or outdoors need labels that survive damp and handling. Clear or metallic labels change how colours appear and need artwork set up accordingly. A designer who discusses this with your printer before finalising artwork will save reprints.
Variants
If you sell several scents, flavours or sizes, ask whether the designer will create a master layout and then variants. That keeps the range consistent and usually costs less than designing each label separately.
What to share
Share the container or its measurements, the label printer and template, all mandatory text from your adviser, brand assets, where the product is sold and how it is stored.
Judging the work
A good label fits the container without wrinkles, reads clearly at arm's length and up close, and prints correctly first time.
Labels in photos
If you sell online, ask the designer to check the label reads well in product photos and thumbnails, not only on the shelf. Small text and low-contrast colours can disappear in images.
Ownership
Agree that you own the final artwork and editable files, so labels can be updated when recipes, addresses or rules change.
Batch and date space
Ask the designer to leave a clear space for batch codes and dates that change each run, and agree with the printer how they will be added.
Questions about product label design services
What does a label designer do?
Designs labels that fit, read clearly and carry required information.
Who checks mandatory content?
The brand; the designer lays it out.
What if there is too much text?
Use front and back labels or other packaging where rules allow.
Should we test print?
Yes, on the real product.
Is printing included for product label design?
It can be quoted with the design or arranged with your own label printer.
How is it priced for product label design?
Per project, by labels and variants.
Sources referenced
Platform features, guidance and rules change. We check the current versions before committing to an approach. This page is general information, not legal advice.
- GOV.UK: Packaging and labelling (food) (opens in a new tab) — reviewed 2026-10-31
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