How to Create and Design Product Labels

Written by UPrinting ● Updated on December 03, 2024

Designing product labels is an essential step in building a product that not only sells but also communicates effectively with customers. A well-designed label does so much more than display your product’s name or ingredients; it helps your product stand out, it delivers key information, and it ensures compliance with various regulations. Whether you are a small business owner or a craft enthusiast, understanding how to design product labels is crucial for creating a compelling product presentation.

In this guide, we will walk you through the product label design process—from the types of labels you can use to understanding FDA labeling requirements and making your label stand out on the shelf.

Understanding the Basics of Product Label Design

Before diving into the creative aspects of designing a label, it's important to understand the role of labels in product marketing. Labels are often the first thing a customer notices, making them an essential part of your product’s success.

What is a Product Label?

A product label is any written or printed material attached to a product that communicates information about that product. Labels can be directly affixed to the product packaging or included as part of the packaging itself. It provides critical details such as the product's name, ingredients, usage instructions, and branding elements.

For more detailed insights into what a product label is and the different types, check out our article What is a Product Label and Its Common Types.

Why Are Product Labels Important?

Product labels play several important roles:

Brand Recognition: A well-designed label helps customers recognize your brand at a glance. It tells your story and communicates your product’s value.

Regulatory Compliance: Labels ensure that products comply with various laws and regulations, such as FDA labeling requirements for food or health-related products.

Consumer Information: Labels provide essential information such as ingredients, nutritional facts, usage instructions, and other details needed for consumers to make an informed purchasing decision.

Different Types of Labels

When designing your label, it's essential to consider where the label will be placed and what information needs to be communicated on each part. Different types of labels serve different functions:

Front Label: This is the main label and is designed to attract attention. It should include the product name, branding, and any selling points like flavor or size.

Back Label: This label typically contains more detailed information such as ingredients, instructions, and any required legal or regulatory information.

Lid and Neck Labels: These smaller labels often serve as supplementary branding elements or reinforce the information on the front label. For example, a neck label may display the brand’s logo or tagline.

Key Elements to Include in Your Product Label’s Messaging

Now that we’ve covered the types of labels, it's time to think about what your label should say. The messaging on your label needs to communicate the essential information about your product in a way that’s both clear and engaging.

1. Brand, Product, Flavor

The first thing any label should communicate is what the product is. Ensure your product label design clearly states:

Brand Name: Your brand should be easily recognizable to consumers.

Product Name: Make it clear what the product is. If applicable, include flavor, scent, or other variants.

Flavor: For food or beverage products, mentioning flavor or scent can make your label more appealing.

2. Brand Bio

If your brand has a story or mission that resonates with your audience, consider adding a brief brand bio to the back label. This could be a few sentences that describe your brand’s values, history, or what sets your product apart from the competition.

3. Logo and Tagline

Your logo should be a prominent feature on the front label. It’s the visual anchor for your brand. If you have a tagline, it can further strengthen your brand message and make your label more memorable.

Where to Put What: Organizing Information on Your Label

The placement of information on your label is just as important as the content itself. Keep important information like the product name and brand front and center on the front label. Legal and regulatory information (like ingredients or nutritional facts) should typically go on the back or side label where they can be easily read but do not clutter the main branding.

For more details on the parts of a product label, check out our guide on the Parts of a Product Label.

Complying with Labeling Laws and Regulations

Designing a product label isn’t just about making it look appealing—it’s also about adhering to the laws and regulations that govern product labeling. Different industries have varying requirements, so understanding these regulations is crucial.

Overview of Legal Requirements for Product Labeling

In many countries, especially in the U.S., product labels are regulated by government agencies to ensure consumers have access to accurate and truthful information. For example, food labels often need to include nutritional facts, ingredients, and allergen warnings. Other products, like cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, may have additional requirements related to safety warnings or usage instructions.

FDA Labeling Requirements and Nutritional Facts

For food and beverage products in the U.S., the FDA labeling requirements are strict. Labels must display the product’s nutritional facts, ingredients, serving sizes, and allergen information in a clear and legible format.

Read our guide on FDA Labeling Requirements to know more.

Common Labeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Missing Required Information: Ensure your label complies with all necessary legal requirements (e.g., nutritional facts, ingredient list, etc.).

Hard-to-Read Fonts: Ensure that your label is legible by using appropriate label fonts and label font sizes.

Cluttered Design: A label that is overcrowded with information can confuse consumers. Prioritize clarity and simplicity.

How to Make Your Product Label Stand Out

Once you’ve got the essentials covered, it’s time to think about how your label will catch the consumer’s eye. An attractive label can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.

Shape and Size: Common Label Sizes for Different Products

Labels come in various sizes depending on the product packaging. A bottle label might be different from a jar label or a box label. Choosing the right label size is crucial to making your product look polished and professional.

Click through for our guide on Popular Label Sizes and how you can use them on different products.

Materials: Choosing the Right Label Material

The material you choose for your label is crucial, as it must suit the environment your product will be exposed to. For example, waterproof labels are essential for products that might encounter moisture, such as bottles, jars, or cosmetics. BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a popular material for water-resistant labels, providing durability and resistance to water.

Want to learn more about how BOPP can enhance your labels? Check out our article on What Is BOPP: Why Is It Ideal for Labels?. If you’re curious about different label materials and how to choose the best one for your product, our article on What Type of Labels Are Waterproof and Other Label Materials will give you all the details you need.

Typography: Choosing the Right Fonts and Font Sizes

The right label fonts and font sizes are crucial to making your label both aesthetically pleasing and readable. Use clear, legible fonts for important product details and larger fonts for the product name and brand. Avoid overly decorative fonts that could hinder legibility.

Need tips on selecting the right fonts and font sizes? Check out our article: Label Fonts and Font Sizes.

Key Takeaways

Designing a product label is a critical part of your product’s success. It needs to capture attention, convey essential information, and comply with regulations—all while reflecting your brand’s identity.

Product labels should communicate the product’s name, branding, and necessary legal information.

Stay compliant with FDA labeling requirements and other relevant regulations.

Focus on the label design, label size, materials, and typography to make your label visually appealing and functional.

Next Steps: Designing and Printing Your Labels

With a clear understanding of how to design product labels, you’re ready to start the creative process. Whether you’re designing the label yourself or working with a professional, the key is to ensure your label aligns with your product’s branding and adheres to legal standards.

Need some inspiration to get your creative juices flowing? Check out our 10 Bottle Label Inspirations for Your Mood Board for a visual boost to help guide your label design journey.