Rectangle Labels
Printed rectangle labels and stickers for packaging, products, addresses and barcodes. The most practical shape, with free artwork set-up in Tooting.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
The hard-working label shape
Rectangle labels are the most flexible option. They use space well, which makes them a good fit for ingredients lists, barcodes, product information, addresses and shipping labels. They are also an easy size to apply straight. Small food brands, online shops, cosmetics makers and offices all use them.
Common uses
- Product front and back labels on bottles, pouches and boxes
- Address and return labels for parcels and mailing
- Packaging seals and box labels for online shops
- Barcodes and price labels for retail
- File, shelf and storage labels in offices and stockrooms
Choosing a size
Measure the surface, then allow some clear space around the edges. On a curved bottle, consider how much of the width can be seen in one view: as a rough guide, keep the label to less than half of the circumference if you want it read at a glance. Tall thin labels are good for narrow bottles, and wide ones are good for tins and boxes.
Rounded or square corners?
Square corners can look crisp, but they are the first thing to lift if a label is handled often. A small radius of 2 to 3 mm helps a label stay flat and looks more finished. It is a small change that makes a big difference, particularly on packaging handled by customers.
Material and adhesive
Paper is the economical option for dry, indoor use. Vinyl or synthetic materials are better for damp, oil or outdoor conditions. A permanent adhesive suits packaging. A removable one is better if the customer will want to peel a price label off. If you are labelling textured or uneven surfaces such as kraft card, ask us about a stronger adhesive.
Barcodes and small print
Print barcodes in black on white, at no less than the recommended size, and test them with a scanner before you commit to a large run. For small text, stick to clear fonts with enough contrast. For food or cosmetics, check the legal requirements for what you must display: as the producer, it is your responsibility to get these right. We check layouts, but we print what you approve.
Ordering labels
Tell us the size, shape, quantity and material, and let us know whether you want sheets or rolls. If you are applying labels by hand, sheets are often easier for short runs. Rolls are better if you have an applicator or a label printer setup. We can lay out your design free of charge when we print. Labels can often be turned around quite fast, so call with your deadline. If your brand also uses stickers or paper bags, we can keep the colours and logo consistent.
Questions we hear about rectangle labels
What size rectangle label do I need?
Measure the flat area of your container and leave some space around the edge. A paper mock-up taped to the product is a good test.
Can you print barcodes on labels?
Yes. Send us the barcode artwork in a high-quality format, then test the first prints with your scanner.
Do you supply labels on sheets or rolls?
It depends on the job. Tell us how you apply them, and we will suggest the most practical format.
Are rounded corners worth it?
Often, yes. They are less likely to lift with handling and they look neater on packaging.