When preparing artwork for sticker and label production, choosing the right file type and color settings is essential to achieving the best print quality. This article outlines our accepted file formats, the best file types to use, and the recommended color mode to ensure your stickers look sharp, vibrant, and professional.

Accepted File Types for Sticker Printing

We accept the following file formats:

1. PDF (Portable Document Format) – High-quality and widely compatible.
2. AI (Adobe Illustrator) – Preferred for vector artwork and scalability.
3. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – Great for maintaining vector data.
4. PSD (Adobe Photoshop) – Best for layered designs and high-resolution raster images.
5. TIFF, JPEG, and PNG – Must be high resolution (at least 300 DPI or higher at your requested size).

The Best File Formats for Stickers and Labels

While many file formats are accepted, the best options for optimal print quality include:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) – Ideal for vector graphics, ensuring crisp, scalable designs.
• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – Maintains high-quality vector data and transparency.
• PDF (Portable Document Format) – Ensures fonts and design elements remain intact across different systems.

Why Are These File Formats The Best?

Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) maintain sharp lines and scalability without loss of quality.

PDF files can embed fonts and layers, making them highly versatile.

Raster files (JPEG, PSD, TIFF) must be high resolution and at least 300 DPI at your desired size to avoid pixelation.

PSD and TIFF files can contain layers that will help preserve digital artwork quality for small adjustments and special requests.

Still curious about the differences between Raster and Vector files?

CMYK vs. RGB: Choosing the Right Color Mode

For sticker printing, CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the standard color mode over RGB (Red, Green, Blue) files because it more accurately represents colors as they will appear in ink when printed as a Sticker or Label. RGB is for digital screens and may cause color shifts when converted to print (CMYK). Convert your artwork to CMYK before submission to avoid unexpected color changes.

Learn more about all things color here.

Additional File Setup Tips

• Submit one piece of artwork for each item ordered to avoid complications and confusion with multiple-page documents that may not open properly.
• Ensure images are 300 DPI or higher at your requested size for sharp, high-quality prints.
• Outline all fonts in vector files to prevent font substitution issues and retain the proper appearance of your text.
• Include a bleed area (1/8” outside the edge of the artwork) to ensure seamless edge-to-edge printing when you do not want a white border.
• Preserve a safety margin area (1/16” inside the edge of the product artwork) to ensure important content (such as text or logos) is not cut off during manufacturing.
• Keep layer structures in Photoshop (PSD) files to preserve the editability of your artwork in case any adjustments need to be made.

By following these file format and setup recommendations, you can ensure your stickers and labels print with sharp details, accurate colors, and professional-quality results. If you are ever unsure of your artwork quality, our Art Team will review your artwork and provide recommendations for adjustments when necessary.