Sticker and Label printing is an art that requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to selecting fonts. The font you choose can make or break the overall look of your design. Whether you’re creating stickers for business, events, or personal use, using the right type of font is key to ensuring your message is clear and visually appealing. This guide will walk you through the important considerations when choosing fonts for sticker printing, including why it’s essential to avoid certain practices to ensure legibility.

Use Fonts that are Easy to Read 

Stickers often contain concise messages or simple graphics, meaning readability is critical. Labels may contain lots of important text about your product such as ingredients, nutrition facts or regulatory copy. You should choose fonts that are clear and easy to decipher in different sizes. Some of the best fonts for stickers are: 

Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Futura. These fonts are known for their clean lines, making them easy to read even at smaller sizes.
	Bold or thick fonts work especially well on stickers since they enhance readability from a distance.
Decorative fonts, while eye-catching, should be used sparingly or for emphasis, as they can become difficult to read in small sizes or intricate designs.

Opt for Vector-Based Fonts for Small Text 

One critical rule in sticker design is to use vector-based text for small font sizes, especially for any text below 5-point size. Vector graphics maintain clarity no matter how much they are resized or scaled, ensuring your text doesn't appear blurry or pixelated when printed. Vector formats like PDF, AI, EPS, and SVG allow the text to stay sharp, unlike raster-based images, which can degrade in quality when enlarged. 

Avoid Using Fonts Below 5 Points if not in Vector Format

Using non-vector fonts for small text (below 5 points) in sticker printing can lead to several issues. If your font is not vector-based, shrinking it below 5 points can result in:

• Loss of clarity: Raster images are made up of pixels, and as you reduce the size of the text, the pixels get compressed, causing your text to blur or appear pixelated.
• Inconsistencies in printing: Smaller text in non-vector format is more likely to become pixelated or blurry during the printing process, making it difficult to read.

For any text that needs to be legible at a small size, ensure you are using a vector format. Otherwise, increase the font size to at least 5 points to maintain clarity and readability.

Consider the Contrast Between Text and Background 

The font color and background play a significant role in how well your text stands out on a sticker or label. Ensure there’s enough contrast between the two. For example: 

• Light fonts on a dark background work well for stickers designed to be seen from a distance.
• Dark fonts on a light background can make your text easier to read for close-up viewing.

Low contrast can make it difficult to read larger text, so always ensure your color choices allow for easy reading.

Test Print your Design

Before printing a large batch of stickers, it’s a good idea to do a test print. This allows you to check if the font sizes, clarity, and spacing look good on the actual material. Sometimes, a font that looks great on a screen doesn’t translate well in print, so test printing can help catch potential issues early.

Choosing the right font for sticker printing requires a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Stick to clear, readable fonts like sans-serifs for most text, and always opt for vector-based fonts when dealing with small text sizes. Avoid using raster images for small fonts as they can blur during the printing process. By paying attention to these details, you’ll ensure your final product looks professional, are easy to read, and effectively communicates your message. 

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