3 Types of Labels and When to Use Them

When looking for the perfect labels for your project, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the range of available options. Especially if this is your first project, you may be unfamiliar with frequently used terms such as "sheets" or "rolls," that can be used to describe each type of label. Your first thought may be "what's the difference between each of them?" We're here to answer this question for you! We'll be breaking down the three types of labels we offer: sheets, rolls, and cut-to-size, to help you determine which is right for your project.

What are Sheet Labels?

Sheet labels, or labels produced on sheets, are exactly what they sound like. They are labels that are produced on flat sheets of adhesive backing, resembling a piece of paper. Like paper, these types of labels are usually produced on 8.5" x 11" sheets, allowing them to be printed on like a regular piece of paper. Depending on the size of each individual label, sheets usually contain multiple labels per sheet, unless the label size is too large to fit more than one.

Why Choose Sheet Labels?

Sheets are great for everyday uses such as creating address labels, shipping labels, or printing your own stickers at home. They also work well for creating product labels, especially in smaller quantities and hand application scenarios. With over 40 materials available, there are plenty of options to choose from, whether your order is for blank or custom printed labels on sheets. To easily compare each type of label, we've included a list of key factors to keep in mind about sheet labels below.

Sheet Labels Key Factors:

• Produced with multiple labels on a sheet, unless only one can fit
• Available as a blank or custom printed product
• 44 available material options
• Both round and square corner templates available
• Safe zone of 0.125" (click here to learn more about safe zones)
• Full bleed capability varies by template (click here to learn more about bleed)
• Suitable for hand application projects only

What are Roll Labels?

Roll labels, or labels produced on rolls, are individual labels manufactured on a single, continuous roll of adhesive backing. The size of each roll is dependent on how large each individual label is, along with the number of labels per roll.

Why Choose Roll Labels?

There is a lot more flexibility with this type of label, including the ability to create custom shapes and sizes without a standard template or die. Roll labels are also ideal for larger projects that require large quantities or machine applications.  They can also accommodate more sophisticated materials and processes such as white ink printing, variable data, and laminates.

Roll Labels Key Factors:

• Produced with multiple labels on a roll
• Available as a custom printed product only
• 8 material options available
• Round corner, square corner, and custom shape options available
• Safe zone of 0.0625"
• Full bleed capability on all projects
• Matte and glossy laminates available
• White ink printing and variable data capabilities (click here for more information about white ink printing)
• Suitable for both hand and machine application projects

What are Cut-to-Size Labels?

Cut-to-Size Labels hold a lot of similarities to labels on sheets. Like sheet labels, they're produced on flat pieces of adhesive backing that resemble sheets of paper. However, instead of multiple labels to a sheet, cut-to-size labels are produced as individual labels, cut down to their finished size.

Why Choose Cut-to-Size Labels?

Cut-to-Size labels are a great middle ground between sheets and rolls. They operate similarly to die-cut stickers, with an adhesive backing on each individually cut label. This allows them to support full bleed no matter the size of the finished product.

Cut-to-Size Labels Key Factors:

• Produced as individual labels, cut down to size
• Available as a custom printed product only
• Can only produce rectangle or square shaped labels with square corners
• 20 material options available
• Safe zone of 0.125"
• Full bleed capability on all projects
• Standard and custom sizes available
• Suitable for hand application projects only

More Information

Still confused about the different types of labels? Looking for more guidance on which to choose? Look no further! Contact us today to work with a dedicated representative who can help you determine the best solution for your project.