We can accept most types of professional graphics files. Generally, the file formats used are vector type files, also known as “draw” files. These are produced by programs like Adobe® Illustrator® (our preferred format), Adobe® In-Design®, or Quark®. Be sure to outline all of the fonts used in your artwork, so there are not any missing fonts.

You can use other file types (.jpg, .gif, .tif. and .bmp) however they are not recommended and do not produce a high quality label. These files are made of small dots and are low resolution (72 dpi) which has bigger dots, and prints poorly. Higher resolution images (300 dpi) have very small dots to create more detail, and better quality. We recommend only high resolution images for label artwork.

DPI means “dots per inch”. It is the measurement of the scanning resolution of an image or the quality of an output device. DPI expresses the number of dots a printer can print per inch or that a monitor can display both horizontally and vertically. For instance a lot of images you see on your monitor are 72 DPI. While they look great on your computer screen, they are not satisfactory for printing your job.

All new custom label orders receive a digital proof for copy review. Due to the wide differences in monitor calibration and the different technologies used, some printed colors in your proof may not exactly match the colors on your monitor. If color accuracy must be exact, please contact Customer Service for suggestions.

Four color process is the use of 4 inks: Cyan (blue-green), Magenta (reddish-pink), Yellow & Black are placed on material layers in a series of dots that, when combined, create the illusion of many more colors.

In most cases we can match your PMS color by mixing process color.

Label artwork with color separations break down a color graphic into the four basic ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). Each color layer of your label is printed separately, one on top of the other, creating the full-color label.

Advanced Labeling Systems can handle up to 6 color labels.

White can either be a reverse type where the label color (white) is allowed to show through or it can be used as a “background color” on see-through materials. If printing on white material, we do not charge when the color white is used. When printing on clear materials, we do charge for white ink.

When the artwork for your label aligns any edge of the label with no white border, or blank space between the artwork and the edge of the label, you have a bleed. If artwork has bleeds, we require 1/16” for die-cut labels. You cannot bleed a butt-cut label.

Because so much of the work we produce is custom, we don’t maintain a catalog. In order to provide you the best samples that represent the type of project you have, please give us some details of your order. We would be happy to send you samples of our work. Please contact our Customer Service department to request samples.

The maximum size label we can print on flexographic presses are 9.5″ wide (across the roll) by 24″ long.

Because we print custom labels, the choices are nearly endless. Our most popular label shape is a Rounded Corner Rectangle, which is available in many different sizes. We also have a varied selection of circles, squares and ovals. We can create any shape you need and we have hundreds of dies in stock. Call our Customer Service Representatives for more information on stock dies.

Wind is the direction the labels come off the label roll. Please click here for a sample.

Die-cut labels have round corners and spacing between each label on the roll. Butt-cut labels have square corners and no spacing between each label on the roll.

Yes, we can print the liner of the label. This requires an additional plate at an additional cost.

A pressure sensitive label has adhesive glue on the backing. When pressure is applied to the label, it will adhere to most surfaces.

Perforation refers to a series of small incisions made in labels and/or their release liner to facilitate tearing along a predetermined line, or for fan folding.

Barcodes are issued and controlled by the UPC Council (Uniform Product Code Council). You can contact them at (937) 435-3870 and they will issue your company a set of numbers which can be used for your product barcode. We can then use this number to produce barcode artwork for your label.

Advanced Labeling Systems offers many different label laminations. Lamination provides protection for labels against abrasion, chemicals, weather and solvents. Some laminations are thermal transfer Imprintable. Call Customer Service to learn more.

Die tools function to cut or form materials, like a cookie cutter, in order to add to a products aesthetic value. We have hundreds of dies in stock to meet your needs or we can create that special die for your product.

Corner Radius is the measurement of the amount of curve a corner has, expressed in decimal form. The higher the corner radius, the more curve. Most of our RCR dies are 1/8″ and is the most common.

Outside diameter is the size of a cylinder, roller or roll of material. If you are printing in-house, it’s important to know the tolerances of your printer.

A core is typically a corrugated tube on which paper, film or foil labels are wound for shipment. 1 inch and 3 inch cores are the most common sizes.

Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. Direct thermal is more sensitive to light, heat, and abrasion, which reduces the life of the printed material. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the printed material.

The type of label you are creating will determine the adhesive choice. The most common adhesives are permanent, removable or cold temperature, common throughout all industry applications. Advanced Labeling Systems has a wide selection of adhesives for your labels.

Labels intended for outdoor use need to be durable and have the ability to hold up to a wide variety of different weather conditions. Polyester is a top material choice for outdoor conditions. Flexographic inks are water-based, so they will fade if they are exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. The use of a laminate or UV coating can extend and enhance your product life. Please consult with your Customer Service representative regarding your label.

Coated stock is super-shiny paper produced by pressing the paper against a polished metal drum while the coating is still wet. The coating process protects the inks against water damage. Uncoated stock has more of a matte or dull finish and will absorb the inks printed on the paper, and make them appear slightly duller.

Varnish is a thin, clear coating of mixtures of natural and synthetic resins and drying oils applied to a printed web for protection or appearance. UV Varnish is used as a protective layer that is cured by exposure to a high intensity ultraviolet light source.

Yes, Advanced Labeling Systems has earned the right to manufacture labels that meet the standard of UL for Labeling & Marking Systems. Our UL Recognized Component Labels can be made from a variety of durable materials with an assortment of adhesives to meet your exact UL labeling requirements.

Yes, we have blank label stock available for shipment. Please click here for a list of in-stock items.

We have been in business for more than 15 years and have manufactured labels for food and beverage, industrial, distribution, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and personal care items, household products, medical products and variable imaging.

We are an authorized reseller for a variety of printers and ribbons proven to work with our labels.

Please click here to get a custom label quote.

The cost of a label is determined by quantity, size, material, ink colors and any special features. Higher quantity labels orders receive volume discounts. Typically price quotes are quoted by the thousands which are indicated by the letter “M” on the quote and invoices.

Reordered labels cost less than new labels because without changes, there are no plate charges or art setup fees.

Advanced labeling Systems turnaround time varies throughout the year. Additionally, it will depend on the labels you order and the shipping method you select. In general, In-Stock label orders ship the next business day. Custom printed labels generally ship within 7 to 10 business days after we receive the signed label art proof.

You can call us at 1-800-878-2208 or send us an email at salesorders@advancedlabelingsystems.com.

Shipping & Handling is calculated based on total weight of your shipment. Shipping is not included in the price of the labels unless requested and specified. We are happy to ship the labels using your UPS or FedEx account number if provided. Please contact our Customer Service representative for more details.

If you are located outside of the State of Colorado, we do not charge sales tax. If you are located in Colorado, we are required to charge sales tax unless you can provide us with a current Certificate of Resale Tax Exempt Certificate. Please fax a copy of your certificate to (303) 368-1814 or email it to salesorders@advancedlabelingsystems.com.

In most cases, we can change your order as long as it has not been printed or shipped. If you need to make changes to an order that is already in process, call your sales or Customer Service Representative immediately. We will handle your requests promptly, but changes may affect the estimated delivery dates and pricing. In the event you need to change your order, please call us at 1-800-878-2208 or email at salesorders@advancedlabelingsystems.com.

For an additional charge, some custom labels have expedited production available including 1, 2 and 3 day options. You can also select all available delivery methods, including next day air, second day air and others. Shipping costs will be based on the service you select.

We accept major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover), check in advance or Net 30 terms (with approved credit application only). You can download our credit application here.

try standard of 10%+/-. If you require an exact quantity of labels, please notify our Customer Service representative at the time the order is placed.