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FAQ









ARTWORK AND FILES

We can produce great results from jpg/jpeg files, particularly for photographic images to be printed on labels. You must use the Excellent/Maximum quality setting in your photo editing software and the image must be at least 300 dpi at the size you want it printed on your labels. We do not recommend jpg/jpeg files for label designs that include type or graphics layered over a solid background.

Artwork can vary by printing method. Generally, we can accept most types of professional graphics files. Best results will be achieved from vector type files, also known as "draw" files. These are produced by programs like Adobe® Illustrator® (our preferred format), Corel Draw®, and Macromedia Freehand® -- programs which generate "objects" or mathematically defined shapes which can be filled and/or stroked with a specific spot color. AutoCad®, or other CAD/CAM programs which can produce files of type DXF or DWG can also be used.

Page layout programs combine pieces like vector files and rasterized images into one layout. We can generally work with Adobe® In-Design®, Adobe® PageMaker®, or Quark XPress®, and Microsoft® Publisher®.

For certain jobs, we can also accept rasterized, or "paint" type files. These are produced by programs such as Adobe® Photoshop®, Corel Paint®, Painter®, etc. Paint files are known as bitmapped files (actually a misnomer), because each pixel of the image is mapped with a specific shade of color. Rasterized images (like ones that come from a scanner), do not translate as well to label production as do vector files, particularly if they have to be "scaled" (adjusted in size). Single color raster images will work best, and should be at least 600 dpi resolution. That is, if you have a 3" x 4" label, your raster file should be 1800 pixels by 2400 pixels.

These programs may not provide you with the label quality you would like. We strongly urge you to use a design or layout program such as Adobe® Illustrator® (our preferred format) and Macromedia Freehand®.

For custom artwork (artwork that you provide to us), we provide easy to use upload tools in our quoters and/or at checkout. While uploading label artwork is the easiest and fastest way to get artwork to us, you can email or mail/ship your artwork as well. If you do not upload your artwork, your order will be held until your artwork is received. This means that your turnaround time will begin when we receive your artwork, not when you place your order. To have your turnaround time begin when you pay for your order, use the upload feature at checkout.

Some products can be designed online. In this case, the only artwork you will probably need is your logo which can be uploaded for use and placement in our design online tools.

The artwork for some products (asset tags and parking permits) can be provided via fax. See asset tags and parking permits pages for complete details.

None. The online quote you receive includes all relevant printing charges - we do not believe in “hidden charges”. Note, however, that we review the artwork for every order we produce. To make certain that you get the best representation for your artwork, we might contact you if your artwork raises any concerns with our production team.

We offer 3 convenient ways during the checkout process to upload your artwork if required. Artwork only needs to be uploaded once, so choose the most convenient option for you. Once your artwork has been received, you will see your filename displayed throughout the checkout process.

• The first opportunity is on the "Additional Details" page, after the job is added to the shopping cart.
• On the payment page of checkout is the next upload opportunity.
• The last option is on the Order Confirmation page once the order has been paid for.

If you do not have your artwork ready, go ahead and place your order anyhow. Once your order has been placed, you will receive a receipt via email which contains a link that will allow you to upload artwork. Just remember, the production schedule begins once we have received print-ready artwork.

If your artwork includes text, be sure to use our preferred design programs: Adobe® Illustrator® (our preferred format) and Macromedia Freehand® -- programs which generate "objects" or mathematically defined shapes which can be filled and/or stroked with specific colors.

If your label is text only, you can provide the copy and any instructions in the "Special Instructions" box during checkout. No other artwork should be required.

We prefer to get the normal, uncompressed file. Please do not use Publisher's "Pack and Go" feature. If you are sending Publisher files with linked graphics (generally NOT recommended in Publisher), please gather all the associated files into a single Zipped file, and send us that. If you are using a font that is not included with Publisher, please send it along with your Publisher file. You can either Zip them together, or upload the font as an additional file upload (or include it on storage media if you are sending files via mail.)

We urge you to upload your artwork when you check out. Your order will enter production sooner and you will save time and money on buying and shipping the storage media to us. If you prefer to send us storage media, we prefer a thumb drive (memory stick), DVD or CD. If you have another type of digital media please contact CustomerCare before sending.

DPI is an acronym for Dots Per Inch. DPI is a 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. Best label printing results require artwork set to a minimum of 300 dpi at the size the artwork will be printed onto the labels.

We will contact you to discuss options for improving the image quality the next business day after receipt of your order. Generally, we can work with you to improve your image quickly and often at no cost to you.

Raster Artwork is made of small dots.
• Low resolution (72 dpi) has big dots and prints poorly.
• High Resolution (300 dpi) has small dots revealing more detail and better print quality.
• Example Raster file types are jpg, gif, tif, bmp & psd

Vector Artwork is made of mathematical lines.
• Vector art is all high resolution.
• Example Vector file types are ai, fh, cdr & eps
• Please note that vector files can contain placed raster art.

Find out more about vector and raster files here

If you have raster artwork (jpg, gif, psd, tif, bmp, Photoshop eps) or vector artwork with placed graphics, you can get the files converted into a useable format by CopyArtwork.Com for as little as $14.00.

To get your art converted, visit CopyArtwork.Com by clicking the "Convert my file" link below
• Sign Up
• Log In
• Send Artwork

Fill out required information as follows:
• Color Scheme preferred is Spot colors with no halftones
• Desired File Type: Illustrator CS
• Artwork Implementation: Label Printing
• Upload file: (see link below for acceptable file formats)

CopyArtwork.Com will provide you an Illustrator file of your art in vector format. They will also provide a jpg for your viewing purposes only. Turnaround is 24-48 hours. Photos cannot be vectorized without looking like an Illustration, unless specified, everything except the photo will be converted.

For more information visit online at CopyArtwork.Com or email, [email protected] .

Once you receive your art, you can upload the Illustrator file provided when you place your order.

MaverickLabel.Com is providing this link as a courtesy and is not affiliated with CopyArtwork.Com.

The below links will route you away from MaverickLabel.Com.
Converting FAQ's
CopyArtwork.Com

Due to the nature of the internet, we must know we have a potential valid client (must be at least 18 years old) before we can go forward with any work. Because of this, we must have advance payment for your order before posting a proof. Rest assured that you can cancel your order at any time before production starts and we will give you a full refund at no risk to you. We could be doing lots of proof work without any real order commitments, which would make our prices much higher and slow down our proofing.

Generally, we post your proof within the next business day after your order is placed.

By the next business day after placing you order, you will receive an email with a link to your digital online proof. You must request a proof when you place your order to receive a proof. Proofs are not automatically provided.

Due to the wide differences in monitor calibration and the different technologies used, some printed colors in a hard-copy proof may not exactly match the colors on your monitor for a digital proof. If color accuracy must be exact, please contact CustomerCare for suggestions.

LABEL PRINTING

RGB refers to the primary colors of light; Red, Green and Blue. These colors are used in monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the inks used when printing "4-color process" labels, commonly referred to as "full color label printing".

The combination of RGB light creates white, while the combination of CMYK inks creates black. Therefore, it is physically impossible for the printing press to exactly reproduce colors as we see them on our monitors.

Many programs have the capability to convert the layout/images from the RGB color space to the CMYK color space. We request that you convert your colors from RGB to CMYK if your tools allow you to. By doing it yourself, you have maximum control over the results. You may notice a shift in color when converting from RGB to CMYK. If you do not like the appearance in CMYK, we recommend that you make adjustments while working in CMYK (usually lightening). Generally, you should specify CMYK color builds that look a little lighter than you want, since the dots of ink "fatten up" on press, giving you more pigment on paper than you see on your monitor. Be especially careful to keep backgrounds light if there is black or dark colored text over it, so that the text remains readable.

4 color process printing is generally used in printing labels with photographic images by recreating color through the combination of two or more of the subtractive colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow, plus black). Spot color printing is generally used for text and simple graphic printing in single colors, usually not more than 3 colors to a label.


See our video

Used for printing spot colors. Each PANTONE® color has a specified CMYK equivalent. To select a PANTONE® color, first determine the ink color you want, using either the PANTONE® Color Formula Guide or an ink chart.

Learn more about PANTONE® colors

These are terms used for describing the number of ink colors being printed and how many colors are printed on the face and the back of a printed piece. While some labels and liners can be printed on the back, most labels are printed on the face only. So 4/0 in label printing means 4 color (CMYK) printing on the label face and 0 printing on the label back or liner. We do offer liner printing on bumper stickers.

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.

Color separations segment all colors into the four basic ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). Each CMYK color is printed separately, one on top of the other, to give the impression of infinite colors.

Halftone images are made up of a series of dots, diamonds, squares, or lines in a specific pattern that simulate the look of a continuous tone image. Another term for half-toning is dithering.

That depends on the labels being ordered. 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.

To purchase a color guide with over 3,000 process colors with their CMYK screen percentages, please visit Pantone or CDW for more information.
Pantone®
CDW

No one can make that guarantee. Be careful not to be taken in by anyone who claims that they can. There are many reason for this: every monitor is color-calibrated differently, every LCD display shows color differently, and monitors and displays show color through refraction but we see/print colors on paper reflectively. To be certain that we are printing the colors you want, please opt for a hard-copy proof when placing your order.

In general, we use the following label production methods: digital, flexographic, silk screening and lithographic. Each of these methods has different processes for printing your ink colors. We offer CMYK or process color/4 color printing and spot or PMS - Pantone® Matching System printing. Digital printing and thermal ribbon printing "interpret" color values for printing on their unique equipment. To determine how a specific type of label is printed, look at the information links for that specific product.

Digital printing interprets the colors of a digital image and prints color directly onto label materials. The main difference between digital printing and traditional methods such as lithography, flexography, and silk screening is that no printing plates or “set-ups” are used, resulting in a quicker and less expensive production time.

Because digital printing uses no printing plates, greater flexibility in variations and lot changes is provided making variable data printing much more affordable than ever before.

This method of label printing utilizes a flexible relief plate, often made from rubber or synthetic materials. Flexography (or flexo) uses a wide range of water based inks (rather than oil based inks) and is suitable for printing on most label materials. Traditionally, flexo quality is best suited for spot color (PMS) label projects as digital printing provides higher quality output, designed for full color (CMYK) printing.

Silk screen printing is a method where ink is applied to your label through a web or fabric which has been stretched on a frame. Attached to the frame is a stencil created from your artwork. The stencil openings determine the form and dimensions of the imprint produced.

This method of label printing utilizes a metal plate and provides better production quality for graphics than flexography. Lithography (litho) is suitable for printing on most label materials. Traditionally, litho quality is best suited for higher quality output, including (CMYK) printing. Litho lacks the ease of digital printing for variable data applications.

Embossing presses an image into the paper so that the image lies above the surface. Our process for doing this is called "heat stamping" - sometimes referred to as "cameo" and "tool". Your labels can be embossed with an image only (no printing) or they can be embossed with foil stamping to add color and additional effect to the non-embossed area of your label.

Variable data printing is a form of digital printing, in which elements such as text and graphics can be changed from one printed piece to the next. Perfectly suited to varietal wine labels, lot versions and product versions that share common overall label design with slight variations such as scent, color or flavor.

ORDERING

Yes. We are a Verified Secure Site by GoDaddy.com. We have SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certification from the most trusted online processing service provider in the world. We are also a Better Business Bureau member and meet all BBBOnLine participation requirements providing you added assurance when ordering with us.

No. Our CustomerCare team is happy to take your order by phone by dialing, 1-800-537-8816. Our CustomerCare hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST Monday through Friday.

We accept major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Cards.) We also accept PayPal, where you can apply to receive payment terms ("Bill Me Later"). If you prefer to send an advance payment check, or a wire transfer, please contact [email protected] (800)-537-8816 or 1-425-771-6500.

In most cases, we can change your order as long as it has not been printed or shipped. If the order has already been printed or has shipped, we are not able to make changes. In the event you need to change your order, please email [email protected] or call us at 1-800-537-8816.

Generally, we post your proof within one business day after your order is placed.

We will do all that we can to match a sample you provide. Keep in mind that many variables affect final print production and as a result colors, resolutions and paper you provide to us may be different than those we offer.

File upload times vary depending upon your file size, the speed of your Internet connection and the volume of Internet traffic at the time you upload.

If your order includes artwork and if you uploaded your artwork, your order will immediately be placed into production for proof or print, depending on the proof option you select. Then, the next business day or up to 10 days later, your order will be shipped using the shipping method you select.

Stock product orders are immediately sent to our warehouses for shipment the next business day.

Our industry-best production times don't leave much time for changes. If you need to make a change, contact CustomerCare as soon as possible.

Once you have added an order to your shopping cart, you can add as many additional items as you require.

Once you have paid for your order, you will receive an email with your order information and a link to your job. If you provide the link to your graphic designer, they will be able to upload artwork. Production time does not begin until we have your artwork.

That will depend on the labels you order and the shipping method you select. In general, stock label orders ship the next business day while custom printed labels generally ship within 3 to 10 business days. Please look at the individual label program for specific details.

For an additional charge, some custom labels have expedited production available including 1, 2 and 3 day options. When available, you can select expedited production when you check out. 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.

Yes. Unlike other label suppliers who ship "overruns" of up to 10% and then charge you for their "extra" printing, we ship and bill only the quantity of labels ordered. Should we ship more labels than you ordered, you will not be charged for the additional labels.

If your order will be shipped outside of the states of Washington, California or Connecticut, we do not charge sales tax at this time. For orders shipped to WA, CA or CT addresses, we are required to charge sales tax unless you provide us with a current Resale Tax Exempt Certificate. Please upload a digital copy of your certificate in the Account Information segment of the Your Account page or fax a copy to (800) 352-7593.

No. You can log into My Account and use our 1 click reorder system. All art files are also available for viewing.

LABEL DESIGN

Start with an understanding of how the label will be used (the application) and the conditions that will affect the label (temperature, moisture, sunlight, etc,).
1. Determine the size and shape of the label given the application.
2. Based on the conditions, what label stock will meet your needs; paper, vinyl, polyester.
3. What ink colors will you need to use; spot colors, CMYK, foil.
4. What type of numbering or variable information will be needed.
5. What special features do you need (laminate, special adhesive, holographic foil, etc.).

We print labels in every size imaginable, from less than .25" to well over 1 foot wide. We do offer two ways to select the size for our label: pre-sized "dies" and "digital" sizes. We have the broadest range of die sizes and shapes available. When you use a die, you do not pay a tooling charge to create the shape and size of your label. Our digital label capabilities enable you to create a label of any size or shape without any tooling.

We build this option into our instant quoters. You indicate the number of versions that will be different and you see the pricing instantly. Many of our label products are offered with lot, version and variation changes. Typically, these products are printed digitally, enabling you to price and print multiple variations or versions of a “base design” with different graphics, text and numbering sequences.

UPC Barcodes are issued and controlled by the Uniform Product Code Council. You can contact them at (937) 435-3870 and for a fee 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.
QR, Static and Sequential Barcodes can be generated by many software programs. We recommend SystemID for barcoding software and supplies.

When designing a "no label look" label, there are a number of factors that absolutely should be considered. Design, material colors, and the number of ink/printing colors required may all be affected by the decision to use a clear label material.
The most commonly used background color in label printing is not clear, but white. When we visualize a color, we do so as it appears on a white background, not a clear background. When choosing colors, the tool used by designers the vast majority of the time is the standard Pantone® Matching System color book; a collection of pigment combinations printed on white backgrounds.
The colors we see in this PMS color chart are the result of light refracting through pigments to the white backgrounds on which they are printed. If the background of a label is clear, the light will be refracted substantially from the color of the surface below the label. This will make the label colors look washed out.
Labels can be designed and printed to minimize the effects of using materials with clear backgrounds. Note that some design elements are inappropriate for printing on clear label materials. We operate under the assumption that designers want to see colors chosen come as close to how they appear in a Pantone Matching System (PMS) color book as the printing process will allow.
Clear Material Checklist
• Check the package to ensure that the clear material and adhesive chosen will adhere properly. The shape and texture of the package are factors in choosing a label material and adhesive.
• What is the product in the package and what does the background color for the labels become when the package is in use?
• Precisely what should the label look like when it is on the package? This includes legibility, color, and total visual impact of all printed elements.
• Are the combination of colors and line thickness of copy appropriate considering the background color of the package? Small copy, thin lines, and the LPI (lines per inch) count can drastically affect the background color.
• Have the designer and customer seen ink and material samples consistent with what is being ordered to ensure that what we do will meet their approval?
• Clear label materials are generally slick films. In printing, material slippage, color to color registration, and trapping are considerations. Artwork must always be compatible with the print process and materials being printed. Flexography is not a print medium that holds "dead register" under any circumstances.
• Be explicit as to what should and shouldn't be backed with white ink.

Corner radius is the measurement of the amount of curve a corner has, usually expressed in decimal form, the higher the corner radius, the more curve. The corner radius cannot be greater than half the dimension length, for example if you have a 1" x 1" square, with a corner radius of .5", you would actually have a circle. Common corner radiuses are .08" & .125".
Corner Radius Examples

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.

We can print any size and any shape of label that you need, often without extra charges for "tooling".
Visit these product pages for information and pricing:
Control Panels
Equipment Labels (short run)
Full Color Labels
Product Labels

LABEL MATERIALS

Labels typically include a release liner, adhesive and the face material. Artwork is printed onto the face material. Optional laminates can be applied over the printed artwork for design effect and protection.

Release Liner - The label is temporarily adhered to a release liner prior to use. Release liners are generally made of paper and have a coating of silicone for easy release of label.

Adhesive - Permanent, temporary, removable and repositionable are just a few adhesives that will keep your label adhered to the surface. When choosing an adhesive, it is important to know the environment and the surface to which the label is to be adhered.

Material/Substrate - There are many materials/substrates to select from. Depending on your application and the environmental conditions your label is exposed to, paper, vinyl, polyester, film, foil, Lexan®, PVC, or magnetic may be the right choice.

Artwork/Printing - Many technologies are used to print artwork onto the label material/substrate. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of quality, durability and cost.

Laminate - There are many laminates available to add protection to a label. Depending on your application and the environmental conditions your label is exposed to, polyester, LexSaver®, UV or polycarbonate may be the right choice.

There are hundreds of label materials in many different colors. Generally, labels are made from paper, vinyl, polyester (Mylar), and polypropylene. There are additional specialty materials like films, Lexan®, PVC, and others. We provide complete material information for each product on the product specific pages.

The most common or popular label materials are paper and vinyl. Polyester and polypropylene are also widely used in product labeling applications, among others.

Label materials vary based on the type of label you are quoting. All of the materials available for a specific type of label are described in detail on the information pages for each product we offer. Look at the information links for that specific product.

The type of label you are quoting will determine the adhesive(s) available. The most common adhesives are permanent, removable and cold temperature. Each of these types of adhesives is available in a wide range of formulas. To determine the adhesives available for a specific type of label, look at the information links for that specific product.

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

Laminates and varnishes are both used to protect and/or add a gloss (or matte) look to label artwork. Laminates are made from polypropylene film which is “glued” to the label surface. Varnish is a “lacquer” that is “printed” over the label surface. Both approaches provide additional protection from UV light, abrasion and moisture. Each provides a slightly different “glossing” effect, with laminate being the glossier of the two.

Labels intended for outdoor use need to be durable and have the ability to hold up to a wide variety of weather conditions. Vinyl and polyester are top material choices for outdoor conditions. Bumper stickers are, typically, made of vinyl. Often outdoor labels or industrial labels require a UL listing. UL recognition ensures that a device, system or material has been tested and certified by this private organization to meet specific safety standards.

The three primary tests to determine film and adhesive performance are a heat age test, outdoor weather ability, and exposure to various solutions. CSA is a testing organization devoted to establishing standards for safety, quality and performance. Unlike UL, which recognizes a substrate's adhesion to specific individual surfaces, CSA recognizes nine substrate groups for applied labels. Silk screening or special inks may be required to help with the fading of inks.

SHIPPING SERVICES

Our shopping cart is designed for easy split/multiple shipping destinations. You can have unlimited shipping destinations and can even split quantities for multiple orders.

Once your order is shipped you automatically receive an email with complete order information including a link to track your specific order/shipment. Also, status information is always available in "My Account” under Order Status. Just login and review all your orders and even your order history.

All shipping options and costs for your order are available to review as soon as you get your instant online quote. You do not have to place your order to view the actual shipping charges. You finalize your shipping selection at checkout, already knowing what the costs will be for each option. FedEx is our preferred carrier and we pass along our excellent shipping rates to you. We also offer shipping via UPS and USPS upon request.

If they apply, yes. If your product(s) are shipped to a destination outside the U.S.A., brokerage fees, import duties, VAT, or any other tariff, levy or fee are not included in the purchase price or the shipping and handling charges. Such fees and taxes are the responsibility of the receiving party. To find out what taxes or fees will be applied to your order, please contact your local tax authority.

LABEL PRICING

100% accurate. The price you receive from our patented UberQuoter® is tied to your order, from cart to shipping. Variations from the instant quoter price can result from changes made to your order specifications or artwork.

Our prices are competitive for two reasons. First, we are an internet-based business. As such, our sales, marketing and order handling expenses are automated, resulting in lower overhead than traditional label printers with expensive systems, catalogs and sales teams. Secondly, many of our label products are digitally printed. Digital printing allows us, at times, to reduce set up costs, eliminate tooling, plate and ink charges and pass the savings on to you.

Because we do not charge any initial set up fees like most printers do, our re-order pricing is not discounted beyond our normal everyday low pricing.

Generally, label cost is determined by quantity, size, material, ink colors and any special features like embossing, laminating or numbering.

Sorry, we do not offer any special reseller pricing. We are solely focused on providing our product to end users at the lowest possible price. We do not offer any special incentives/pricing to resellers or distributors.

GENERAL / COMPANY

We guarantee your 100% satisfaction with our label products. We stand behind our guarantee by offering you a prompt refund or replacement of your labels. If the product you receive does not meet your expectations, please contact us upon recognizing the error so that we can replace your labels in a timely manner. If your labels have a manufacturing defect please let us know right away. We will identify the problem and rerun a replacement order for you. This guarantee covers the quality of the production and materials and does not cover spelling errors that are entered by the customer.

If you are not 100% satisfied, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We will do our best to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your labels. For more details, please see our guarantee policy.

You can find a copy of your invoice by accessing the "My Account" section, located at the upper right hand corner of our homepage. You can also sign in to your account by clicking My Account. Just click on the order number to view a specific invoice.

There is a link at the bottom of each web page on our site to our security and privacy policy. Here you will see that we are a Better Business Bureau member and meet all BBB OnLine participation requirements, assuring you that your privacy and email preferences will be respected.

All of our labels are produced in the USA.

If you would like to change the email address and/or password which were used to create your account, you may access your account using your existing user name and password, then select User emails to change your email address. To change your password, go into My Account and click on Edit.