Jeff Bertrand

A "typical" booklet label template

Templates are a common way to show our customers how to layout their copy. It's very important that the designer keeps all copy inside the "hold-in" lines. This avoids having copy being cut off in the converting process. We require 1/8" for copy hold-ins and bleeds. Take a look to see a typical booklet label template. Download ShowerSoothersBookletlabeltemplate.pdf

1/8" copy hold-ins are critical

This is a picture of the bottom of a foldout label with cut copy. The customer did a great job with copy hold-ins except for the "Peel Here" logo which had a hold-in of just over a 1/32". We require 1/8" all the way around.

This illustrates exactly what happens when we don't have enough tolerance in the artwork. In our manufacturing process, there is a tolerance with the cutting, the folding, and the onserting which is cumulative. If you add it all together, it can exceed 1/16".

We were able to save this job (and ship zero cut copy) with very skillful press work and great inspection afterwards. We ran the job at a fraction of the normal speed and stopped the web frequently when the die started to cut the "p". There was a ton of waste; We barely shipped enough for the customer.

It's a great example of how important copy hold-ins are. Had these two words been placed with our 1/8" tolerance in mind, this job would have been MUCH easier to run.

'Too much information', Never!

              The easiest way to get started with any fold out label project is to supply us with (2) container samples and the total amount of copy that you need to put on that container. Our team will examine the available base label area and determine the amount of paper that needs to go into the foldout leaflet or booklet portion.  From there, mock-ups of your new label can be generated and discussions regarding pricing can begin, based on the number of colors you would like on the label and the quantity.

              Details regarding finishing are important for supplying the most complete price quote.  The standard for core size is 3”, the O.D. or outside diameter of the roll is generally 12”-16”. In automatic application, there is also the consideration of the label position, or the orientation that the copy on the front of the label is in coming off the leading edge of the roll.   Some customers manually apply labels and like the rolls to be smaller, 8” O.D. or 500-1,000 labels on a roll.

              Every new project comes with its own set of challenges and unique details.  There is no such thing as ‘too much information’ when it comes to designing a fold out label, and there is nothing more gratifying to me than seeing a new label off press, knowing that I helped in getting the design off the ground.

Templates explained

Getting the artwork right is the most challenging part of our business. We are always looking for ways to make this process smoother and faster.

When you order booklet labels, we prepare an artwork template for you to fill in. We offer it in your program of choice such as Quark, Illustrator, Pagemaker or Photoshop. Many times, our customers request vector files saved as an EPS. We supply a PDF with all our artwork files should there be any computer issues which of course never happens. Right!? LOL. (a little sarcasm there)

Please review this PDF of an HTH booklet label prepared with a template. Download template_example.pdf

If you study the template, you'll see a lot of information on how much margin you need to leave. What's missing is the base label template.  Because it's blank (or "see through on the actual label) for this job, the base label template wasn't prepared.

The piece unfolds to 34.5". The overall booklet label size is 1 3/4" x 2 5/8". Below is an example of the finished product on the roll, applied to a container and opened up.