How to define the right size of a beer label?

27 May, 2022 27 May, 2022

- Federica Artuffo

How many times have you already thought about the design of a beer label and you don't know where to start to define the size? After all, designing a beer label is like designing a bespoke suit. In both cases it is important to define the right size.

In this short tutorial we will help you define the size of a beer label in 4 simple steps. Do not worry! It only takes a few simple steps to get the perfect size for your beer labels. Let's begin!

Tools of the trade

To accomplish this difficult task, you will need some essential tools. First of all, you will need a flexible ruler, your faithful ally in defining the size of a beer label. You can download this valuable tool here. You will see that you will live without it anymore.

So of course you will need...

The beer bottle or beer can you need to dress up. Always keep it by your side both for the preliminary phase of defining the size of your beer label and for testing.
Graph paper or plain paper if you don't have it handy.
Pen or pencil, faithful companion of the designer to "draw" the first drafts.
Obviously the scissors to cut out the final "mockup" of the beer label. To get a professional proof or mockup, ask for our help.

Now that you have everything you need, we'll show you 4 simple steps to get the perfect size for your beer label. Let's see them in detail.

1. Measurement phase of the beer bottle

To design the perfect size for a beer bottle, you must first define the maximum size that the label can have depending on the shape of the bottle.

It is important to use a flexible ruler to measure the maximum width of the label. For example, if you are thinking of a wrap-around label for beer, that is a label that almost completely envelops the surface of the bottle, always remember to reduce the width by a few millimeters compared to the diameter of the bottle or can if you do not want the label to overlap to itself.

2. Define the shape of the beer label

Once the overall dimensions of the beer label have been defined, it will be time to draw the diecut of the label. The diecut path determines the perimeter of the beer label on which the cut will be made during the production phase. To do this, use graph paper on which you will draw a rectangle with the maximum dimensions measured earlier. If the beer label you imagined has a rectangular shape, your job is already done. Conversely, if you have imagined a custom shape for the beer label, you can use this path to draw the correct shape. The chart sheet will be a great base to follow even if you need to draw curved shapes.

3. Cut your beer label

Is the diecut ready? All you have to do is cut the label obtained from the previous steps. The countdown has begun and it's time to try the beer label on the bottle. This test allows you to make some changes to the size of the beer label in order to make it perfect.

Are you still not perfectly satisfied? No problem. Wrap your label on the bottle and wipe off the excess as many times as you want. The flexible ruler will help you reduce the size of the beer label by a few millimeters to do a perfect job.

4. Measure the final size of the beer label

The final step is to measure the result. Spread the label on a flat surface and measure the base and height of the label. Voila ... That's it!

In these simple steps you can thus define once and for all the size of a beer label. Quick and easy, right? If you have any doubts or technical help to define the measures or anything else contact us, one of our experts will be happy to provide you with his support.