Are you tired of outsourcing your label printing needs to a print service provider?
Are you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective solution?
Then it’s time to transition to a digital color labeling workflow.
Digital color labeling offers numerous benefits, including
- Faster turnaround times
- Greater design flexibility
- Lower costs over time.
Here’s a guide to help you make the transition from outsourcing your labels to a digital color labeling workflow:
Step 1: Assessing your label printing needs
Take a close look at your label printing needs to determine your
- Number of labels you need daily and monthly
- Label materials
- Design requirements
This will help you select the appropriate digital label printing equipment and software for your business.
Step 2: Choose the right digital label printing equipment & label materials
There are many digital label printing options are available, including inkjet and laser printers.
You’ll need to choose equipment that can handle the volume and types of labels you require.
To learn about the types of print technologies and their pros and cons, check out these related articles,
- What are the types of color label printers available in the market today?
- Why choose an inkjet color printer over other types of technology?
- How to choose a color label printer like a professional
Furthermore, selecting the suitable label material is essential for ensuring that your labels are durable and can withstand operating conditions. When selecting your label materials, considers factors like,
- Moisture
- Temperature
- UV exposure
- Compatibility with your printer
Step 3: Select the appropriate label design software
You’ll need software that can create and manage your digital label designs. The most commonly used software applications are
The design of your labels is a crucial part of the process. You should ensure your designs are high-quality, easy to read, and visually appealing.
You may want to work with a graphic designer or use professional design software to create your labels.
Step 4: Establish color standards
Define the colors used in your labels and establish color standards.
Pantone is a commonly used color system that provides consistent color across different devices.
Most color-label printers use a 4-color CYMK ink system. Colors are created by combining different percentages of these four inks (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and Black) to produce a wide range of colors for printing. This range is known as the color gamut. However, the color gamut does not cover the entire spectrum of Pantone colors, and it varies between printer models.
You may be able to approximate the tone of the Pantone colors with the help of a color management or RIP (Raster Imaging Processor) software and a color calibration tool (e.g. X-rite color management solution). Alternatively, you may use the manual print and judge process with your eyes. That leads us to step 5.
Step 5: Test and adjust
Before implementing your digital label workflow, test and adjust your hardware and software to ensure the colors match your standards.
The inkjet inks and laser toners are pretty consistent from one cartridge to another, provided that they are within the ink/toner shelf-life.
However, color shifts may happen when printing on inkjet-coated label materials due to the coating consistency between batches and brands.
Hence, if you choose to use an inkjet printer, you must be careful when switching materials or suppliers. Always test print on the new material before committing to a mass purchase.
By following these steps, you can successfully transition to a digital color labeling workflow, enabling you to produce high-quality labels in-house and save money over time.
If you need a professional guide to select your color label printer and learn more about the digital labeling process, start by scheduling a product demo with us today.
So, say goodbye to outsourcing labels and take control of your label printing needs with a digital color labeling workflow.