Ever struggled to make your products, invitations, or homemade goodies stand out? Custom labels can make all the difference—adding a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression. But figuring out how to create the perfect Avery custom labels can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the process.
This article breaks it down for you, step by step. You’ll discover how easy it is to design, customize, and print Avery labels, plus smart tips to get professional-looking results every time.
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How to Create Avery Custom Labels: A Comprehensive Guide
Custom labels can elevate your business branding, streamline organizing at home, or add a professional touch to event favors and mailings. Avery is a trusted leader in label manufacturing, offering both blank and custom printed labels. Whether you’re a small business, a crafter, or just someone looking to organize, understanding how to order and design Avery custom labels is essential.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about creating Avery custom labels, from choosing the right type to practical design tips and cost-saving advice.
What Are Avery Custom Labels?
Avery custom labels are professionally printed or blank labels, available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. You can personalize these labels with your text, logos, colors, and artwork, making them ideal for product packaging, office use, special events, or home organization. Avery offers two main services:
- Blank Labels: Print yourself at home or the office using your own printer.
- Custom Printed Labels: Avery prints your unique design on your chosen label and delivers it to you.
Step-by-Step: How to Create Avery Custom Labels
1. Choose Your Label Solution
Start by deciding if you’d like to print at home or have your labels professionally printed.
Option A: Blank Labels to Print Yourself
- Ideal if you need only a few labels quickly or prefer full control over the printing process.
- Purchase sheeted or roll labels. The Avery website offers hundreds of sizes and shapes.
Option B: Custom Printed Labels
- Best for a polished, professional finish and larger orders.
- Designed online and printed at Avery’s facility, then shipped to your door.
2. Select the Label Shape, Size, and Material
Avery offers an impressive variety to suit different applications:
- Shapes: Rectangles, squares, circles, ovals, or even custom shapes.
- Sizes: From tiny return address stickers to large shipping or product labels.
- Materials: White, clear, waterproof, glossy, matte, or specialty finishes like metallic and kraft.
3. Design Your Label
Avery’s user-friendly online design tools let you create from scratch or use templates. Here’s how:
- Access the Design Tool: Use the exclusive Avery Design & Print platform.
- Start with a Template: Select from thousands of designer templates fit for various industries and uses.
- Customize: Add your logo, photos, text, colors, and adjust font styles. Drag and resize elements easily.
- Preview: Ensure your design looks exactly how you want it—use the preview function to catch mistakes before printing or ordering.
4. Place Your Order
- Review Your Design: Double-check spelling, alignment, and graphic quality.
- Choose Quantity: Many Avery custom print services have low minimum orders, making them accessible for small projects too.
- Check Production and Shipping Times: Standard and expedited options available; times vary based on order size and type.
5. Receive and Use Your Labels
- If you ordered blank labels, print them using your inkjet or laser printer following Avery’s instructions.
- For custom prints, Avery delivers your finished labels, ready to use straight out of the box.
Benefits of Using Avery Custom Labels
Opting for Avery custom labels comes with a host of advantages:
- Professional Look: Consistent, high-quality prints on premium materials.
- Custom Sizing and Shapes: Find the perfect fit for your product, envelope, or organizational need.
- Time-Saving: No hassle with alignment or printer jams; printed labels are ready to apply.
- Durability: Choose waterproof, oil-resistant, or weatherproof materials for tough environments.
- Brand Consistency: Every label can feature your business logo, brand colors, and fonts, ensuring a cohesive appearance.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While Avery makes the process easy, some challenges can arise:
Printing at Home
- Printer Limitations: Some home printers may not handle specialty materials like clear or film labels well.
- Alignment Issues: Be sure to use the correct template and adjust your printer settings as Avery recommends.
Custom Print Orders
- Proofing: It’s vital to proof your design on the screen before ordering; mistakes can’t be fixed after print.
- Minimum Quantities: While low, minimums do exist for some custom print options—plan accordingly if you need only a handful.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
Follow these best practices to get the most out of your Avery custom label experience:
- Use High-Resolution Images: Ensure logos and graphics are at least 300 dpi for a crisp, professional print.
- Choose the Right Material: For items exposed to moisture (like bath products or outdoor labels), opt for waterproof materials.
- Match Label Size to Use: Oversized labels can look awkward on small bottles; tiny labels aren’t suitable for large packages.
- Experiment with Templates: Start with a template to get your creative juices flowing, then customize it to match your unique brand style.
- Order a Sample: For business-critical uses, request a sample or start with a small quantity to test before placing a large order.
Cost Tips and Shipping Advice
Ordering custom labels is an investment in your brand or project, but you can save money and time by keeping these tips in mind:
- Bulk Orders Usually Save More: Pricing per label typically decreases with larger quantities.
- Consider Free Shipping Thresholds: Many sites offer free shipping over a set order value.
- Account for Rush Fees: Expedited orders come with higher shipping costs; plan your timeline to avoid rushing.
- Order Extra Labels: Allow for any errors or last-minute changes without the delay and expense of reordering.
- Seasonal Discounts: Look out for sales or promo codes, especially around holidays or back-to-school seasons.
Shipping Considerations
- Processing Time: Custom printed labels typically ship within a few business days of design approval.
- Location Impact: Shipping origin and destination can affect delivery times and costs, so check options if you’re outside major cities or in remote areas.
- International Orders: Duties, taxes, and longer transit times may apply for shipments outside the country where Avery’s printing facility is located.
- Delivery Tracking: Most orders come with tracking so you can monitor the progress of your shipment.
Best Uses for Avery Custom Labels
Avery custom labels are incredibly versatile. Here are some popular uses:
- Product Packaging: For soaps, candles, jars, cosmetics, and more.
- Mailing & Address Labels: Save time and add flair to bulk mailings or business correspondence.
- Event Gifts & Favors: Personalize wedding favors, party bags, or thank you gifts.
- Organization: Label files, drawers, pantry containers, school supplies, and more.
- Promotional Items: Custom stickers, bottle labels, and tags for trade shows or giveaways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between blank and custom printed labels with Avery?
Blank labels are purchased as sheets or rolls for printing at home or the office. Custom printed labels are designed online and then professionally printed and shipped to you, ready to use.
Can I design labels even if I’m not a graphic designer?
Absolutely! Avery’s online tools offer user-friendly templates and drag-and-drop features, so you can create eye-catching labels even without design experience.
What printers work best for Avery blank labels?
Both inkjet and laser printers are supported, but you should match the label type to your printer. Avery labels are marked as “inkjet” or “laser”—check before loading them into your device.
How long does it take to receive custom printed Avery labels?
Production usually takes a few business days after order approval. Standard shipping adds extra time, while express options are available for faster delivery.
Are Avery labels suitable for products stored in the fridge or outdoors?
Yes, Avery offers waterproof and weatherproof labels designed to resist moisture, oils, and sunlight. Select these materials for any labels exposed to challenging conditions.
Conclusion
Avery custom labels make it easy to add a professional, personal, or branded touch to almost any item. By choosing the right label type, designing thoughtfully, and following best practices, you can achieve fantastic results—whether you need a handful at home or thousands for your business. Remember to account for shipping timelines and costs, and use available tools and templates to bring your vision to life. With the right approach, Avery custom labels can help your products, events, or organization stand out beautifully and seamlessly.