Quick answer: Die cut roll labels are labels cut to their finished shape on the roll, with the waste stripped away so each label peels straight off the liner. Mediapoint laser cuts every roll label, so you get die cut labels with no die to pay for: squares and rectangles, circles and ovals, or simple custom shapes with up to five points, from 30 x 30mm, on 76mm cores.
Mediapoint is a trade-only printer in Derrimut, Melbourne. We print custom labels on rolls for print resellers, designers and agencies, and blind-ship every roll under your brand.
What "die cut" means on a roll of labels
A die cut label is cut to its shape through the label face only, never through the backing liner. The waste around each label is removed, so the finished roll is a line of labels sitting on the liner, ready to peel by hand or feed into an applicator.
The name comes from the metal cutting die a printer traditionally makes for each new shape. That die adds a setup cost and a wait before the job can run, which is why short runs of a new shape used to be expensive.
We cut with a laser instead, guided by the cut line in your file. The result on the roll is the same as a die cut label, but a new shape has no die cost and no die lead time. That makes short runs, test batches and seasonal shapes practical for your clients.
Die cut vs kiss cut vs stock labels
| Option | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Die cut roll labels | Labels cut to shape on a roll, waste removed | Product and packaging labels, hand or machine applied |
| Kiss cut sticker sheets | Up to 5 stickers on a flat sheet, backing left whole | Handouts, sticker packs, merchandise |
| Stock blank labels | Standard sizes and shapes, printed later | In-house overprinting, not custom shapes |
If your client wants sticker packs rather than packaging labels, kiss cut sticker sheets are the better fit. For a full comparison, see stickers vs labels.
Which shapes can be cut?
- Squares and rectangles, with slightly rounded corners
- Circles and ovals
- Custom simple shapes with up to five points or corners, such as a shield, tag or rounded badge
Two rules keep every label peeling cleanly:
- No fully square corners. Corners need a slight radius, or the point can lift on the roll and catch when the label is applied.
- Keep it simple. Intricate outlines, fine spikes and tight inside corners aren't cut. If a logo has detail, cut a simple shape around it and let the print carry the detail.
For squares, rectangles and circles, our system adds the cut line for you. For a custom shape, you supply the cut path as a "Thru-cut" spot colour stroke. Our label artwork setup guide shows how.
Sizes, lanes and cores in brief
Labels start at 30 x 30mm. Smaller labels run several lanes across the roll, and our system picks the lane count for the most efficient production and pricing. Every roll is wound on a 76mm core with the waste removed. For machine application, choose Machine Applied at checkout and select the label direction on the roll.
The full detail on size limits, wind direction, roll diameter and the 312mm wide core format is in our roll label sizes, core size and wind direction guide.
Which material for die cut labels?
- White BOPP: the everyday product label. Waterproof, oil and moisture resistant and fridge-proof, with optional Indoor Matt or Indoor Gloss laminate.
- Clear BOPP: a no-label look on glass and clear packaging, with optional white ink behind the artwork.
- Silver BOPP: a metallic finish, always laminated, with optional white ink.
- Paper: a natural matt look for dry, indoor packaging. Paper isn't laminated.
Every material uses a single acrylic adhesive that isn't food grade. Roll labels are made for packaging and indoor products, not outdoor signs. For outdoor jobs, order large format stickers or Corflute® signs instead. Our roll label material guide goes deeper on each stock.
Custom shipping and carton labels on a roll
Printed shipping and carton labels are one of the most common die cut jobs. A rectangle with rounded corners on White BOPP is the usual choice, and fine text, barcodes and QR codes stay sharp because we print at 1200dpi on our Durst Tau RSC label press. For warehouse applicators, order Machine Applied and set the label direction.
Checklist before you quote die cut roll labels
- Shape: square, rectangle, circle, oval, or a custom shape with five points or fewer and rounded corners
- Size: at least 30 x 30mm, measured to the container's label area
- Material and laminate, matched to where the product lives (fridge, shelf, carton)
- Hand or machine application, and the label direction for machines
- Cut line: none needed for standard shapes; a "Thru-cut" spot colour stroke for custom shapes
- 3mm bleed on the artwork
- Quantity and number of kinds
For the full client brief, see custom label printing for resellers: the brief to get first.
Turnaround, minimums and delivery
Orders up to $2,000 + GST placed before the 1pm Melbourne cut-off dispatch in 2 business days, then about one more business day for each extra $1,000 + GST. The minimum order is $120 + GST ($60 + GST on 312mm wide core rolls). Shipping is free and blind on all label rolls Australia-wide, with no Mediapoint branding.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge for a cutting die?
No. Every label is laser cut from your file, so there's no die to make and no die setup fee, even for a new custom shape.
Can you cut any shape?
Not any shape. We cut squares, rectangles, circles, ovals and simple custom shapes with up to five points, with slightly rounded corners. Intricate outlines aren't cut.
Does the cut go through the backing?
No. The cut goes through the label only and the waste is removed, so labels peel straight off the liner.
What's the smallest die cut label?
30 x 30mm.
Will die cut labels run on my applicator?
Yes. Rolls are wound on 76mm cores. Choose Machine Applied at checkout and select the label direction on the roll.
Ready to order? Register for a trade account to see live pricing on labels on rolls and order die cut labels for your clients.
