Getting a roll label order right is mostly about specifying it right. Label size, shape, core and wind direction all need to be correct before the job prints. Wind direction is the one people most often get wrong, and it's the one that matters most if the labels are going on an applicator. This is a plain reference for how we run labels on rolls: size limits, core, wind direction, roll size, typical sizes by product, and what to send us so the roll turns up ready to load.
Label size range
We print roll labels from 30 × 30mm up to 297 × 1000mm. That covers everything from small jar and cosmetic labels to large wraps, and we can produce more or less any size between those limits.
Shapes:
- Squares, rectangles and circles: our system adds the cut line, so you don't draw one.
- Custom shapes: you supply the cut path as a "Thru-cut" spot colour stroke. Our roll label artwork setup guide covers how.
Core size: 76mm
Labels on rolls are supplied on a 76mm (3-inch) core, the standard core for most commercial label applicators. If your client runs older or specialty equipment, check that it takes a 76mm core before ordering.
Wind direction: outside wound, four orientations
Wind direction describes which way the label faces as it comes off the roll. Our labels are outside wound, meaning the printed face is on the outside of the roll. We can supply four orientations, so the top, bottom, left or right edge of the label leads off the roll, whichever your applicator needs.
For hand application, wind direction rarely matters. For machine application it's critical: get it wrong and the labels feed upside down or backwards. Tell us at quoting that the job is machine applied and we'll build the correct wind direction into the order. The applicator's brand and model usually tells us what it needs, so include it if you have it.
Roll diameter
A full roll builds to roughly 250mm outside diameter. Treat that as a guide, not a fixed spec. The number of labels per roll depends on label size: smaller labels fit more per roll, larger labels fewer. If your client's applicator has a maximum roll diameter, check it against this figure.
The 312mm-wide roll format
As well as our standard labels on rolls, we run a 312mm-wide roll format. The labels are printed in multiple lanes across a 312mm-wide web and wound on the same 76mm inner core. It's available on white or clear BOPP only, and the minimum order is $60 + GST per job.
Sizing to the container
There's no universal "standard" roll label size. The right size comes from the container. Before locking artwork, confirm three things:
- The container's label area. Bottle and jar suppliers publish the recessed or designated area meant to take a label. Too big and it wraps into curves or shoulders. Too small and it leaves visible gaps.
- The applicator's requirements: core, wind direction and maximum roll diameter, from the client's bottler or production team.
- The existing size. If the client is reordering, match the current label, because their line is already set up for it.
Typical sizes by product
These are representative ranges, not standards. Always confirm against the container supplier's spec sheet.
| Application | Typical width | Typical height |
|---|---|---|
| Wine front (Bordeaux) | 80–100mm | 80–110mm |
| Wine front (Burgundy / Hock) | 65–95mm | 80–130mm |
| Wine back | 80–100mm | 50–90mm |
| Sparkling front | 90–120mm | 80–110mm |
| Neck labels | 30–50mm | 60–90mm |
| Spirits front | 70–100mm | 70–110mm |
| Beer bottle | 90–110mm | 50–90mm |
| Beer can wrap | 200–250mm | 100–125mm |
| Food jar (small) | 50–80mm | 30–60mm |
| Food jar (medium) | 80–100mm | 60–90mm |
| Food product (rectangular) | 80–150mm | 40–100mm |
| Cosmetic bottle | 30–80mm | 50–100mm |
| Household chemical | 80–150mm | 80–150mm |
Product-specific notes
- Wine: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Hock and sparkling bottles each have a different label area, so check the actual bottle. Neck labels are a separate job and should match the main label's stock and finish. See the wine label printing guide.
- Wrap-around labels on jars and cans: the width is the circumference plus a 5–10mm overlap for the seam.
- Small cosmetic jars: wraps on 15–30mm diameter jars produce very narrow labels, so plan the design space early.
- Industrial and chemical: the regulatory text required often sets the minimum size. Confirm the requirements with the relevant authority.
Bleed and safe area
- Bleed: 3mm on every edge.
- Safe area: keep text and logos 5mm inside the trim. The cut can move by up to 2mm, and the safe area absorbs that. Avoid thin borders around the edge, because they show any shift.
- Trimbox is your quoted size; the bleedbox is 3mm larger on each side.
What to send us for a quote
- Label size (width × height), between 30 × 30mm and 297 × 1000mm
- Shape (square, rectangle, circle or custom)
- Stock: white, clear or silver BOPP, or matt paper. See the roll label materials guide.
- Finish: laminated or unlaminated (BOPP only; we don't laminate paper)
- Quantity
- Application method: hand or machine. For machine, include the applicator make and model.
Frequently asked questions
What core size are the labels on?
Labels on rolls are supplied on a 76mm (3-inch) core, which suits most commercial applicators.
What wind directions do you offer?
Outside wound, in four orientations. Tell us at quoting if the job is machine applied and we'll set the correct one.
What are the smallest and largest labels you can print?
From 30 × 30mm up to 297 × 1000mm.
How many labels come on a roll?
It depends on label size. A full roll builds to roughly 250mm outside diameter, so smaller labels fit more per roll.
Do I need to draw a cut line?
Only for custom shapes. For squares, rectangles and circles, our system adds it.
Key takeaways
- Sizes run from 30 × 30mm to 297 × 1000mm, in squares, rectangles, circles and custom shapes.
- Labels on rolls come on a 76mm core, outside wound, in four orientations.
- Tell us if the job is machine applied and we'll set the wind direction.
- A full roll is roughly 250mm in diameter.
- Size to the container's label area, and match existing labels on reorders.
- 3mm bleed, 5mm safe area.
Order roll labels
Mediapoint prints trade-only, blind-shipped roll labels from two business days, with a minimum order of $120 + GST per job. See labels on rolls for live trade pricing, or send your specs through and we'll confirm the size, core and wind before it prints.
