What file format should I send for label printing?

For optimal results with Canadian custom label printing, always submit vector-based PDFs with embedded fonts as your primary file format. This ensures crisp text, accurate colours, and avoids costly delays during prepress – especially important for Ontario businesses needing reliable packaging for retail or export.

Choosing the right file format isn't just technical preference; it's about efficiency in Canada's competitive marketplace. As a Toronto-based printer serving Ontario producers from craft breweries to skincare startups, we see daily how improper files cause 3-5 day delays when we must chase missing Pantone® shades or reconstruct blurry logos. Unlike U.S. printers who might accept RGB-only files, Canadian regulations often require precise colour matching for bilingual labelling – making CMYK accuracy essential. Remember: a 72dpi screenshot might look fine on your MacBook, but will turn into pixelated mush when printed at actual size on our Heidelberg presses.

Why file formats matter for Canadian label production

Vector files (PDF/AI/EPS/SVG) scale infinitely without quality loss – critical for tiny ingredient lists on Health Canada-compliant labels or intricate maple-leaf patterns. Raster images require 300dpi at final dimensions; a 1"x1" logo needs 300x300 pixels, not a "scaled-down" 1200x1200 image. We once had a Vaughan winery resubmit files three times because their JPEG-compressed vintage year "2023" became unreadable mush at bottle scale. For colour-critical work like cannabis packaging requiring HEX #27AE60 compliance, CMYK builds prevent Ontario Liquor Board rejections due to green variations.

Best formats deep dive (with Ontario examples)

• PDF/X-4 (print-ready): Embed all fonts and include 3mm bleed. Ideal for Toronto distilleries needing sharp text on clear BOPP labels. Never use "Save as PDF" in Word – generate from InDesign/Illustrator.
• AI/EPS (vector): Essential for logos with fine details like Toronto Raptors-inspired patterns. Confirm all text is outlined (Type > Create Outlines) to avoid font licensing issues when printing for Ontario craft beer festivals.
• SVG (vector): Only acceptable if layers aren't flattened. Works for simple shapes like Montreal bagel shop kraft paper labels, but avoid for multi-colour gradients.

Image quality: Avoiding "Canadian winter" print disasters

When vectors aren't possible (e.g., product photography for Ontario cheese producers), ensure: 300dpi at actual size – no "upscaled" Instagram pics. CMYK colour space prevents surprise shifts (RGB blues become purple on press). Never use JPEG for text/line art – compression artifacts destroy small type, especially problematic for bilingual French/English ingredient lists required by Canadian labelling standards. TIFF or PNG-24 are safer raster alternatives. For frost-resistant vinyl labels destined for Ottawa's harsh winters, verify barcode contrast meets ISO/IEC 15416 standards.

Pre-flight checklist: What Ontario printers verify

• Bleed & safety zones: 3mm bleed for edge-to-edge designs (common on Niagara wine labels), with critical elements 2mm inside trim line
• Text legibility: Minimum 6pt type for bilingual warnings – we reject anything smaller per Health Canada guidelines
• Barcode validation: 100% contrast with quiet zones (e.g., white space around QR codes for Toronto market produce)
• Dielines: Mandatory for custom shapes like maple-leaf cutouts – download our adhesive selection guide for die-line templates