Why Artwork Preparation Matters for Dome Labels
Dome labels magnify the printed design beneath the resin dome, which means any imperfections in your artwork will be amplified rather than hidden. Low-resolution images, incorrect color modes, and insufficient bleed areas are the most common reasons dome label orders don't meet expectations.
Following the guidelines in this article will help you prepare artwork that prints crisply, reproduces colors accurately, and looks professional under the glossy resin dome. Whether you're a graphic designer or creating your first label, these tips will save you time and ensure great results.
Accepted File Formats
We accept a range of file formats, but some produce better results than others. Here is what we recommend:
Preferred (Vector)
- AI — Adobe Illustrator (best for logos and graphics)
- EPS — Encapsulated PostScript (universal vector format)
- PDF — High-quality PDF with embedded fonts
- SVG — Scalable Vector Graphics
Vector files scale to any size without losing quality.
Accepted (Raster)
- PNG — Best for graphics with transparency
- JPG — Suitable for photographic images
- TIFF — High-quality uncompressed images
- PSD — Adobe Photoshop (keep layers flattened)
Raster files must be 300 DPI minimum at actual print size.
Resolution Requirements: 300 DPI Minimum
Resolution is one of the most important factors in dome label quality. Because the resin dome acts as a magnifying lens, low-resolution artwork appears noticeably pixelated and blurry under the dome. Always design at the actual print size with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch).
Resolution Guidelines
- 300 DPI — Minimum acceptable resolution for dome labels
- 600 DPI — Recommended for labels smaller than 1 inch
- 72 DPI — Screen resolution only; will print blurry and pixelated
A common mistake is downloading a logo from a website and using it for print. Web images are typically 72 DPI and will appear pixelated when printed at dome label sizes. Always use the original vector or high-resolution source file for your artwork.
Color Modes: CMYK for Print
Dome labels are produced using CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) printing. If your artwork is designed in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color mode, colors may shift during the conversion to CMYK, especially vivid blues, greens, and bright oranges.
For the most accurate color reproduction, design your artwork in CMYK from the start. If you must convert from RGB, review the converted file carefully and adjust any colors that appear different from your original design.
Color Tips
- Design in CMYK color mode from the beginning for accurate print colors
- Provide Pantone (PMS) color codes for precise brand color matching
- Avoid neon or fluorescent colors, as they cannot be reproduced in standard CMYK
- Keep in mind that colors appear slightly different on screen versus in print
- The resin dome enhances color saturation, making prints appear slightly more vivid
Bleed Areas & Safe Zones
Bleed is the area of artwork that extends beyond the final cut line. Including proper bleed ensures that there are no white edges after die-cutting. For dome labels, we recommend a minimum bleed of 1/16 inch (1.5mm) on all sides.
Safe Zone Rules
- Bleed area: Extend background colors and images at least 1/16 inch beyond the cut line
- Safe zone: Keep all important text and logos at least 1/16 inch inside the cut line
- Trim line: The actual boundary where the label will be die-cut
- Never place critical design elements close to the edge where they might be trimmed
This is especially important for dome labels because the resin dome covers the entire surface up to the edge. Any design elements too close to the edge may appear partially covered or distorted where the dome meets the substrate.
Text Sizing & Avoiding Thin Lines
Small text and thin lines present unique challenges for dome labels. The resin dome can magnify small imperfections and the dome's curvature at the edges may slightly distort fine details. Follow these guidelines for best results:
Text Guidelines
- Minimum font size: 6pt for serif fonts, 5pt for sans-serif fonts
- Use bold or medium-weight fonts for small text
- Avoid light or thin font weights below 8pt
- Outline all text when submitting vector files to prevent font substitution
- Keep text centered and away from the dome's curved edges
Line Guidelines
- Minimum line thickness: 0.5pt (0.18mm)
- Avoid hairline rules, as they may not print visibly
- Use solid lines rather than dotted or dashed lines for small labels
- Increase line weight for designs that will be printed at small sizes
- Test fine details at actual print size before ordering
Choosing the Right Shape
The shape of your dome label affects both its visual impact and how the resin dome forms. Round and oval shapes produce the most uniform dome profile because the resin distributes evenly from the center. Rectangular and square labels also dome well, though the corners may have slightly less dome height than the center.
Custom shapes with sharp interior angles or very narrow sections can be challenging because the resin may not flow evenly into tight areas. If your design requires a complex custom shape, we recommend discussing it with our team before finalizing your order.
Our standard shapes include circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, and rounded rectangles. Custom die-cut shapes are available for any design.
Design Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- +Use vector artwork whenever possible for sharp, scalable graphics
- +Design at 300 DPI minimum at actual print size
- +Work in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction
- +Include 1/16 inch bleed on all sides
- +Keep important elements within the safe zone
- +Outline all fonts in vector files
- +Use bold, simple designs for small labels (under 1 inch)
- +Provide Pantone color codes for brand-critical colors
Don'ts
- -Use low-resolution images pulled from websites (72 DPI)
- -Design in RGB and expect colors to match exactly in print
- -Place critical text or logos too close to the label edge
- -Use hairline rules or fonts below 5pt
- -Design with neon or fluorescent colors that can't print in CMYK
- -Upscale small images to meet resolution requirements
- -Forget to flatten layers and outline fonts before submitting
- -Use custom shapes with extremely sharp angles or narrow points
Ready to Create Your Dome Labels?
Upload your artwork and configure your custom dome labels online. Our team reviews every design before production to ensure the best possible results.