Label Printing Glossary is your simple, plain-English guide to the terms you’ll see when ordering custom labels, stickers, and promotional print. If you’ve ever wondered what “bleed” means, why “safe zone” matters, or how “lamination” differs from a “finish,” you’re in the right place. We built this glossary to reduce confusion, speed up approvals, and help you feel confident about the choices that impact quality, durability, and cost.

Our Label Printing Glossary covers the vocabulary behind three big parts of any print project: artwork setup, material selection, and production. On the artwork side, you’ll learn key file and layout terms like vector vs. raster, DPI/PPI, CMYK vs. RGB, bleed, trim, and dielines—plus what those terms actually mean for your label design in the real world. Knowing these basics helps you avoid common issues like blurry logos, tiny text that won’t print clearly, or unexpected borders when a design is trimmed.

On the materials side, this page breaks down the language around substrates, adhesives, and finishes. Terms like “permanent adhesive,” “removable adhesive,” “waterproof,” “oil-resistant,” “matte,” and “gloss” aren’t just buzzwords—they determine how your labels perform on bottles, jars, pouches, boxes, or specialty packaging. The right combination can mean the difference between a label that stays perfect through shipping and handling and one that scuffs, lifts, or smudges over time.

The production terms in our Label Printing Glossary help you understand what happens after you submit your order. You’ll find definitions for proofing, turnaround time, press checks, batch runs, reorders, and quality control—so you know what to expect and what details matter most when you approve a proof. If you’re managing multiple SKUs, seasonal packaging, or frequent promotions, learning this language can make your workflow smoother and help you communicate clearly when updates are needed.

This glossary is also a great companion to our FAQs and consultation process. If you’re new to print, it gives you a quick foundation. If you’re experienced, it helps ensure everyone on your team (designers, marketers, operations) is speaking the same language when you’re building packaging systems and planning production timelines.

Leapin’ Lizard Labels is proudly printed in Colorado and ships across the U.S. Bookmark this Label Printing Glossary and come back any time you run into a term that feels unclear—then reach out if you want personalized recommendations for your project.