What size label fits a Mason jar?

For standard Mason jar lids (70mm), use 2" round labels. For the front of 8 oz jars, use 2" x 3" rectangles. For 16 oz jars, use 2.5" x 3.5" rectangles.

How do I make waterproof jar labels?

Use vinyl or BOPP label stock, which resists moisture, oils, and refrigeration. Alternatively, print on standard labels and apply a clear laminate sheet over the top.

Can I print round labels for jar lids?

Yes. Set a custom circular size in printshi (2" or 2.5" diameter) and print on round label sheets available from any office supply store.

What information should be on a jar label?

Product name, net weight, ingredients list (in descending order by weight), allergen warnings, your name/business name, and production date. Check your state's cottage food laws for requirements.

What fonts work well for jar labels?

Handwritten fonts like Caveat or Kalam give a charming homemade feel. Pair with a clean serif like Lora for the ingredients and details.

Can I print labels for farmers market products?

Yes. printshi supports custom sizes for any jar or container. Design your labels, print at home, and bring a polished, professional product to market.

How to Make Jar Labels

Last updated: April 12, 2026

Homemade jams, honey, pickles, and preserves deserve labels that look as good as the food inside. Whether you're canning for your family, selling at a farmers market, or putting together gift baskets, a well-designed jar label adds a finished, professional feel. Here's everything you need to know about creating jar labels at home.

Choosing the Right Label Size and Shape

Jar labels come in more shapes and sizes than standard mailing labels. The best choice depends on your jar size and where you want the label placed.

Round 2″ labels : Perfect for jar lids. These sit on top of Mason jar lids and are the simplest option for identifying contents and date. Great for home canning where you just need "Strawberry Jam : June 2025."
Round 2.5″ labels : Slightly larger lid labels that accommodate more text, like ingredients or a small logo. Fit standard 70mm Mason jar lids with a little room to spare.
Rectangle 2″ × 3″ labels : The most versatile jar label for the front of the jar. Works well on 8 oz and 16 oz jars. Gives you room for a product name, description, and net weight.
Rectangle 2.5″ × 3.5″ labels : A slightly larger front label for wider jars (like 32 oz or wide-mouth). Good when you need to include an ingredients list or nutritional information.
Wrap-around labels : For a sleek, commercial look, a label that wraps the circumference of the jar (approximately 8-10″ wide × 2″ tall for a standard jar) gives a seamless appearance.

Fonts and Design for a Rustic, Handmade Feel

Jar labels for homemade products tend to look best with a warm, artisanal aesthetic. The design should say "made with care" rather than "mass-produced." Here are font and design pairings that work well:

Rustic/handwritten fonts: Amatic SC, Caveat, or Kalam give a charming, hand-lettered look. Use these for the product name.
Slab serif fonts: Roboto Slab or Arvo pair nicely with handwritten fonts for the secondary text (ingredients, weight, date). They add structure without feeling corporate.
Earthy colors: Deep brown, olive green, burnt orange, and cream backgrounds evoke a farmhouse or kitchen garden feel. Avoid neon or overly bright colors.

A simple border : a thin line, a dotted frame, or a hand-drawn rectangle : helps contain the design and makes the label look intentional. Add a small illustration of the fruit, herb, or ingredient if you want extra visual appeal.

Waterproof Labels for Kitchen Use

Jar labels face unique challenges: condensation from refrigeration, sticky drips from honey and syrup, and handling with wet hands. Standard paper labels will peel, smear, or dissolve. For jar labels that last, consider these options:

Vinyl label stock : Waterproof and oil-resistant. Available in matte or glossy. This is the best option for products that will be refrigerated or handled frequently.
BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) labels : The same material used by commercial food brands. Extremely durable, resistant to moisture and oils, and compatible with inkjet printers.
Laminated paper labels : Print on regular label stock, then apply a clear laminate sheet over the top. A budget-friendly waterproofing method that works surprisingly well.
Laser-printed labels : Laser toner is naturally more water-resistant than inkjet ink. If you have a laser printer, even standard label stock will hold up better than inkjet-printed labels.

Create Your Jar Labels

Our free label maker supports custom sizes for jar lids, front labels, and wrap-around designs. Set your dimensions, add your text, and print : no software downloads or signups. Perfect for a batch of holiday preserves or your farmers market inventory.

Start Making Labels >

Frequently Asked Questions

What size label fits a Mason jar?: For standard Mason jar lids (70mm), use 2" round labels. For the front of 8 oz jars, use 2" x 3" rectangles. For 16 oz jars, use 2.5" x 3.5" rectangles.
How do I make waterproof jar labels?: Use vinyl or BOPP label stock, which resists moisture, oils, and refrigeration. Alternatively, print on standard labels and apply a clear laminate sheet over the top.
Can I print round labels for jar lids?: Yes. Set a custom circular size in printshi (2" or 2.5" diameter) and print on round label sheets available from any office supply store.
What information should be on a jar label?: Product name, net weight, ingredients list (in descending order by weight), allergen warnings, your name/business name, and production date. Check your state's cottage food laws for requirements.
What fonts work well for jar labels?: Handwritten fonts like Caveat or Kalam give a charming homemade feel. Pair with a clean serif like Lora for the ingredients and details.
Can I print labels for farmers market products?: Yes. printshi supports custom sizes for any jar or container. Design your labels, print at home, and bring a polished, professional product to market.