What should I include on a product label?

At minimum: product name, net weight, ingredients (if applicable), your business name and address, and any required warnings. Add a barcode if selling through retailers.

What's the best label size for product labels?

It depends on your product. 2" x 3" works for small jars and bags. 2.5" x 3.5" for medium containers. For bottles, use a wrap-around label sized to your container's circumference.

Can I add barcodes to my product labels?

Yes. printshi generates Code 128, UPC, and QR code barcodes directly in the editor. No separate barcode generator needed.

Do I need waterproof labels for my products?

If your product will be refrigerated, exposed to moisture, or handled frequently, use vinyl or BOPP label stock. Standard paper labels work for dry goods in indoor environments.

How many labels can I print at home cost-effectively?

Home printing is cost-effective for batches under 500 labels. For larger runs, consider a professional label printer. printshi works for any batch size.

Can I print product labels for my Etsy shop?

Yes. Many Etsy sellers use printshi for product labels, shipping labels, and thank-you stickers. Design once and print as needed with no per-label cost.

How to Make Product Labels at Home

Last updated: April 12, 2026

If you make candles, soaps, baked goods, sauces, or any handmade product, a professional label transforms your creation from a hobby project into something people trust and want to buy. You don't need a graphic designer or expensive software : with the right approach, you can create polished product labels at home using an ordinary printer.

What to Include on a Product Label

Every product label needs certain core information. What's required depends on your product category, but here's a solid starting point:

Product name : Clear, prominent, and memorable. This is the largest text on the label.
Net weight or volume : Required for food, cosmetics, and many consumer goods. Use both metric and imperial measurements when selling in the US.
Ingredients list : Mandatory for food and cosmetics. List ingredients in descending order by weight. Highlight common allergens (nuts, dairy, soy, wheat).
Your business name and address : Required by the FDA for food products and the FTC for many consumer goods.
Barcode : Essential if you sell through retailers, farmers markets with POS systems, or online marketplaces that require UPC/EAN codes.

Label Sizing for Common Products

Choosing the right label size ensures your design looks intentional, not like an afterthought. Here are recommended sizes for popular product types:

Candles (8-16 oz jars): 2.5″ × 3.5″ or 3″ × 3″ rectangle labels. Wrap-around labels (approximately 8″ × 2″) also work well for a seamless look.
Bar soap: 2″ × 8″ wrap-around or a cigar-band style label that wraps the center. A 2.5″ × 3.5″ rectangle works for flat packaging.
Bottles (sauces, oils, syrups): 2″ × 4″ for the front label, plus a smaller 1.5″ × 3″ back label for ingredients and nutritional info.
Baked goods and food bags: 2″ × 3″ sticker labels. Keep them small enough to not overwhelm the packaging but large enough to be readable.

Adding Barcodes to Your Labels

If you sell through retail stores or need inventory tracking, a barcode on your label is essential. The two most common formats are:

UPC-A : The standard 12-digit barcode used in North American retail. You'll need to purchase a UPC number through GS1.
QR code : Links to your website, ingredient details, or care instructions. Increasingly popular for small-batch and artisan products.

When placing a barcode, leave a "quiet zone" : at least 0.25 inches of blank space on all sides : so scanners can read it reliably. Print barcodes in black on a white or very light background for the best scan rate.

Design Tips for Small-Batch Products

Your label tells customers what your product is worth. A few design principles go a long way:

Keep it simple. One or two fonts, a limited color palette, and plenty of whitespace look more premium than a busy, crowded design.
Use waterproof labels for products exposed to moisture : candles, bath products, refrigerated foods. Matte vinyl or BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) labels resist water and oil.
Print a test batch first. Check colors, text legibility, and adhesion before printing a full run.

Start Making Labels >

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include on a product label?: At minimum: product name, net weight, ingredients (if applicable), your business name and address, and any required warnings. Add a barcode if selling through retailers.
What's the best label size for product labels?: It depends on your product. 2" x 3" works for small jars and bags. 2.5" x 3.5" for medium containers. For bottles, use a wrap-around label sized to your container's circumference.
Can I add barcodes to my product labels?: Yes. printshi generates Code 128, UPC, and QR code barcodes directly in the editor. No separate barcode generator needed.
Do I need waterproof labels for my products?: If your product will be refrigerated, exposed to moisture, or handled frequently, use vinyl or BOPP label stock. Standard paper labels work for dry goods in indoor environments.
How many labels can I print at home cost-effectively?: Home printing is cost-effective for batches under 500 labels. For larger runs, consider a professional label printer. printshi works for any batch size.
Can I print product labels for my Etsy shop?: Yes. Many Etsy sellers use printshi for product labels, shipping labels, and thank-you stickers. Design once and print as needed with no per-label cost.