Sticker Printing & Layout Guide: Avoid Common Pitfalls

CM

Chris Mitre

May 15, 2025 • 6 min read

Printing Guide

Creating professional-quality stickers involves more than just great designs. From layout to printing, there are several common pitfalls that can affect the final result. In this guide, we'll cover the most frequent issues and how to avoid them using Stickerloom's features.

1. Proper Spacing Between Stickers

One of the most common issues is stickers being cut too close together or too far apart. Our automated spacing system ensures consistent gaps between stickers, preventing:

  • Bleeding between colors
  • Wasted material from excessive spacing
  • Inconsistent cutting due to uneven gaps

2. Image-Only Stickers

Our new Image Only mode allows you to create clean, borderless stickers. This is perfect for:

  • Die-cut stickers where the image extends to the edge
  • Full-bleed designs that don't need a visible border
  • Professional-looking stickers with seamless edges

Pro Tip

When using Image Only mode, extend your design slightly beyond the cut line (3mm recommended) to ensure full coverage when cut.

3. File Format Selection

Choosing the right file format is crucial for print quality. Stickerloom supports multiple formats:

PNG

Best for designs with transparency and sharp edges. Larger file size but lossless quality.

JPG

Ideal for photos and complex gradients. Smaller file size but no transparency.

SVG

Vector format that scales perfectly. Ideal for logos and simple graphics.

4. Resolution and Print Quality

Stickerloom automatically optimizes your layouts for professional printing with multiple DPI options:

  • 300 DPI: Standard for most commercial printing applications
  • 600 DPI: Higher quality for detailed designs and professional applications
  • 1200 DPI: Maximum quality for premium stickers and fine details

5. Layout Optimization for Different Shapes

Stickerloom's intelligent algorithms handle mixed shape layouts automatically:

  • Circles: Hexagonal packing for optimal material usage
  • Squares and rectangles: Grid-based arrangement with consistent spacing
  • Custom shapes: Intelligent nesting algorithms to minimize waste
  • Mixed layouts: Combine multiple shapes on a single sheet

6. Export Settings for Professional Results

Choose the right export format based on your production needs:

FormatBest UseAvailability
PDFProfessional printing, vector graphicsFree & Pro
PNGDigital use, transparency supportFree & Pro
SVG, JPEG, TIFFSpecialized printing workflowsPro only

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not accounting for bleed: Always include bleed areas for die-cut stickers
  • Inconsistent spacing: Use Stickerloom's automated spacing to ensure uniformity
  • Wrong DPI settings: Match your DPI to your printer's capabilities
  • Poor color management: Use CMYK color profiles for print production
  • Ignoring material waste: Optimize layouts to reduce costs and environmental impact

Stickerloom Advantage

With Stickerloom's automated layout optimization, most of these common pitfalls are eliminated automatically. Our algorithms ensure proper spacing, optimal material usage, and consistent results every time.

Ready to avoid these common pitfalls and create professional sticker layouts effortlessly?

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