Proofing labels in 3D: jars, bottles, cans and pouches

Label artwork is drawn as a rectangle, but almost nobody sees it that way. On a jar it wraps round a curve; on a bottle it sits under a shoulder; on a can it runs all the way round to a seam. A flat proof can be perfectly correct and still look wrong on the container.

What changes when the label is wrapped

• Visible width. On a round container only part of the label faces the shopper. Copy near the ends turns away from view.
• The seam. A full wrap meets itself. Backgrounds and patterns need to line up there, and important copy should stay clear of it.
• Height on the container. A label that fits the panel on paper can sit too high or too low once the shoulder and the base are there.
• Clear stock. On clear film the container shows through wherever there is no white ink underneath.

Put the label on the container, at its size

The 1-up editor's 3D tab has a mockup library with jars, bottles of several shapes, drink and food cans, tins, tubes, cups and pouches. Pick one and it takes its size from the page: the label's width sets how far it wraps round, its height sets the label height. Diameters, heights and wraps can be typed in or picked from common sizes.

Each container has its own print surfaces: a label, a lid, a front and a back. Place a page of the file on each one, fill or fit it, move it and turn it, and the 3D view follows.

Show the finish and the material

Choose white or clear label stock, or metallised board for a can printed on metal. Spot plates for foil, varnish, spot UV or white ink keep working on the mockup: the foil follows its plate wherever the label is placed.

Send it for approval

A mockup is shared as a 3D proof like a carton. The brand turns the jar, checks the seam and pins a comment where it matters.

The mockup library and 3D proofs are free on every plan. Read about mockups or try the viewer.