How to Choose a Shape for Your Label

First things first: Measure the surface of your product and determine exactly what information you need to include. Then, refer to the chart below for shape-specific details you can use to make a smart selection.

Consider a rectangle if...

• Your container is elongated (think tall and thin, or short and wide)
• You'd like your label to wrap around, separating your logo and more technical info
• Your logo is text heavy
• You're looking for moderate coverage or more design space
• You need your label to double as a seal (think jars or lidded boxes)
• Ideal for boxed chocolates, canned goods, cigar-style soap sleeves, creams, mason jars, nutrition labels, spirits

Consider an oval if...

• You aren't in need of a lot of surface space
• You'd prefer minimal coverage
• Your container is a bottle, jar, or fold-over bag
• You're aiming for a softer, more elegant aesthetic
• Your logo is simple, with a minimalistic design that fits well within the oval shape
• You're looking to wrap text around the border
• Ideal for baked goods, candles, jarred goods, oils, sauces, soaps, spices, and syrups

Consider an arched shape if...

• You want a unique-shaped label
• Your item is bagged with a twist top
• You're looking for moderate coverage
• Your logo contains vertical imagery
• You're aiming for a vintage aesthetic
• You want your product to appear more premium
• Ideal for bagged sweets, beverages, body lotions, hand soaps, perfumes, wine bottles

Consider a square if...

• You want to include a lot of information (large square)
• You're looking for a pricing/ID label (small square)
• Your logo is detailed or elaborate
• Your logo will include a border
• You'd prefer a more modern or sophisticated look and feel
• Your container has a clear front and backside and you'd like to separate information
• Ideal for barcodes, dry foods, gift boxes, pricing, spirits, tea or coffee tins

Consider a round shape if...

• The surface of your container is curved
• Your logo design is simple and compact
• You need to display a moderate amount of information
• You're aiming for a more class aesthetic
• Your label will appear on a lid
• Your label is doubling as a seal (think fold-over brown bags)
• You're advertising a promotion
• Ideal for bagged sweets, balms and creams, candles, sauces and jams, spirits