Custom Pre-Labeled Cans Order Guide

1) Choose Your can size

There’s a perfect can for every creation.

Need help deciding? Coleman explains it all in the lab. You can request free samples by emailing labels@oktoberdesign.com. We just charge for shipping.

2) Design your label

Visit the product page for your chosen can size. You'll find all the details you need, including free Canva templates, dimensions, and MOQ details. Even if you're not a designer, our Canva templates are easy to customize. There is also a list of each can size with template links and dimensions at the end of this guide. There's also a snazzy lingo guide to help you become a pro.

If you would like to use the same label design for multiple can sizes, it must be resized to the correct dimensions for each can label.

You can design in any program you choose, as long as the file meets the specifications outlined below. We like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva. JPEGS and PNGS are not recommended. It's tempting to have AI design your label, but trust us- it doesn't print well. We strongly suggest replying on your own creativity for this one.

• File Format: Submit as a high-resolution file. Upload PDFs directly to our online ordering system. Email other file types to to labels@oktoberdesign.com with your order number.
• Color Mode: Colors can print differently than they appear on screen if no color profile is embedded. We recommend creating all print-intended designs in CMYK using the GRACoL ICC profile download here for best results. For accurate color matching, please provide Pantone codes using the Pantone Color Finder. Use the search filter to search for COATED COLORS only. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure their submitted file meets the provided specs and contains the correct information to achieve the best print quality. Oktober is not responsible for color differences if a profile is missing or Pantone codes are not specified.
• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI at actual print size.
• Bleed: Include at least 0.125" (1/8 inch) bleed on all sides.
• Fonts: Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts.
• Images: Linked images must be embedded at high resolution.
• Final Review: Double-check spelling, design placement, and overall layout before submitting. Be sure to test barcodes and QR codes. Ensure that your label design complies with any local, state, or federal regulations that apply to your product. For alcoholic beverages, be sure to include the most recent Surgeon General's warning.

If you're designing a label for silver or transparent bopp, use layers in your file to show which areas should be transparent/silver and which should be solid print. Add a white backing layer behind elements you want to stand out—otherwise they may appear see-through, like stained glass. Create new layer for items and name the layer, ie. “varnish”.

3) order online

• Visit the product page for your chosen can size.
• For a new design or your first order, choose NEW DESIGN.
• Select your label material: GLOSSY WHITE BOPP, MATTE WHITE BOPP, TRANSPARENT, or SILVER.
• Select the end type that matches your seamer's tooling. Not sure what you have? Watch our Oktober Labs video that explains it all.
• Select your box quantity. The MOQ for each can size is listed on the product page. For example, 3 boxes MOQ = 1 design; 6 boxes = 2 designs. If you wish to break the MOQ rule down to 1 design per box, there is an additional fee.
  

4) Review & Approve Your Digital Proof

A digital proof of your artwork will be emailed to the address you used to place the order. Check out our guide here about how to read digital proofs.

Once you're reviewed it, email us back a thumbs up. If you have changes, let us know and submit an updated file via email. Once approved, the proof will be submitted for production and no further changes can be made. Please reply within 48 hours to avoid delays. If we don’t hear back within that time, the proof will be automatically approved.

5) can your craft

You can expect your order to ship 2-3 weeks from the proof approval date. You'll receive an email confirmation with tracking information when they ship.

Tag @oktoberdesign on socials to have your masterpiece featured!

label content recommendations

Some of our customers include the following on their label design:

• Brand Name
• Product/Beverage Name
• Net Contents / Volume (e.g., 12 fl oz, 750 ml)
• Ingredients List (descending order by weight)
• Allergen Declaration (e.g., "Contains: Coconut, Milk")
• Manufacturer/Producer Information
• Date Code (e.g., "Best By," "Canned On," or "Bottled On" dates)
• Storage Instructions
• Barcode/UPC (required for retail distribution)
• Recycling Icon
• Alcohol by Volume (if contains alcohol)
• Government Warning (if contains alcohol) - make sure this is large enough to read per your local regulations

If you need design assistance or recommendation for a pro, reach out to labels@oktoberdesign.com.

DIGITAL PROOF: Basically a “sneak peek” PDF of your label before we print it. It’s like trying on clothes in the dressing room—you get to see if it fits before we hit “go.” this will be emailed to you for review and approval before printing your new design. last chance to look for errors, then it goes on file. We do not mock your design up on a can- yet. Stay tuned on that one.

BOPP: Fancy name for plastic label material. Waterproof, durable, and won’t cry in the cooler like paper labels do.

FINISH: The final “vibe” of your label: matte (smooth and soft), glossy (shiny like lip gloss).

VARNISH: Adding varnish to different textures can engage another powerful sense: touch. Varnish pops up elements of your design using layers.

LAYERS: Think of them like sticker lasagna. Different levels in your design ‘s file: transparent, solid, or backed with white ink—stacked to make the final look.

PRODUCTION SAMPLE: The “test drive” can. We print one (or a few) so you can see how your design looks in real life before the full batch. available upon request.

MOQ: The smallest amount we’ll print. Because one single can order would just make the printer roll its eyes.

COLOR MODE: CMYK = the print world’s language. RGB is for screens, CMYK is for cans. Think of it as speaking “printer-ese.”

FILE FORMAT: The type of digital file you send us. PDF or AI are the golden tickets. A screenshot from your phone? …Not so much.

BRITE: A naked can—shiny aluminum, no label, no paint, no shame.

CUSTOM PRE-LABELED CAN: Cans that show up already dressed for the party. Your design + our cans = done and ready to fill.

Label Dimensions

• 7.5oz Sleek - 3.3" H x 7" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 12oz - 3.5" H x 8.125" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 330ml PET - 2.5" H x 8.125" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 12oz Sleek ALUM - 5.31" H x 7 W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 12oz Sleek PET - 3.3" H x 7 W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 16oz - 5" H x 8.13" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 500ml PET - 3.5" H x 8.125" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 19.2oz - 6" H x 8.13" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 24oz - 6.375" H x 8.9" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 32oz - 6" H x 10" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 401x400 Steel Cans - 3.63" H x 12.13" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE
  
• 401x508 Steel Cans - 5.13" H x 12.13" W - TEMPLATE | CANVA TEMPLATE

Easy Reordering

• Reordering with Same Artwork: Select REPEAT DESIGN and type in the file name on your previously approved proof. A new proof is not required if using artwork already on file. We will print the proof previously approved.
• Updating Artwork on File: Email labels@oktoberdesign.com to update or check your artwork on file.
• Lead Time: Your order will ship 2-3 weeks from order date. Visit the can collection page on our website for current shipping estimates.
• Subscriptions: Sign up for a subscription and we’ll keep your label in stock for quick turnaround. You choose the quantity and frequency, and you can pause, change, or cancel your subscription anytime.
  
  

Samples

Sample press proofs are available for and typically ship within 3 weeks of digital proof approval.

Storage Recommendations

• Store in a dark, dry place at 72°F with 50% relative humidity.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. Heat softens adhesives. Cold reduces adhesion.

Order Issues

Shipping Damage: If your box and/or product has been damaged during shipping, please email your order number and photos of the damage to labels@oktoberdesign.com within 5 business days. Oktober takes pride in careful packaging to minimize damage; however, some damage may still occur. For cans, a damage rate of up to 2% per box/pallet is considered normal. If damage exceeds 2%, please contact us. While Oktober is not directly responsible for shipping-related damage, we are committed to helping make it right. Cans are not eligible for return or refund, but in cases where notable damage occurs, a pro-rated per can store credit may be issued. If damage is consistent, we recommend speaking with your regular delivery driver to address the issue.

Returns: Aluminum, PET, and steel cans are not eligible for return due to health and safety considerations, as well as high risk of shipping damage and associated costs.

Order Cancellation: Custom Labeled can orders may be cancelled only if the label has not yet entered print production.

Got questions?

We're here to help. Give us a call at 231-750-1998 or email us at labels@oktoberdesign.com.