How to Create Easy-to-Read Product Labels

Designing product labels that are easy to read can help communicate messages to clients effectively. In this article, we'll discuss how to foster brand trust through aspects of label design, such as font selection and size, space, and alignment.

How to Create an Easily Digestible Label Design for Your Products

Creating easy-to-read product labels involves balancing several design elements. By ensuring that certain aspects of a label are in the correct balance, brands can produce influential labels that enhance product appeal and improve customer engagement. Using a good font selection is an excellent way to start.

Font Selection

Choosing the right font is the foundation of an excellent, readable label. However, how do you choose among the vast array of fonts available? Here are a few easy-to-read fonts that can help you get started.

• Verdana: this is designed to show a readable message with wide spacing, making it perfect for labels that need to be clear and accessible.
• Helvetica: this is a classic choice known for its clean, modern lines and excellent readability. It's versatile and works well in various sizes, making it ideal for labels.
• Open Sans: with a neutral and approachable appearance, Open Sans is highly legible and works well for labels that need to convey information clearly and professionally.

After choosing the font that best fits your brand's needs, take into consideration these essential details:

• Avoid decorative fonts: they can be challenging to read. Use them sparingly for brand names or headings to add uniqueness.
• Consistency is key: limit the number of different fonts to maintain a cohesive look. Using more than three fonts in a design can seem chaotic and unprofessional.
• Minimum font size: use at least 6-8 points for less critical information, adjusting based on label size and target audience.
• Bold and italic styles: highlight essential information sparingly to avoid clutter and create a visual hierarchy.

Our guide on font licensing introduces more font ideas for your products

Spacing and Alignment

Proper spacing ensures that the text is easy to read. Adequate spacing prevents letters and words from looking cramped, reducing eye strain and making it easier for customers to see product information. Here's how to improve the spacing on a label:

• Whitespace balance: ensure that the spacing around letters complements the overall design, balancing negative space and text. Then, ensure the text fits nicely between the design's borders, icons, and images.
• Adjust letters for better readability: take the time to adjust the spacing between letters manually. Certain letter combinations, like "AV" or "Ty," often need custom spacing adjustments to look balanced and natural.
• Use professional typography tools: design tools like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Maestro Label Designer can help with font editing and better design.

Adjust Graphics Dimensions

Adjusting design graphics to fit fonts on labels involves a thoughtful approach to ensure that the overall design is harmonious and that both text and graphics enhance each other. Here are some ideas you can use to achieve better graphic dimensions in your designs:

• Consistency in style: choose graphics that match the style of the font. For example, opt for sleek, minimalist graphics if you use a modern sans-serif font.
• Size matching: scale graphics proportionally to the size of the text to ensure balance. Avoid overpowering the text with overly large graphics or vice versa.
• Whitespace management: use whitespace effectively to balance text and graphics. Ensure enough breathing room around both elements to avoid a cluttered look.

Color and Text Contrast

Achieving effective color and text contrast in a design is crucial for readability, visual appeal, and ensuring your audience quickly understands your message. Here are some strategies to help you achieve optimal color and text contrast:

• Dark text on a light background: black or dark-colored text on a white or light background is a classic choice that maximizes readability.
• Light text on a dark background: white or light-colored text on a dark background can also be very effective, especially for a more dramatic or modern look.
• Complementary colors: use colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange) to create a strong contrast in text.

To learn more about how to use color in labels, our guide on how to create the best labels and packaging using color psychology can help.

Clear and Concise Label Design Leads to More Sales

Designing clear and compelling product labels is essential for building brand trust and enhancing customer engagement. You can create labels that attract attention and convey critical information by carefully selecting fonts and maintaining proper spacing and alignment. By incorporating these best practices, you can develop labels that meet regulatory requirements, reinforce your brand's identity, and connect effectively with your audience.

Ready to start designing your product labels? Maestro Label Designer is our exclusive design platform that works seamlessly with our labels. Get started today!