Quick answerTo make product labels at home, decide what the label must say (product name, your business name, net quantity, ingredients and any required warnings), pick a label size that fits your container, design it, and print a test on plain paper before printing on label sheets. Use waterproof or matte vinyl labels for items that get wet or handled a lot.
⚖️ Please read: This article is general information, not legal advice. Labeling rules for food, cosmetics, candles and other products depend on the product and your state and can change. Check your state's department of agriculture or health, the FDA, and any trade rules that apply before you sell.
Key takeaways
Start with what the label must include, then design around it.
Measure your container before picking a label size.
Always print a test page on plain paper and hold it up to the sheet.
Use vinyl or waterproof labels for soap, bath products and anything refrigerated.
Food, cosmetics and candles have labeling rules; check yours.
Good labels make homemade products look professional and help customers trust what they're buying. You don't need a print shop: a home printer, label sheets and a simple design get you most of the way.
What should a product label include?
Product name and a short description (for example "Lemon Lavender Soap Bar").
Your business name and a way to reach you (website, city and state, or email).
Net quantity (weight, volume or count).
Ingredients where required, usually in descending order by weight.
Required warnings or notices for your product type (for example allergens on food, safety warnings on candles).
Optional: logo, scent, batch number, "best by" date, social handle.
Common label sheet sizes
Avery #
Size
Per sheet
Good for
5160
1" x 2-5/8"
30
Small jars, tins, address labels
5163
2" x 4"
10
Bags, boxes, larger jars
5164
3-1/3" x 4"
6
Big jars, candles, shipping boxes
22807
2" round
12
Jar lids, seals, cookie bags
Measure the flat area of your container and leave a little margin. Generic brands often use the same layouts, so check the template number on the box.
Which label paper should you use?
Matte paper: cheapest; fine for dry goods and gift tags.
Glossy: brighter colors; can smear with inkjet if not dried.
Waterproof / vinyl: for soap, lotion, anything in the fridge or bathroom. Check it matches your printer type (inkjet or laser).
Kraft: rustic look for baked goods and candles.
Printing tips
Print on plain paper first and hold it over a label sheet against a window.
Set the printer to "actual size" or 100%, not "fit to page."
Use the label or heavy paper setting.
Let inkjet prints dry before handling.
Check the rules for your product
Labeling rules depend on what you sell and where. Home-kitchen foods usually fall under your state's cottage food law; soap that makes cosmetic claims can be regulated as a cosmetic; candles often carry safety warnings. Our homemade food label guide covers food in more detail.
Printable Barn's label maker includes a checklist of what each type of label usually includes and makes print-ready PDFs for Avery sheets or a label printer. Need a logo first? Try the logo maker.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Labeling rules for food, cosmetics, candles and other products depend on the product and your state and can change. Check your state's department of agriculture or health, the FDA, and any trade rules that apply before you sell.
Frequently asked questions
What size label should I use for a jar?
Measure the flat area of the jar. Small jars often fit 2-inch round lid labels or 1 x 2-5/8 inch labels; larger jars fit 2 x 4 inch or 3-1/3 x 4 inch labels.
Can I print waterproof labels at home?
Yes. Buy waterproof or vinyl label sheets made for your printer type (inkjet or laser). Some inkjet inks still need time to dry or a clear seal.
What does a product label need to say?
Typically the product name, your business name and contact info, net quantity, ingredients (when required) and any warnings required for that product type. Requirements vary by product and state.
Do I need a logo for my labels?
No, a clean shop name works. A simple logo can make products look more polished and recognizable.
About Printable Barn. We make low-cost, instant-download printables (large-print puzzles, bingo, party games, worksheets, planners and Sunday school pages) and free tools like an online bingo caller, a logo maker and a product label maker. Every puzzle is computer-checked, and every product has a free sample page. Questions: hello@printablebarn.com.
