Roll Label Core Size and Unwind Direction: What to Confirm

For roll labels, confirm three different things: the core size, whether the printed labels face inward or outward on the roll, and which edge of the design comes off first. Sprout Stickers uses a 3-inch core. If your labels will run through an applicator or dispenser, send its requirements with your artwork so the roll setup can be confirmed before production.

A 3-inch core is the center opening, not the finished roll size

The core is the tube at the center of a label roll. Its inside diameter determines how it fits onto the equipment's roll holder. A 3-inch core does not mean the full roll is 3 inches across, and it does not tell you how wide the roll will be.

Check your equipment instructions for its core requirement, maximum outside roll diameter and permitted liner width. A matching core alone is not enough to establish that a complete roll will fit. If a contract packer applies your labels, ask them for their roll specifications and send those to us.

Inside and outside winding describe which way the label faces

• Outside wound: the printed face points toward the outside of the wound roll.
• Inside wound: the printed face points toward the core, with the backing liner facing outward.

This choice is separate from the direction of the artwork. “Outside wound” still leaves another question: which edge needs to come off first? Include both requirements in your design instructions. We can review inside- or outside-wound requests with your artwork and confirm the arrangement before production.

Unwind direction identifies the leading edge

Look at your finished design upright, as a customer should read it. Then identify the edge that must leave the roll first:

A circle still has an artwork orientation when it contains text or a logo. Do not assume that a round label can be loaded in any direction just because its cut shape is symmetrical.

Send a marked drawing or the equipment manufacturer's roll diagram with the direction described in words. If your instructions use a numbered unwind position, include the diagram that defines that number so we can check the same arrangement.

Hand application and machine application need different preparation

When applying labels by hand, you may simply prefer one edge to peel first. Tell us if that preference matters, especially when you want repeat orders to arrive in the same orientation.

For machine application, start with the machine requirements. Send the make and model or the relevant specification sheet. Include the required core, maximum outside diameter, liner width and spacing information if the equipment specifies them. We will review the requested setup; do not assume compatibility from the label size alone.

Your print file should show the artwork as you want it to appear on the finished package. Keep feeding arrows and machine notes in a separate reference or clearly identified instructions. Use our artwork guidelines to prepare the printable file.

Order quantity and labels per roll are different

The minimum order is 100 labels per design. Rolls contain at least 100 labels each, and we divide the order into rolls according to label size and the total quantity. A roll containing more than 100 labels does not incur an extra charge just for exceeding 100 labels on that roll.

For example, ordering 500 labels specifies the number of labels you need; it does not by itself specify five rolls of 100. If a packer or workstation needs a particular roll count or number of labels per roll, include that request so we can confirm the arrangement before production.

A checklist to send with your design

• Application: by hand, dispenser or labeling machine.
• Equipment: make, model and available roll specification sheet.
• Finished label: shape, width, height and quantity per design.
• Core: confirm that a 3-inch inside diameter meets your requirement.
• Winding: inside or outside, plus top, bottom, left or right edge first.
• Roll limits: any maximum diameter, liner width, spacing or roll-count requirement supplied by your equipment provider.
• Reference: a marked diagram showing the upright design and the feed direction.

Confirm the roll specification alongside the digital proof and artwork approval. A proof of the printed design should not be treated as a substitute for confirming the machine setup.

Still deciding on the label itself? Read our clear-label white ink guide and matte versus glossy guide. Then choose your custom roll labels or send your roll requirements for a quote. Standard priced sizes are 2-inch round and 2 × 2-inch square; other sizes, custom shapes and quantities not listed are quoted separately.