Rolls, Sheets and Singles - which cut option is best?

Choosing the correct cutting option is important for ensuring your labels and stickers are produced in the best format for your requirements, by using different supply options you can make distribution and application as easy as possible, all three options have their own perks and work better for different purposes, so choosing the right one for you is essential to ensuring your labels are as easy to use as possible.

What are Rolls?

Also referred to as; Roll Labels, Roll Stickers

Labels and stickers can be supplied in multiple formats, but one of the most efficient and widely used options is on rolls. Roll labels are wound around a sturdy cardboard core and can be customised to suit both manual application and machine labelling systems.

They can be supplied with labels facing outwards (outside wound) or inwards (inside wound) and even split into specific roll widths based on the size of your artwork. Rolls can also be customised with a specific label orientation, making sure that the correct side comes off the roll first, this is known as the ‘Leading Edge’.

Design Tip:

If your artwork is intended for roll application, especially when a leading edge is required, keep your design in its most natural reading orientation, as if the product were right in front of you. This makes it far easier to ensure the leading edge is set up correctly without needing to rotate or adjust the artwork post-production.

Sales Tip: Why Rolls Are the Best Choice for Labelling Machines?

If you’re using a labelling machine, roll labels are the only practical option. We offer multiple roll specs to match your equipment, ensuring a smooth application process. When ordering, it’s important to confirm the following details:

• This is the edge that will peel off the roll first. Most labelling machines depend on a specific label orientation to place the label correctly on your product.
• Ensures compatibility with your labelling machine; rolls that are too large or too small can cause misfeeds or downtime.
• Fewer labels per roll may mean more frequent roll changes, but it can also be more manageable in terms of weight and ease of handling.
• Preferred by many automated labelling processes for simplicity and better accuracy.

We also offer custom roll configurations, including front and back labels on the same roll. This setup allows you to apply both designs with one pass through the machine, reducing production time significantly.

A commonly overlooked factor is roll weight. Large rolls can get quite heavy, making them cumbersome to move around your workspace or production area. If this is a concern consider requesting additional, smaller rolls instead, this makes them easier to handle, transport, and load into your labelling machine.

Before ordering, speak with our team to ensure your labels are configured perfectly for your labelling machine’s exact specifications. By confirming these details in advance, you’ll avoid common issues and enjoy a more efficient, cost-effective labelling process.

Support Tip: Avoiding Common Issues with Roll Labels

A frequent issue we’ve seen is customers ordering a specific leading edge but not specifying a maximum or minimum roll diameter. When no roll size is requested, the rolls will be produced at standard industry sizes, which may not always fit your machine.

This can result in:

• Rolls that are too large or too small to be loaded into the machine.
• Production delays if rolls need to be reconfigured.

Solution: Always check your labelling machine’s roll diameter capacity before ordering. If you’re unsure, our team can help tailor your order to ensure it runs smoothly through your application process.

Our release liners are a crucial component in ensuring smooth, precise label application, whether by hand or machine. We use supercalendered glassine liners, which undergo a high-pressure, high-heat process to create an ultra-smooth surface for consistent label release, high-speed application, and improved optical scanning. Paper labels feature a honey-coloured glassine liner for flexibility and durability, while polypropylene and metallic labels use a white glassine liner for enhanced stability and smooth peeling. To optimise machine labelling, our kiss cuts ensure labels peel effortlessly, reducing misfeeds and jams. To avoid compatibility issues please always confirm your leading edge, roll diameter, label spacing, and machine requirements before ordering. Our team is available to ensure your labels are set up correctly for a hassle-free application.

Key Features:

• Roll labels come in a continuous strip, making it quick and easy to stick them on products with machines, saving time and effort.
• Roll labels are easy to store and handle thanks to their firm structure and stackable properties
• Roll labels are perfect for machine application, they can cater to specific core sizes, outer diameters, and leading edge. You also have the choice of number of rolls, and label quantity per roll if needed.

Best For:

• Busy production lines with automated label applicators.
• Labels that need to be stored.
• Labels where ease of handling is a must.

What are Sheets?

Also referred to as; Sticker sheets, Sheeter labels, A4 sheets, A5 sheets, DL sheets.

Sheet labels come on flat sheets as opposed to rolls, each label is arranged in a grid pattern to maximise labels per sheet and then cut down to the required side, such as standard paper sizes like A4 and A5, or sheets suitable for envelopes like DL sheets. Coming in a wide variety of materials and finished sheets are very versatile and a good option for address labels or product tags and can be used for a wide range of applications, from mailing to personalising products. Sheet labels may not be as cost-effective as roll labels for high-volume production, as they tend to be more expensive per label and can result in more waste when large quantities are needed.

Design Tip: Why We Print Extra Labels for Accuracy and Reliability

In the label industry, we typically print more labels than ordered as a buffer, ensuring that any labels lost during production or damaged in transit are covered. This is especially important for sequence prints, where every label counts. Sheets aren’t an option in these cases, as losing even one could disrupt the entire sequence. If you’re printing sequential or variable data labels, we also recommend adding a few extra entries to your range to account for potential losses.

Support Tip: Understanding Sheet Label Requirements

A common misconception is that a single sheet can feature multiple designs, shapes, or sizes. In fact, our sheet labels are specifically set up for one repeated design, shape, and size across the sheet, which allows us to keep prices low by using the same printing process as with rolls or individual labels. By repeating the same job on each sheet, we can offer a more economical solution.

If you do need a sheet that includes mixed designs, shapes, or sizes, this is part of our special requirements range. We refer to these as “mixed sticker sheets,” and they’re fully customisable to suit your project. To arrange this service or learn more, please get in touch with our team. We’ll work with you to ensure your custom sheet is set up properly for your application.

Sales Tip: Why Label Sheets Are Ideal for Stock Control and Handouts

Sheets offer an easy way to track how many labels remain per design, making them a stress-free option for managing stock levels. This is particularly useful for businesses needing to distribute stickers efficiently, whether for schools, large events, or branded giveaways. Labels on sheets are also convenient for handouts, as they can be peeled off easily without handling individual rolls or loose-cut stickers. We’ve found that custom sheet sizes are especially popular, allowing customers to tailor the layout to suit their storage, usage, or branding needs. If you need a specific sheet size or layout, get in touch with our team to explore your options.

Key Features:

• Since they come on sheets, they're perfect for smaller or personal labelling tasks, like address labels, product packaging, or craft projects.
• Labels on sheets are easy to handle and peel off, making them a quick and convenient solution for smaller projects. Plus, they're great for shipping because they can fit standard paper and envelope sizes.
• Sheets give you the flexibility to choose between repeating designs or mix things up with multiple different designs on a single sheet.

Best For:

• Smaller personal projects
• Easy and quick labelling application by hand
• Mixed designs in one place

What are Singles?

Also referred to as; Individual labels, individuals, individually cut

Singles, or individually cut labels are labels or stickers cut into individual pieces rather than being supplied on a sheet or a roll, this makes them very easy to peel and apply due to the presence of the surrounding backing material often left as a square or rectangle around your cut label. These labels are often used for small batches or custom hand applying projects, where you need a variety of designs or need to apply labels quickly without dealing with larger sheets or rolls. They’re especially convenient for items that require unique or one-off labelling. Similar to sheets they aren’t the most cost effective due to the increased waste when large quantities are needed.

Design Tip: Why Singles Are Ideal for Handouts and Events

Whenever asked for event stickers, we usually recommend Singles, or individually cut labels and stickers, are just as easy to design as any other supply type and are particularly popular for circle labels. They are a popular for handouts at conventions, events, and gatherings, as they can be distributed individually without the need for peeling, making them a convenient choice for giveaways and promotional branding.

Support Tip: How to Store Singles to Prevent Creasing or Curling

Proper storage is essential for individually cut labels to maintain their quality and is often information our customers request. If not stored correctly, they can crease or curl due to environmental factors. We recommend keeping them in a cool, dry, and dark environment at 15–20°C to prevent materials from reacting to temperature changes. This allows them to remain flat and easy to use when needed.

Key Features:

• All the labels are pre cut and ready to use, meaning no additional preparation before labelling by hand, they are convenient for handing out at events and conventions.
• Great for small-scale labelling projects, such as personalised products, one-off designs, or limited editions.
• Being individually cut, they can be stored and organised easily in small batches without taking up too much space.

Best For:

• Small hand applied batches
• One off or limited-edition labelling
• Promotional giveaways or one-off marketing

Key Differences at a glance:

Which should I choose?

Choose Roll Labels if:
You’re dealing with higher-volume production or automated labelling. Rolls provide speed, efficiency, and easy storage, making them perfect for busy production lines. They’re also the most cost-effective option for large quantities.

Note on Distribution Costs
Some customers opt for multiple small rolls to distribute labels across different locations, which can increase costs. If distribution is your concern, consider using sheets. They’re often easier to split between destinations and take up less room in storage since there’s no cardboard core.

Choose Sheet Labels if:
You need smaller-scale labelling or want a variety of designs on one sheet. They’re quick to handle, fit standard paper sizes, and are ideal for lower-volume or personal projects.

Custom Sheet Sizes
Even though A4 is standard, we can create any sheet size you need. If you want 5 labels per sheet, we’ll simply cut the sheet to those exact dimensions. This is increasingly popular, giving your labels a cohesive, professional look without the waste or extra fuss.

Choose Individually Cut Labels if:
You want a premium, ready-to-hand-out label, perfect for events, promotions, or limited-edition products. Singles are the most convenient for distributing at gatherings or retail counters, though they’re not typically the cheapest option for large runs.