Here are 4 tips to help you create impactful, attractive, eye-catching clear labels for application to product packaging, envelopes and more!

Image of a white candle in a glass jar. the jar shows a clear label detailing the fragrance and brand of candle.

Clear labels offer an easy, affordable way to give envelopes, canisters, jars, decor and other items a professional, printed-on look. These film labels are strong and versatile, perfect for candles, jams, beauty products and more! Labels are available in several different sizes and shapes . Printable with both laser and inkjet printers.


When designing your clear labels, keep in mind that you will need to think about them a little differently than you would think of designing on an opaque label. Here are 4 tips to consider when designing labels on clear material.

Big and Bold is Best!

a large jar of honey sits on a table with trees in the background. The honey jar shows a clear label branded for a local canadian honey business.


For clear labels that hold their own against jarred products and busy backgrounds, you will definitely want to go big and bold when it comes to your font and imagery. This is because without the solid background you would have with something like a white label, your label design and information will compete with whatever it is applied to. Choose chunkier fonts and robust imagery to create clear labels that catch the eye up close and from a distance!

Strike a Chord with Strong Colours!

A bottle of beauty serum is artfully displayed on a pedestal. The bottle displays a clear label.

Strong colours pop beautifully when printed onto clear labels! They remain vibrant, even without an opaque background and stand out against most packaging surfaces and container contents. Colours like black, red, green, brighter blues and other strong hues play best with the clear label and the surface to which the label will be applied. Opting for pale colours can give your label a somewhat washed-out appearance.

NOTE: Remember, most home printers, whether inkjet or laser simply do not print white ink. So, you’ll want to avoid using white in your design.

Choose the Right Surfaces

Clear label. Static cling label applied to a mirror in a barber shop.

Before designing your label, first consider where that label will go. Clear labels look best when applied to glass, mirror and light-colored surfaces. In fact, they almost disappear, giving your label a printed-on appearance. This is a look that can elevate the overall appeal of your products, mailings, and other items.

Handle with Care

clear label on a glass vase filled with flowers

Lastly, you’ll want to handle your labels with care when peeling them from the liner as well as during the application process. This will help you avoid getting anything like lint or fingerprints on the label. Some people even wear latex (or similar alternative) gloves when applying their clear labels, to ensure that there won’t be any fingerprints transferred onto the label.

Ready to Get Started?

Avery.ca offers a wide selection of clear labels in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including glossy clear film and clear static cling labels. Choose the perfect clear labels for your project today, and start designing!