How to Make Beer Labels for Bottles and Cans

by Shirley H. on Apr 29 2026

Custom beer labels on amber bottles for a guide about making beer labels for bottles and cans

Beer labels can turn a plain bottle or can into something that feels finished, personal, and ready to share.

Making beer labels for bottles and cans is simple when you follow two steps: design your beer label first, then place your custom beer label order online.

In this guide, we'll walk through how to make custom beer labels for bottles and cans, including what to put on your label, how to choose the right size and shape, and what material works best for beer packaging.

1. Add the Right Information to Your Beer Label

For most beer bottle and can labels, you only need a few clear details: the beer name or style, brewer or brand name, main artwork, and ABV. These details help people quickly understand what the beer is and make the bottle or can look more finished.

The main information includes:

Label Information	What to Include	Required?
Beer Name	The main name of the beer, such as "Golden Ale" or "Summer IPA"	Yes
Beer Style	IPA, lager, stout, pilsner, sour, wheat beer, ale, or another beer type	Yes
Brand Name	Brewery name, homebrew name, personal name, or event brand	Yes
Brand Logo	Illustration, logo, badge design, pattern, or main visual element	Yes
ABV	Alcohol by volume, such as 5.2% ABV	Yes
Flavor Notes	A short taste description, such as citrus, malty, crisp, hoppy, roasted, or smooth	Retail needed
Brew Date or Batch Number	Brew date, batch number, release date, or small-batch mark	Retail needed
Volume	Bottle or can size, such as 12 oz, 16 oz, or 355 ml	Retail needed

Beer label example showing brand logo, brand name, beer name, beer style, flavor notes, ABV, and volume

2. Choose the Right Beer Label Shape

For most beer bottles and cans, custom rectangle labels are the safest and most practical starting point.

Common Shape for Cans

Rectangle Labels: They are easy to read, give you enough space for the beer name, style, logo, ABV, and artwork.

Common Shape for Bottles

Rectangle Labels: Best for the main front label on beer bottles. Good for clear product information and classic beer label designs.
Circle labels: Good for bottle caps, neck labels, seals, small front labels, or simple logo-style designs.
Oval Labels: Work well for craft beer, homebrew bottles, gift bottles, and vintage-style designs.

3. Choose the Right Beer Label Size

Beer label size depends on the container. A label that looks good on a small bottle may look too small on a tall can. A label that is too large may wrinkle, curve awkwardly, or cover too much of the packaging.

Common Sizes for Cans

Capacity	Label Use	Beer Label Size - Rectangle
12 oz	Standard Beer Can	8" x 3.75"
16 oz	Tall Beer Can	8" x 5"
32 oz	Crowler Can Label	9.5" x 5.875"

Common Sizes for Bottles

For most custom beer bottle labels, start with a 12 oz bottle. It is the most common beer bottle size in the U.S. and works well for major beer brands and many craft breweries.

12oz Capacity	Label Position	Beer Label Size - Rectangle
12 oz	Standard Front Label	4" x 3.5"
12 oz	Back Label	4" x 3"
12 oz	Full Wrap-Around	7" x 3.5"
12 oz	Neck Label	2" x 1"

4. Choose a Durable Material for Beer Labels

Beer labels often need to handle cold storage, condensation, ice buckets, and frequent handling. Because of this, material choice is important.

For most beer bottles and cans, waterproof vinyl labels are a strong option because they are more durable than standard paper labels and can better handle moisture, refrigeration, and condensation.

Waterproof vinyl beer labels on amber bottles for durable beer packaging

Start Your Custom Beer Label Order

Once your beer label information, size, shape, and material are ready, the ordering process is simple.

Step 1: Choose Your Beer Label Size
Step 2: Select Your Label Material and Finish
Step 3: Upload Your Artwork
Step 4: Review Your Proof
Step 5: Place Your Order

If you are not sure which option to choose, a common starting point is a 4" x 3.5" rectangle label for a 12 oz bottle. For chilled bottles or cans, waterproof vinyl with a matte finish is a practical option.

Start Your Custom Beer Label Order Now

FAQs

What are beer labels used for?

Beer labels are used to decorate and identify beer bottles and cans. They are commonly used for homebrew, craft beer, brewery samples, event drinks, wedding favors, seasonal releases, and small-batch beer packaging.

Are beer labels waterproof?

Beer labels can be waterproof when printed on vinyl material. Waterproof vinyl beer labels are a good choice for chilled bottles, beer cans, ice buckets, and packaging that may be exposed to moisture.

What shape is best for beer labels?

Rectangle labels are the most common choice for beer bottles and cans because they provide enough space for text and artwork. Circle, oval, and die cut labels are better for caps, seals, decorative bottle labels, or custom-shaped artwork.

How do I order custom beer labels?

To order custom beer labels, choose your label size, select your material and finish, upload your artwork, review your proof, and place your order online.

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