Your logo
Use a clear version of your logo that remains easy to recognise when repeated along the tape.
PRINTED TAPE DESIGN GUIDE
How to Design Custom Printed Packaging Tape
A good printed tape design needs to work repeatedly along the roll, stay clear at packing distance and suit the tape material you choose. Use this guide to plan your logo, colours, spacing and artwork before sending it to print.
Keep artwork clear
Plan the repeat
Use strong contrast
DESIGN CHECKLIST
Start with the five things that matter most
You do not need to overcomplicate printed tape. A simple, repeatable design is often the strongest.
Print colours
Choose colours with enough contrast against the tape so the branding remains clear and easy to read.
Tape width
Design for the width you are ordering rather than trying to squeeze an existing layout into the available space.
Repeat & spacing
Think about how often the logo or message appears as the tape runs across a carton.
Material
Consider how the design will sit on polypropylene, vinyl or paper and the overall packaging look you want.
DESIGNING THE REPEAT
Your artwork needs to work all the way along the roll
Printed packaging tape is a repeating design. The logo, wording or artwork appears again and again as the tape is dispensed, so spacing is just as important as the artwork itself.
Aim for a repeat that gives your branding enough breathing room without leaving long empty sections. On a finished box, you want the branding to feel intentional wherever the tape is cut.
Readable logo sizeBalanced spacingConsistent repeat
ARTWORK BASICS
Keep the design bold, clear and easy to recognise
Packaging tape is seen on moving parcels and boxes, so clarity usually matters more than squeezing in lots of detail.
Give your logo room
Avoid pushing the logo too close to the tape edges. Leaving space around it makes the repeated design feel cleaner and more deliberate.
Make the branding easy to see
Think about the relationship between the tape colour and print colour. Strong contrast helps logos and text remain clear on the finished parcel.
Do not make wording too small
If you add a website, message or handling text, keep it short and readable. Fine detail can make a tape design feel unnecessarily busy.
DESIGN FOR THE MATERIAL
Compare polypropylene, vinyl & paper →
Think about the tape as part of the packaging
The same logo can create a different overall impression depending on the tape material and the carton it is applied to. Choose the material first, then design with the finished parcel in mind.
PolypropyleneA practical, cost-effective choice for everyday branded dispatch and ecommerce packaging.
VinylA premium, flexible option for businesses wanting a smoother, more refined packaging presentation.
PaperA premium paper-led option that works particularly well with kraft cartons and natural packaging styles.
SUPPLYING YOUR ARTWORK
Send the cleanest artwork you have available
Good source artwork makes preparing a printed tape design much easier. Where possible, supply your original logo or artwork file rather than a small image copied from a website or screenshot.
✓ Supply your original logo/artwork where possible
✓ Keep text and important detail clear
✓ Tell us the tape and print colours you want
✓ Avoid screenshots or very small web graphics where possible
Not sure whether your artwork is suitable?
Send us what you have and we can advise before production.
COMMON DESIGN MISTAKES
What to avoid when designing printed tape
×Too much information
Printed tape usually works best as branding rather than trying to replace a full packaging label.
×Very small text
Small wording can lose impact once the design is repeated along a narrow strip of tape.
×Poor contrast
A logo that is too close in colour to the tape can become difficult to see on the finished box.
×Ignoring the repeat
A strong logo can still look awkward if the spacing between each repeat has not been considered.
THE FINISHED PARCEL
Design for the box, not just the roll
The final test is how the tape looks once it is actually sealing a parcel. Consider the colour of your cartons, where the tape will run and how much of the repeat will normally be visible.
A simple design that complements the carton can turn an ordinary shipping box into recognisable branded packaging.
PRINTED TAPE HELP & GUIDES
Keep exploring custom printed packaging tape
BUYING GUIDEWhich Custom Printed Packaging Tape Should I Choose?
Compare the main printed tape options and find the right product for your packaging.
Read the guide → MATERIALSPolypropylene vs Vinyl vs Paper Packaging TapeCompare material feel, presentation and everyday packaging use.
Compare materials → PAPER TAPEPrinted Paper Tape for Branded PackagingLearn more about paper tape for kraft cartons and paper-led packaging.
Explore paper tape → SHOPCustom Printed Packaging TapeShop polypropylene, vinyl, paper and machine tape for branded business packaging.
Shop printed tape →
DESIGN FAQs
Custom printed tape artwork FAQs
What should I put on custom printed packaging tape?
Your logo or brand name is usually the best starting point. You can also include short text, a website address or a simple message, but keeping the design uncluttered normally gives the strongest result.
How does the design repeat on printed tape?
The artwork is repeated along the length of the roll. The exact layout depends on the artwork, tape specification and production setup, so the design should be planned as a repeating pattern rather than a single isolated logo.
Should my printed tape match my box colour?
It does not have to match, but the tape colour, print colour and carton should work together. Strong contrast can make branding more visible, while a coordinated palette can create a more understated packaging style.
Can you help if my artwork is not ready for print?
If you are unsure whether your artwork is suitable, send us what you have and our team can advise before production.
Which material should I design for?
That depends on the finished packaging you want. Polypropylene is a practical everyday option, vinyl offers a more premium flexible finish, and paper is particularly suited to kraft and paper-led packaging.
READY TO CREATE YOUR TAPE?
Turn your packaging into part of your brand
Choose your printed tape, prepare your logo or artwork and create branded packaging that is recognisable from the moment the parcel arrives.