LabelVault · How-to guides

How to make food prep and use-by labels

A 2" × 1" kitchen label where the prep date prints itself and the use-by date is the same field with "+ days" set to your shelf life.

2" × 1" roll 5 steps about 6 minutes

Steps

  1. Start a 2" × 1" label

    New label → Roll / thermal → 2x1.

  2. Add the item line

    What is in the tub, bold, across the top.

  3. Add "PREPPED" with an auto date

    Press Auto date field so today's date prints itself. That is the one that has to be right every single day.

  4. Add "USE BY" with the same field

    Add another text item, press Auto date field again, then set the "+ days" box to your shelf life — three days, seven, thirty.

  5. Print a stack at the start of a shift

    Set Copies high and print a roll of them. Each one prints the date it was printed, plus the offset.

Worth knowing

  • Food labelling is regulated and the rules depend on where you are and what you sell. LabelVault prints what you design; it does not check it against any standard.
  • If the labels go in a chiller or a freezer, buy stock rated for it. Ordinary adhesive lets go when it is cold and damp, and that is not something a design can fix.

Download — free 30-day trial All how-to guides