How to Design a Beer Can Label

On top of the “Big 10,” your can will need a product barcode, a can manufacturer identifier, and a clear area for a manufacturer’s code. Still to come, you may wish to include non-mandatory elements like a Brewers Association emblem, or an alert about allergens.

If you are canning an alcoholic cider or a wine, the TTB details thorough information on those label requirements, as well.

Regardless of the type of beverage or the ounce quantity, there remains a good deal of information that needs to go on the can. A major “pro” of using can containers as opposed to bottles is that there’s more printable area on a can. Still, practically assessing “can real estate” space is essential.

Be attentive to the typeface, font size and spacing you’re using in your design. Know what’s required to go on your can, and also what is prohibited (Representation of a guarantee, false claims of nutritional value, etc).

Assess your “hierarchy of priorities” (What’s most important for the consumer in your branding? Your name, the type of beverage, your messaging, your visuals?) in addition to the mandatory information when developing the layout for the front and back of your can.