How to Submit Artwork for Lathe Cut Vinyl Records, Stickers & Picture Discs

How-to-Submit-Artwork-for-Lathe-Cut-Vinyl-Records-Stickers-amp-Picture-Discs Lathe Cut Vinyl Records

How to Submit Artwork for Lathe Cut Vinyl Records, Stickers & Picture Discs

Submitting your artwork correctly is one of the most important steps when ordering custom lathe cut vinyl records, engraved center labels, or full picture discs. Clean files mean faster turnaround times, sharper engravings, and perfectly printed labels. Whether you're working on a simple center label or a full-color disc, this basic guide will walk you through the essentials. You don’t need expensive design programs — free tools like Canva, Vectr, and Inkscape work great.

Engraving Artwork

For engraving, artwork should always be black and white only.

  • Black = engraved, white = clear

  • File types: PNG, SVG, or PDF at 600 DPI minimum

  • Keep text and logos as separate files if you want to mix line and fill styles

  • Standard engraving areas:

    • 3.5″ or 4″ round labels for 7″, 10″, and 12″ records

    • 4″ × 4″ square for 5×7″ postcard engravings

Vector files are preferred for the cleanest results, but high-resolution raster files are fine as long as they meet DPI requirements.

Label Stickers

If you're submitting artwork for printed vinyl record labels:

  • Full-color CMYK or high-resolution RGB

  • File types: PNG, PDF, SVG

  • Circle size: 3.6″ or 4″ only — no bleed needed

  • Keep all design elements inside the circle

You don’t have to include the center hole — we can handle that. But if you prefer to add it yourself, use a 0.3125″ (5/16″) diameter hole placed dead center. If no hole is included, we’ll check sizing and re-align the circle label before precisely placing the center hole during production.

Picture Discs

For picture discs, submit full-circle artwork sized to match the record: 7″, 10″, or 12″.

  • Resolution: 300 DPI minimum

  • Color: CMYK or high-res RGB

  • No bleed required

  • Don’t worry about the center hole — we’ll handle it

  • Keep important details away from the very center so they aren’t cut through

Basic layouts can be done in Canva, but Photoshop, Illustrator, or Krita offer more control for zoetropes and complex layouts.

 

Submitting Your Files

When placing your order on LatheCutVinylRecords.com, use the Hot Pink uploader in your cart to upload engraving, label, and picture disc artwork along with your audio files.

If your files are too large, send them via WeTransfer to:
📧 info@lathecutvinylrecords.com

Name files clearly, for example:


Artist_Title_Engraving_Text.png Artist_Title_LabelSticker_Front.pdf Artist_Title_PictureDisc_Back.png

Common Artwork Mistakes to Avoid

  • Low resolution (under 600 DPI)

  • Combining engraving text and logos into one file

  • Submitting color artwork for engraving

  • Not centering label designs properly

  • Uploading flattened or pixelated logos

Final Thoughts

Submitting clean, properly sized artwork is the easiest way to get professional-quality records with no delays. Even if you're new to design, free tools like Canva, Vectr, and Inkscape make it simple to create clear circles, text layouts, or full-disc designs. Whether you include the center hole yourself or let us handle it, every file is checked to ensure accurate alignment before production.