Artwork & File Preparation
Artwork & File Preparation
Send the highest-resolution artwork you have — perfection is not required.
How To Submit Artwork
Upload artwork during checkout using the Hot Pink cart uploader.
If files exceed upload limits, send them via WeTransfer to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com and include your order number.
Files must be fully downloadable — streaming links are not accepted.
Accepted Formats
- PNG
- ZIP (multiple assets)
Resolution: 300 DPI minimum recommended.
If unsure whether your files are usable, send them anyway — we’re happy to review and advise before production.
Do You Require Print-Ready Files?
No. Bleed lines, trim marks, and complex prepress specifications are not required for most projects. If adjustments are necessary, we’ll guide you.
Do You Design Artwork?
Our focus is fabrication. While we are not a graphic design studio, we are happy to review artwork and help ensure your files translate successfully to your selected format.
How Many Designs Can I Submit?
Some artwork components are produced in batches of 10 per design. Alternate Side A / Side B artwork counts as separate designs.
Will My Artwork Arrive Assembled?
Some formats ship fully fabricated, while others are intentionally DIY. Assembly details are listed within each product description.
Center Labels
Center Label Artwork
We use a 3.5-inch center label as our standard format.
You may submit a 3.5″ circle without a center hole — this is preferred so we can align the spindle hole precisely during fabrication.
Premium full-color labels are produced by professional print partners and typically ship loose unless part of a bundled package.
Simple white labels are available upon request.
Jackets
Jacket Artwork
Submit a 12″ × 12″ square image at 300 DPI in full color.
Bleed and trim marks are not required — sizing and placement are handled during production.
Your artwork is printed as a full-size 12×12″ sticker and professionally applied to the front and back of a record jacket with spine for a clean, retail-style presentation.
We stock black and white jackets and select the option that best complements your artwork to ensure the strongest visual result.
CNC Engraved Records
CNC Engraving
All engraving is performed in-house prior to audio cutting for precise alignment and clean visual results.
Material Differences
Clear Records:
Produce the strongest light-through effect, creating a dramatic
sun-catcher appearance when held to natural light.
Clear is our recommended choice for visually driven designs and is typically produced as
single-sided to preserve both playback performance and engraving clarity.
Black Records:
Engrave with a refined matte finish that emphasizes texture and contrast.
Black records may be produced single or double-sided and pair well with additional artwork elements such as center labels or picture discs.
Our Recommendation
For the strongest visual impact, we recommend clear single-sided records. Clients seeking engraving on both sides often prefer black records due to their surface characteristics.
Picture Discs
Picture Disc Artwork
Picture discs use glue-free adhesive artwork applied as precision-cut graphics rather than laminated layers.
Available for 7″, 10″, and 12″ records, 5×7″ vinyl postcards, and many custom shaped formats. Picture disc artwork can also be combined with shaped records to create fully custom designs.
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided
Single-sided: playable grooves on one side with picture artwork on the reverse.
Double-sided (DIY): artwork is supplied for both sides, with final bonding completed by the client.
We do not glue records together to create double-sided picture discs. However, we can supply the recommended adhesive for clients assembling their own discs.
Proper alignment during bonding is critical for reliable playback.
Artwork Preparation & Sizing
Submit artwork as a circle with no center hole so we can align it precisely during production.
- 7″ records: submit a 7″ circle
- 10″ records: submit a 10″ circle
- 12″ records: artwork is often sized slightly smaller (approx. 11.75″) when clearance is needed for DIY bonding
- Postcards & shaped records: sizing reviewed case-by-case
A small outer gap can be left when artwork is intended for double-sided assembly.
Material & Durability
- Waterproof
- High-gloss finish
- Designed for long-term adhesion
- Applied without heat or lamination
A Note on Artwork
Lathe-cut formats allow significant visual flexibility, though some designs benefit from testing or refinement to achieve the strongest result. If you are unsure about sizing or layout, we are happy to review your artwork before production.
Printable Center Labels
Printable Center Label Templates
Each sheet contains 6 precision-sized circles built to our 3.5-inch center label format.
Download the template, place your artwork, align your printer, and print.
- High-resolution artwork recommended
- Keep important text clear of the spindle area
- Test print on standard paper before using final stock
Designed for DIY printing and application with predictable alignment.
Lyric Sheets & Inserts
Lyric Sheets & Inserts
Available in 7″, 10″, and 12″ formats, printed in full color on both sides.
Designed to slip inside a clear outer sleeve, these inserts can function as a lightweight jacket alternative or be used for lyrics, credits, artwork, or promotional material.
Ideal for artists seeking a strong visual presentation without the added bulk or cost of traditional packaging.