Should you print one side of your paper bags or both? Front-only printing is the simplest and most affordable option and is ideal when a bag is mostly seen from the front. Front-and-back printing costs a little more per bag, but it means your brand is visible whichever way the bag is carried, which suits retail shops, events and busy high streets.
At Fast Printed Bags, your design is printed onto pre-manufactured stock paper bags, in defined print areas shown on each product page. That makes the front or front-and-back decision one of the most useful choices you will make when ordering. This guide explains how to choose.
How printing works on our paper bags
We print full-colour CMYK designs using water-based digital inkjet onto kraft and white paper stock. Printing is limited to the set print areas on the bag, typically the front panel and, if you want it, the back panel. It is not an all-over or edge-to-edge service, so the rest of the bag stays as bare paper. You can see the full rules on our personalisation information page.
Two things are worth remembering before you plan any layout:
- White is not printed. Any white in your artwork shows as the colour of the bag itself, so on kraft it will look brown.
- Print areas are fixed. You design within the area shown on the product page, with some clear space around the edges, rather than running artwork to the edge of the bag.
Front-only printing: when it makes sense
Printing the front panel alone is a sensible default. It keeps the cost lower, which matters if you are buying in small quantities, and it gives you one clean space for a logo or a short, simple mark.
Best uses for front-only bags
- Counter-service shops where bags are handed over face-on.
- Tight budgets, where every penny per bag counts.
- Minimal brands that prefer a single, uncluttered logo.
- First orders, where you want to test the look before committing to more.
A single printed side also pairs well with the natural look of kraft. If you are still deciding on the stock itself, our guide to kraft versus white paper bags explains how each one changes the way your design appears.
Front-and-back printing: when it is worth it
Bags are not always seen from the front. Customers swing them as they walk, carry them on one shoulder, and set them down on tables. When both panels carry your design, your brand is visible from either side, which gives you more exposure for each bag produced.
Best uses for front-and-back bags
- Retail and boutiques: every walk down the street becomes a small advert.
- Events and exhibitions: bags are carried around crowded halls and seen from every angle. Our article on branded bags for promotional events covers this in more detail.
- Gifting and seasonal trade: a matching design on both sides feels more finished and premium.
- Brands with a message: use the front for the logo and the back for a simple mark, a web address or a short line of copy.
Our product pages show a separate price for printing both sides, so check the figures for your chosen bag. As you order more, bulk discounts apply automatically, and the extra cost per bag for the second side often looks small next to the added visibility.
Design tips for printing both sides
A few simple habits will make a two-sided design look polished.
- Keep it consistent. Repeat the same logo or a matching variation on the back so the bag feels deliberate.
- Do not overload the back. A small mark or one short line is usually plenty. Plain paper around a contained design looks confident.
- Avoid large solid blocks of colour. They can show slight banding, and line work or a simple logo reproduces more cleanly.
- Plan for kraft. Colours print warmer and more muted on brown stock than on a screen, so a printed sample is worth ordering if colour matters.
- Allow for small shifts. Leave clear margins, because placement and bag dimensions can vary slightly.
If you are unsure how to prepare your files, read our guide on how to supply print-ready artwork. We print the artwork you supply, so it needs to be final and ready to go.
Which bag types offer which options?
Print options depend on the product, so always check the individual page. Our custom printed paper carrier bags are the most popular choice for shops and events, and the paper stand-up pouches list front only, rear only, or front and rear printing. If you are comparing handle styles for your carriers, see twist handle versus tape handle paper bags.
A quick way to decide
Ask yourself three questions. Will customers carry the bag in public? Do you want repeat exposure from every angle? Do you have something useful to say on the back? If you answered yes to two or more, front-and-back printing is likely worth it. If the bag is mainly a handover wrapper at the till, front-only is perfectly good.
Whichever you choose, remember that packaging is also a business consideration. If you place packaging on the UK market, it is worth reading the government's guidance on extended producer responsibility for packaging, and our own summary of packaging EPR for UK retailers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print on the front and back of my paper bags?
Yes. On our bags you can choose to print the front only or the front and back, depending on the product. Check the product page for the options available for the bag you want.
Can you print all over the bag or right to the edges?
No. We print within defined print areas on pre-manufactured stock bags, so full-surface and edge-to-edge printing are not offered. The rest of the bag remains bare paper.
Will white in my design print on kraft bags?
No. We do not print white, so any white in your artwork shows as the natural colour of the bag. Supply a version of your logo in colours that work on the paper.
Is printing both sides much more expensive?
There is an extra charge per bag for the second side, shown on each product page, and bulk discounts apply as quantities rise. Compare the prices for your chosen size before you decide.
Do I need to supply my own artwork?
Yes. We print supplied, print-ready artwork and do not offer a design service. A transparent PNG at 300dpi works best, and vector files are also accepted.
Can I see a proof before my bags are printed?
Yes. A printed visual proof is provided for approval before production, except on sample orders, so you can check placement and colour first.
Ready to order your printed paper bags?
Browse the full range at Fast Printed Bags, choose your bag, and decide whether one side or both will carry your brand. If colour accuracy matters, start with a printed sample from our printed samples collection and see the result in your hands.