How to label vials
you can read at a glance.

Label the part you see

In a fridge you look down at vials, so the cap is the most useful place for a label. A label on the side is only readable once you pick the vial up.

Pick a simple color system

Use one color per meaning and stick to it: for example, one color for morning and another for night, or one color per person in the house. Four colors is plenty; more gets confusing.

Use short words

Cap labels work best at 8 characters or fewer: AM, PM, MORNING, NIGHT, a name, a number or a date code. Keep longer details on the vial label itself.

Choose labels that survive the cold

Condensation lifts most paper labels. Printed or molded caps, laminated labels and cold-rated vinyl last far longer than standard sticker paper or marker on tape.

Keep the original label readable

Never cover the manufacturer or pharmacy label. Add your system on top (the cap) or beside it, so the original information stays visible.