Printed capsules carry your brand name, logo or product code right on the shell. They make a product instantly recognisable, help pharmacists and patients identify the right dose, and make counterfeiting harder. Before you order, though, it helps to know how minimum order quantities work, what decides the lead time, and how to prepare your artwork.
The short answer
At Universe Capsules the minimum order quantity is 10,00,000 capsules (10 lakh) per specification, where a specification is one combination of size, colour and finish. Samples are available in quantities up to 5,000 capsules. Lead time depends on your artwork, colours and order size, and we confirm it in writing with your quotation.
What are printed capsules?
Printed capsules are empty hard gelatin capsules with text or a simple logo printed on the cap, the body or both, using edible pharmaceutical-grade ink. They are filled on the same machines as plain capsules, so switching to printed shells needs no change to your filling process.
Printing options
Linear printing
Text runs along the length of the capsule. Best for a brand name, product name or strength, such as "500 mg".
Circular printing
The print wraps around the circumference, so it can be read from any angle. Popular for logos and short codes.
One or two ink colours
Single-colour printing suits most products. Two-colour printing adds contrast and a more premium look.
Cap, body or both
Print the brand on the cap and the strength on the body, or repeat the same mark on both halves.
How the minimum order quantity works
Our minimum order quantity is 10 lakh (1 million) capsules per specification. A specification is one combination of capsule size, colour and finish. For example, a size 0 capsule with a red cap and white body is one specification; the same capsule with a blue cap is a second one. Each specification is produced as its own run, which is why the minimum applies per combination.
If you are launching several strengths, a common approach is to keep the same capsule colours across the range and vary only the printed strength. Ask us how print variants are handled for your range when you request a quote.
Not sure about quantities yet? Start with samples. We supply up to 5,000 sample capsules so you can check the look, the print quality and how they run on your filling line before committing to a production order.
What decides the lead time?
Lead time for printed capsules is confirmed with your quotation, because it depends on a few things that differ from order to order:
| Factor | How it affects timing | How to speed it up |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork approval | Printing starts only after you approve the final artwork proof | Send clean vector artwork and approve proofs quickly |
| Colour matching | A new custom shade needs matching and approval | Use one of your existing colour codes, or send a physical sample or Pantone reference |
| Samples | A sample round adds time before production | Approve samples promptly after your line trial |
| Order size | Larger orders take longer to produce, print and inspect | Plan repeat orders ahead and share forecasts |
| Repeat orders | Repeats with approved artwork and colours are faster | Keep artwork and colour codes unchanged between orders |
Preparing your artwork
Capsules are small, so simple artwork prints best. Keep text short, such as a brand name, product code or strength, and avoid fine detail and thin lines. Send your artwork as a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) so it stays sharp at capsule size. Choose an ink colour that contrasts clearly with the shell colour, for example dark ink on a light cap. We send a proof for your approval before anything is printed.
How to order printed capsules, step by step
1. Choose size, colours and finish
Pick the capsule size from our size chart, then the cap and body colours and the finish: plain, metallic or pearl.
2. Send your artwork
Share your vector artwork, the text you want printed, the ink colour and whether it goes on the cap, the body or both.
3. Approve the proof and samples
We send a digital proof, then printed samples so you can check print quality and run a trial on your filling line.
4. Confirm the order
Once samples are approved, we confirm quantity, price and lead time in writing and schedule production.
5. Receive and repeat
Your colours and artwork are recorded, so every repeat order looks exactly the same.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for printed capsules?
At Universe Capsules it is 10,00,000 capsules (10 lakh) per specification, meaning one combination of size, colour and finish.
Can I get printed capsule samples?
Yes. Samples are available in quantities up to 5,000 capsules, so you can test them on your own line before ordering.
Is the printing ink safe?
Yes. Capsules are printed with edible, pharmaceutical-grade ink designed to be swallowed.
Can you print a logo as well as text?
Yes, as long as the logo is simple and bold enough to read at capsule size. We will advise you when we review your artwork.
Can metallic and pearl capsules be printed?
Ask us with your artwork and colours, and we will confirm the best ink and print option for your chosen finish.
Ready to brand your capsules?
Send us your size, colours, artwork and estimated quantity. We will reply with a proof, a quotation with lead time, and samples for your line trial.
Get a printed capsule quote
