HP Mosaic

What is HP Mosaic?

HP Mosaic is a personalization software based on the HP Smartstream designer. In simple terms, the software automatically generates a potentially unlimited number of unique graphic label designs based on a fixed base pattern. This basic pattern is the central element of the process. HP Mosaic technology uses an algorithm that then creates designs based on this pattern.

How does HP Mosaic work?

The core element of HP Mosaic is the basic motif. This is achieved by assembling a master file (the base label) and a vector graphic (the pattern). The graphic is then varied by rotation, scaling or color change to form ever-new patterns. The user can also instruct the algorithm which colors to keep or swap. The result is unique variations, making each label a one-off. For best results, the base file should be as complex and colorful as possible. The principle is as follows: the more complex the basic model, the better the results and the more personalized they are. Thus, larger print runs require a more complex pattern to create as many different variations as possible.

More personal & more individual with HP Mosaic

Not so long ago, a printed label was merely a means of communicating basic information such as the product name or mandatory legal product information. Today, labels and packaging take center stage as a key element in the marketing mix. With highly personalized printed labels, it’s possible to grab the customer’s attention and create a direct emotional bond with them. Products can become part of storytelling through the addition of variable images, messages and designs, and thus become firmly anchored in consumers’ minds. With HP Mosaic, marketing becomes more individual and personal, and therefore more important to the customer. HP Mosaic makes it possible to experiment with personalized marketing campaigns and communicate innovations creatively.

More and more brands and manufacturers are banking on mass individualization, including CocaCola with its Diet Coke campaign. Nutella has also already given unique designs to its promotional jars as part of the Nutella Unique campaign. In another example, in collaboration with Heineken, artist Emily Forgot created unique designs for beer bottles using HP Mosaic. As you can see, the possibilities for designing the most diverse and personalized packaging with HP Mosaic are virtually endless.

Mass customization with digital printing

But mass customization isn’t just for “big” brands. Thanks to digital printing technology, it’s also possible to print small, flexible runs with unique, highly variable designs. In just a few hours, finished labels are created from a print file–an efficient process that is only possible with digital printing, as there is no longer any need for set-up time, as was the case in the conventional printing process. Thanks to digital printing, this mass adaptation and personalization of labels becomes feasible for almost any brand.

What next?

Have you been inspired by the almost infinite possibilities offered by HP Mosaic? Do you already have an idea of how you’d like to realize your new label design with HP Mosaic? As part of our graphic design service, you can request label designs based on HP Mosaic.

We’re here to help you

Need more information? You can reach us Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by telephone on +33(0)4 81 68 19 73 or by e-mail at info@labelletiquette.fr.