Software to print thermal labels

—

by

Labels Geek
in

To print thermal labels, you can use a variety of software applications that are designed to create and print custom labels. The choice of software often depends on the compatibility with your thermal printer, the complexity of the labels you need to print, and the specific features you require. Here are some popular options:

  1. Manufacturer-Specific Software:
    • Many thermal printer manufacturers provide their own software designed to work seamlessly with their printers. For example, Zebra offers ZebraDesigner, Brother has P-touch Editor, and Dymo offers DYMO Label software. These are often user-friendly and ensure compatibility with the specific features of their printers.
  2. BarTender by Seagull Scientific:
    • A highly versatile label software that is widely used in business and industrial environments. It supports barcode printing and can be used for a wide range of label creation needs. BarTender is particularly favored for its advanced features like RFID encoding and the ability to integrate with databases.
  3. Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop:
    • For more complex and design-intensive labels, graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can be used. They allow for extensive customization and design options, though they may require more technical skill to use effectively.
  4. Microsoft Word:
    • For simple label printing needs, Microsoft Word can be used. It has basic templates for labels that can be modified for simple applications. However, it might lack the advanced features required for specialized label printing.
  5. NiceLabel:
    • A comprehensive label management system that offers label design, document management, and printing. It is suitable for businesses looking for a scalable solution that can integrate with business systems like ERP or WMS.
  6. LabelJoy:
    • A user-friendly label printing software that is great for creating and printing barcode labels, envelopes, badges, and more. It has a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, which makes designing labels straightforward.
  7. EasyLabel:
    • Known for its ease of use and robust features, EasyLabel is suitable for creating and printing barcode and RFID labels. It’s a good choice for businesses that require complex label formats.

When choosing label printing software, consider factors such as ease of use, compatibility with your printer, the types of labels you need to print (e.g., barcodes, shipping labels, product labels), and the level of customization and design required. Many of these software options offer free trials, so it’s a good idea to test a few to see which best meets your needs.

Label software for thermal printing for Windows 10

For creating labels for thermal printing on Windows 10, there are several software options that stand out due to their features and compatibility:

  1. Maestro Label Designer: This online label design software from OnlineLabels.com offers a range of templates, clipart, and fonts. It’s specifically designed for label design and printing, with tools like a barcode generator and the ability to upload unlimited graphics. It’s web-based, so you can access your labels from anywhere.
  2. Adobe Creative Suite: This is a more advanced option, suitable for intricate and sophisticated label designs. It includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, offering extensive photo editing and vector creation capabilities. However, it has a steep learning curve and a significant price tag.
  3. Canva: Canva is a user-friendly design website with hundreds of templates, ideal for entry-level designers. It simplifies online designing, though it may lack some advanced features available in paid alternatives. Many of its best templates are premium.
  4. Microsoft Word: Widely accessible as it’s already installed on most computers, Microsoft Word offers various design tools and preloaded label templates. It’s convenient but can be tedious for duplicating designs across a sheet.
  5. Avery Design & Print: This software is tailored for Avery-branded products. It’s easy to use, offering drag-and-drop design elements and advanced tools like spell-check and a barcode generator. However, it’s mainly compatible with Avery printers.
  6. BarTender: BarTender is notable for its ability to create and automate labels for various business types. It offers built-in templates and advanced tools for customizing labels, with features like RFID tags and QR codes. It’s only compatible with Windows and provides a free edition with some limitations.

Each of these options has its strengths and is suitable for different levels of design experience and needs. Consider the specific requirements of your label printing project when choosing the best software for your needs.

Label software for thermal printing for Mac

For macOS users looking for label creation software compatible with thermal printers, two notable options are available:

  1. Label LIVE: This software is designed to make label designing and printing intuitive and hassle-free on Mac. It supports a wide range of barcode types and works with both system printers and USB-connected thermal printers. Label LIVE is compatible with many common thermal printer models and offers features such as importing images and spreadsheets, integration with Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel, and IoT functionality for scripting label printing. It also supports various file formats like PDF, PNG, JPEG, and GIF​​.
  2. Labeller by Peninsula Group: This software provides high-quality prints to thermal, laser, and inkjet printers. It optimizes barcodes for readability at all resolutions and supports printing labels straight from Excel and CSV files. Labeller includes a fully-featured built-in label editor for creating custom layouts, rotating text and barcodes, and importing pictures. It offers direct support for a range of thermal label printers and provides full control of printer settings. Additionally, Labeller includes advanced features for generating barcodes, performing calculations for label data, and powerful information retrieval for efficient label creation​​.

Both of these options cater to different user needs and skill levels, from simple label creation to more complex, data-driven tasks. Consider the specific requirements of your label printing project to choose the best software for your macOS system.

Free thermal label printing software

From the lists provided for both Windows 10 and macOS, the software programs that offer free versions or have a free edition include:

  1. BarTender: Offers a free edition, though it may have limited features compared to the professional version.

For the other software options mentioned like Maestro Label Designer, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Word, Avery Design & Print, Label LIVE, and Labeller, they typically offer either a paid subscription, a one-time purchase, or a free trial period. However, the fully free versions of these software programs are either limited in features or not available as per the information provided earlier.

It’s always a good practice to check the latest version of the software on their official websites, as the availability of free versions or trial periods may change over time.