The 5 Greatest Label Printing Software program I Examined and Suggest

Having led a nonprofit devoted to sending sanitary pads to areas going through shortage, I’ve personally navigated the challenges of managing shipments and making certain every parcel reaches its vacation spot with the correct info.

Working such an initiative typically required me to make use of the finest label printing software program, and belief me, it’s not as simple because it appears. From getting the correct sizes to making sure the labels stick correctly, there’s a number of behind-the-scenes work that goes into it. The method can grow to be much more overwhelming whenever you’re counting on outdated or inefficient instruments. The unsuitable software program can result in errors, wasted time, and a number of frustration.

That is why discovering the correct label printing answer is essential. By streamlining the complete course of, you may scale back guide effort and have peace of thoughts that each label is printed exactly.

My high 5 finest label printing software program suggestions for 2025

With so many choices out there, I understand how overwhelming it may be to seek out the correct one. That’s why I’ve compiled a listing of the perfect label printing software program instruments for 2025 that can assist you select the one that most closely fits your wants and makes your labeling duties hassle-free.

These instruments aren’t only for nonprofits. Companies can use them for product delivery, faculties for occasion provides, and people for organizing private shipments.

Irrespective of the business, the correct label printing software program could make the duty simpler and extra environment friendly.

What I search for in the perfect label printing software program

When testing the perfect label printing software program, I give attention to the next key options to make sure it meets the wants of companies that require environment friendly, high-quality label creation and printing:

• Label design flexibility: I assess whether or not the software program gives a variety of design choices, permitting customers to create labels of varied shapes, sizes, and layouts. The software program ought to assist customized dimensions and templates for various label codecs (e.g., delivery labels, product labels, barcode labels, and packaging). It must also enable for superior design customization, together with font kinds, colour schemes, borders, and alignment instruments to create professional-looking labels.
• Barcode and QR code technology: I examine whether or not the software program consists of built-in instruments to generate barcodes and QR codes. The flexibility to simply create completely different barcode varieties (e.g., UPC, EAN, Code 128) and customise their measurement, density, and alignment is crucial. For companies that require product monitoring or stock administration, having strong barcode and QR code technology options ensures correct, scannable labels. I additionally have a look at whether or not the software program permits for simple testing of barcode high quality earlier than printing.
• Integration with databases and spreadsheets: The perfect label printing software program ought to have the ability to combine with databases, spreadsheets, and different software program techniques to streamline the label technology course of. I assess whether or not the device helps importing information from CSV information, Excel spreadsheets, or dwell databases. This function is especially helpful for printing massive batches of labels with distinctive information, akin to product names, costs, or delivery addresses. I examine if the software program gives mail merge-like performance to automate the inhabitants of labels with dynamic information.
• Help for various printing strategies: I consider whether or not the software program is appropriate with varied label printers, together with desktop, industrial, and cell printers. It ought to assist each thermal switch and direct thermal printing strategies. Moreover, the software program ought to enable customers to regulate print settings akin to print velocity, decision, and label alignment to optimize high quality and effectivity based mostly on the kind of printer getting used.
• Template library: I assess whether or not the software program gives a wealthy library of pre-designed templates and layouts to hurry up the label creation course of. Templates ought to be out there for varied industries, together with retail, logistics, meals and beverage, and healthcare. This function is very priceless for customers who have to create customary labels shortly with out ranging from scratch. I additionally examine if customers can save their customized designs as templates for future use.
• Batch printing: The software program ought to assist batch printing, which is essential for companies that have to print massive portions of labels without delay. I assess whether or not the device permits customers to handle print jobs effectively by queuing a number of label designs or printing in bulk based mostly on dynamic information. Printing a whole lot or 1000’s of labels with minimal intervention is crucial for streamlining operations, particularly in high-volume environments.
• Integration with stock and delivery techniques: I examine if the label printing software program integrates with widespread stock administration, delivery, and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, UPS, and FedEx). This integration permits companies to routinely generate delivery labels and observe and optimize stock with out manually getting into information. It streamlines order success and ensures consistency between order information and the printed labels.

The checklist under comprises real person opinions from our greatest label printing software program class web page. To qualify for inclusion within the class, a product should:

• Embrace templates for varied sorts of labels (e.g., delivery, stock)
• Enable non-technical customers to design and print labels
• Present options to categorize labels and modify them by batch
• Ship WYSIWYG label designers with choices to tug and drop
• Help a number of languages and several types of barcodes
• Adjust to rules or business requirements akin to GS1-128

This information has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions have been edited for readability.

After testing Avery Design & Print, I discovered it to be a extremely handy device for creating and printing Avery labels, stickers, and different customizable designs.

One of many greatest benefits was how easy it was to format every little thing for printing on Avery stickers. I did not should spend time adjusting margins or worrying about alignment—every little thing match completely proper from the beginning. This made the complete course of easy and saved me a number of time.

Establishing the software program was simply as simple. Downloading and putting in Avery Design & Print took only some minutes, and I might bounce straight into my mission with none pointless steps or issues.  There was no steep studying curve, and the intuitive workflow allowed me to begin instantly.

One other function I appreciated was the flexibility to retailer Avery templates and designs for future use. This was particularly helpful once I wanted to make minor tweaks or reprint a design with out ranging from scratch. Having my earlier templates available made redesigning fast and hassle-free.

Nevertheless, just a few drawbacks stood out. The person interface might use some enhancements when it comes to UX design. Whereas purposeful, sure parts felt outdated, and navigating by way of the device wasn’t as seamless as I might have appreciated.

Additionally, the free templates have been considerably restrictive, notably relating to font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered myself restricted when it comes to artistic freedom, which was irritating once I wished to experiment with completely different kinds.

Lastly, switching between options typically felt sluggish, which interrupted my workflow. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, however the occasional sluggish response did make the expertise really feel much less fluid.

What I dislike about Avery Design & Print:

• The person interface felt considerably outdated and may gain advantage from a extra trendy UX design. Whereas purposeful, navigating by way of the device wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped, making some duties really feel clunky.
• The free templates have been restrictive, notably in font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered it irritating once I wished to experiment with completely different kinds however was restricted by the device’s built-in constraints.

What G2 customers dislike about Avery Design & Print:

“In comparison with skilled design software program, Avery Design & Print would possibly provide fewer superior modifying instruments. This might be a downside for customers needing particular design parts.”

– Avery Design & Print Assessment, Med A.

I used to be impressed by Label LIVE’s highly effective batch printing, which allowed me to effortlessly automate order printouts and label technology. The method was extremely environment friendly—by merely dumping a accurately formatted CSV or XML file right into a monitored folder, Label LIVE took care of the remainder. This saved me an incredible period of time and streamlined my workflow considerably.

One other side I appreciated was the What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) designer interface, which supplied a seamless printing expertise throughout completely different printers. I even examined it on an 80mm printer, and the outcomes have been surprisingly crisp and well-aligned.

One other sturdy level was the software program’s deep integration with programming logic, as I might dynamically present or disguise parts based mostly on circumstances. Moreover, the flexibility to combine instantly with spreadsheets utilizing variables made it simple to automate and customise label technology with out guide intervention.

Nevertheless, there have been just a few downsides. The error messages might be extra user-friendly and descriptive, as I typically discovered myself troubleshooting points by way of trial and error. A extra detailed rationalization of the issues would have saved me appreciable time.

Moreover, the print preview function didn’t work as anticipated—even when my label printer was listed and chosen because the default. The software program nonetheless reported that no printer was discovered. This was irritating, as I needed to undergo further steps simply to confirm how the label would look earlier than printing.

Lastly, fine-tuning label sizes for particular printers required extra effort than I anticipated, which made the preliminary setup a bit tedious.

What I dislike about Label LIVE:

• The error messages weren’t descriptive sufficient, forcing me to troubleshoot points by way of trial and error. A clearer rationalization of issues would have saved me appreciable time and frustration.
• The print preview function didn’t at all times acknowledge my chosen default printer. Regardless of being listed, the software program reported that no printer was discovered, requiring further steps to confirm label formatting earlier than printing.

What G2 customers dislike about Label LIVE:

“Label creation might be quicker. When printing greater than 100 completely different labels, the method can take as much as 10 minutes, which might be time-consuming.”

– Label LIVE Assessment, Tommy Y.

After testing BarTender, I discovered it to be a strong and versatile barcode label printing software program. It’s extensively used for creating and printing barcodes, RFID tags, and extra

Certainly one of its greatest strengths is the availability of pre-built templates, which considerably sped up the design course of. As an alternative of ranging from scratch, I might select from varied templates and customise them to suit my wants. This was particularly useful when working beneath tight deadlines, as I might shortly tweak current designs moderately than constructing every little thing from the bottom up.

Moreover, BarTender’s capacity to pull variable information from exterior databases or Excel added a robust automation layer. This function allowed me to create dynamic labels with out manually inputting info, which is a big benefit for companies dealing with large-scale labeling.

Nevertheless, regardless of these benefits, deployment and person entry management have been obscure. The smoothware lacks clear documentation on limiting person permissions, making it difficult to handle entry for various workforce members. I needed to experiment fairly a bit earlier than determining one of the simplest ways to manage person settings, which was irritating.

One other main draw back is the steep studying curve. Whereas BarTender gives spectacular performance, getting snug with all of its options took appreciable time. YouTube tutorials can be found, however they’re very basic and don’t go into sufficient depth to deal with extra particular points. A extra structured and detailed assist system would have made the training course of a lot smoother.

What I dislike about BarTender:

• The shortage of clear documentation for managing person permissions made deployment and entry management complicated. I needed to experiment extensively earlier than discovering an efficient strategy to management person settings, which was time-consuming.
• BarTender has a steep studying curve regardless of its highly effective options. The out there YouTube tutorials have been too basic and didn’t present the depth wanted for extra particular points, making the training course of tougher than it ought to be.

What G2 customers dislike about BarTender:

“It’s difficult to grasp the deployment course of, product limitations, and find out how to set person restrictions, making it troublesome for finish customers to navigate.”

– BarTender Assessment, Larry M.

I discovered MarkMagic to be extremely customizable. The flexibility to export and import completely different codecs made it extraordinarily versatile, permitting me to work with varied file varieties seamlessly. This flexibility was notably helpful when coping with a number of labeling necessities throughout completely different platforms.

One other main plus was the truth that MarkMagic runs fully within the browser, eliminating the necessity for software program set up. This made it extremely handy to entry from any system with out worrying about system compatibility or updates. Moreover, the graphical person interface (GUI) was simple to be taught, making the onboarding course of easy and intuitive.

I additionally appreciated how effortlessly MarkMagic built-in with current techniques, permitting for fast implementation with out requiring main changes. Its cloud-based nature was one other enormous profit for me, because it ensured accessibility from anyplace whereas lowering the necessity for native storage or upkeep.

Nevertheless, the person interface might be modernized to enhance the general person expertise. Some parts felt outdated, and a extra polished design would improve navigation and value.

One explicit challenge I encountered was with textual content formatting in J-Magic, which felt a bit clunky. Adjusting textual content kinds and placements wasn’t as easy as I might have appreciated, requiring extra guide tweaking than anticipated.

Moreover, I faced challenges in correctly formatting photographs to be used on kinds, which typically required further effort to make sure right alignment and backbone.

What I dislike about MarkMagic:

• The person interface may gain advantage from modernization. Some parts felt outdated, and a extra polished design would enhance navigation and general usability.
• I encountered challenges with textual content formatting in J-Magic, which was not as easy as anticipated. Adjusting textual content kinds and placements required extra guide effort than anticipated.

What G2 customers dislike about MarkMagic:

“I’ve encountered challenges with MarkMagic when utilizing two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, as they take considerably longer to generate in comparison with one-dimensional (1D) linear barcodes. Moreover, formatting photographs accurately to be used on kinds has been problematic.”

– MarkMagic Assessment, Craig L.

Loftware Cloud is a extremely environment friendly and user-friendly labeling answer, splendid for environments that demand fast label creation beneath strain. Its ease of use allowed me to design and print labels quickly, at the same time as a newbie, saving priceless time I might have spent studying a brand new device. 

One of Loftware Cloud’s standout advantages is its scalability, making it a powerful match for organizations of all sizes. Whether or not you are printing easy labels or managing high-volume, complicated label manufacturing, the software program adapts simply to evolving enterprise wants. 

When it comes to designal, Loftware Cloud excels with varied options that make label creation each artistic and purposeful. The drag-and-drop performance made it simple to design professional-quality labels, even with out superior graphic design expertise. Pre-defined templates have been extremely useful for streamlining the design course of, whereas the flexibility to save customized designs as templates ensured consistency throughout a number of initiatives. Including barcodes to labels was equally simple, requiring solely the number of the suitable barcode symbology—no technical experience was vital.

I used to be additionally impressed with the multi-printer configuration, which allowed for seamless printing throughout varied areas or groups. The flexibility to distribute the workload throughout a number of servers considerably enhanced the system’s efficiency, making certain that label printing remained easy and uninterrupted even throughout high-demand intervals.

Nevertheless, Loftware Cloud does have some drawbacks that I encountered throughout my use. One challenge was the occasional bugs that disrupted my workflow, ensuring duties extra irritating. Particularly, I discovered that error messages weren’t at all times clear, making it troublesome to pinpoint the supply of the problem and troubleshoot successfully.

The configuration course of can be considerably complicated. A number of steps are concerned, and for customers unfamiliar with the platform, it could take longer than anticipated to get every little thing arrange correctly.

Moreover, whereas I appreciated the flexibility to write in JavaScript for extra superior label customization, the script editor felt restricted. The small window and lack of a monospace font made it troublesome to work with and fewer user-friendly than I might have most well-liked. A extra intuitive scripting interface would have drastically improved the expertise.

Lastly, the dealing with of discipline sizes within the label design was considerably inconsistent. In the course of the design course of, the fields appeared to take up extra horizontal area than they really did when printed. This discrepancy led to some misalignment points, requiring trial and error to make sure that the fields have been positioned accurately on the ultimate label.

What I dislike about Loftware Cloud:

• I encountered occasional bugs that disrupted my workflow, ensuring duties extra irritating. The shortage of clear error messages made troubleshooting difficult, slowing the method.
• The configuration course of was extra complicated than I anticipated, with a number of steps concerned. This made setup take longer than anticipated, particularly for customers unfamiliar with the platform.

What G2 customers dislike about Loftware Cloud:

“Typically, labels don’t generate accurately based mostly on the serial quantity. There are additionally a number of bugs, akin to modifications not making use of instantly and solely reflecting after logging out and logging again in.”

– Loftware Cloud Assessment, Abhash Ok.

When selecting between CMYK or RGBF for label printing, you must print in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) mode, as that is the usual colour mannequin for printers. RGB (Crimson, Inexperienced, Blue) is good for digital screens however doesn’t translate precisely to print, affecting colour high quality.

5. Which is the perfect free label printing software program?

Label Reside is one of the finest free-label printing software program choices. It gives a easy, user-friendly interface with important options like barcode creation, template choice, and print preview. Discover different free label printing software program.

Could all of your labels stick the place they belong!! 

The perfect label printing software program I examined gives varied options to satisfy completely different enterprise wants, from ease of use and customization to highly effective integrations and high-volume printing capabilities.

However bear in mind, your necessities would possibly differ relying on the scale of your corporation or the complexity of your labels, so it’s at all times a good suggestion to check out just a few choices earlier than deciding on one. 

And don’t overlook, whereas it’s essential to get the proper label printed, it’s simply as essential to put it on the correct field. As a result of, let’s face it, the very last thing you need is for that “fragile” label to finish up on a field filled with rubberbands as a substitute of glassware.

Design and customise labels like a professional with the finest graphic design software program.