The 5 Finest Label Printing Software program I Examined and Advocate

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 precise data.

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 The method can develop into much more overwhelming if you’re counting on outdated or inefficient instruments.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

That is why discovering the precise label printing resolution is essential. By streamlining all the course of, you may cut back handbook effort and have peace of thoughts that each label is printed exactly.

My high 5 greatest label printing software program suggestions for 2025

With so many choices accessible, I understand how overwhelming it may be to search out the precise one. That’s why I’ve compiled a listing of one of the best 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 transport, faculties for occasion provides, and people for organizing private shipments.

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

What I search for in one of the best label printing software program

When testing one of the best label printing software program, I concentrate on 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 provides a variety of design choices, permitting customers to create labels of assorted shapes, sizes, and layouts. The software program ought to help customized dimensions and templates for various label codecs (e.g., transport labels, product labels, barcode labels, and packaging). It also needs to enable for superior design customization, together with font types, shade schemes, borders, and alignment instruments to create professional-looking labels.
• Barcode and QR code technology: I verify 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 dimension, 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 straightforward testing of barcode high quality earlier than printing.
• Integration with databases and spreadsheets: The perfect label printing software program ought to be capable to combine with databases, spreadsheets, and different software program programs to streamline the label technology course of. I assess whether or not the device helps importing information from CSV recordsdata, Excel spreadsheets, or reside databases. This function is especially helpful for printing giant batches of labels with distinctive information, equivalent to product names, costs, or transport addresses. I verify if the software program provides 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 numerous label printers, together with desktop, industrial, and cellular printers. It ought to help each thermal switch and direct thermal printing strategies. Moreover, the software program ought to enable customers to regulate print settings equivalent 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 provides a wealthy library of pre-designed templates and layouts to hurry up the label creation course of. Templates needs to be accessible for numerous industries, together with retail, logistics, meals and beverage, and healthcare. This function is particularly beneficial for customers who have to create normal labels shortly with out ranging from scratch. I additionally verify if customers can save their customized designs as templates for future use.
• Batch printing: The software program ought to help batch printing, which is essential for companies that have to print giant 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 bunch or 1000’s of labels with minimal intervention is crucial for streamlining operations, particularly in high-volume environments.
• Integration with stock and transport programs: I verify if the label printing software program integrates with widespread stock administration, transport, and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, UPS, and FedEx). This integration permits companies to mechanically generate transport labels and observe and optimize stock with out manually coming into information. It streamlines order achievement and ensures consistency between order information and the printed labels.

The listing beneath accommodates real person critiques from our greatest label printing software program class web page. To qualify for inclusion within the class, a product should:

• Embrace templates for numerous sorts of labels (e.g., transport, stock)
• Permit 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 pull and drop
• Help a number of languages and various kinds of barcodes
• Adjust to laws or trade requirements equivalent to GS1-128

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

1. Avery Design & Print

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 all the pieces for printing on Avery stickers. I did not need to spend time adjusting margins or worrying about alignment—all the pieces match completely proper from the beginning. This made all the course of easy and saved me a variety of time.

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

One other function I appreciated was the power 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, a couple of drawbacks stood out. The person interface may use some enhancements by way of UX design. Whereas practical, sure parts felt outdated, and navigating via the device wasn’t as seamless as I might have preferred.

Additionally, the free templates had been considerably restrictive, significantly relating to font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered myself restricted by way of inventive freedom, which was irritating once I needed to experiment with completely different types.

Lastly, switching between options generally 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 benefit from a extra fashionable UX design. Whereas practical, navigating via the device wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped, making some duties really feel clunky.
• The free templates had been restrictive, significantly in font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered it irritating once I needed to experiment with completely different types 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 supply fewer superior modifying instruments. This may very well be a disadvantage for customers needing particular design parts.”

– Avery Design & Print Evaluation, Med A.

2. Label LIVE

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 appropriately formatted CSV or XML file right into a monitored folder, Label LIVE took care of the remainder. This saved me an amazing period of time and streamlined my workflow considerably.

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

One other robust level was the software program’s deep integration with programming logic, as I may dynamically present or conceal parts based mostly on circumstances. Moreover, the power to combine immediately with spreadsheets utilizing variables made it simple to automate and customise label technology with out handbook intervention.

Nevertheless, there have been a couple of downsides. The error messages may very well be extra user-friendly and descriptive, as I typically discovered myself troubleshooting points via 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 via 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 may very well be sooner. When printing greater than 100 completely different labels, the method can take as much as 10 minutes, which might be time-consuming.”

– Label LIVE Evaluation, Tommy Y.

3. BarTender

After testing BarTender, I discovered it to be a sturdy and versatile barcode label printing software program. It’s broadly 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 a substitute of ranging from scratch, I may select from numerous templates and customise them to suit my wants. This was particularly useful when working below tight deadlines, as I may shortly tweak current designs fairly than constructing all the pieces from the bottom up.

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

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

One other main draw back is the steep studying curve. Whereas BarTender provides spectacular performance, getting comfy with all of its options took appreciable time. YouTube tutorials can be found, however they’re very normal and don’t go into sufficient depth to handle 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 technique to management person settings, which was time-consuming.
• BarTender has a steep studying curve regardless of its highly effective options. The accessible YouTube tutorials had been too normal and didn’t present the depth wanted for extra particular points, making the training course of tougher than it needs to be.

What G2 customers dislike about BarTender:

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

– BarTender Evaluation, Larry M.

4. MarkMagic

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 numerous file varieties seamlessly. This flexibility was significantly helpful when coping with a number of labeling necessities throughout completely different platforms.

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

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

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

One specific concern I encountered was with textual content formatting in J-Magic, which felt a bit clunky. Adjusting textual content types and placements wasn’t as easy as I might have preferred, requiring extra handbook tweaking than anticipated.

Moreover, I faced challenges in correctly formatting pictures to be used on types, which generally required further effort to make sure right alignment and backbone.

What I dislike about MarkMagic:

• The person interface may benefit 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 types and placements required extra handbook 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 pictures appropriately to be used on types has been problematic.”

– MarkMagic Evaluation, Craig L.

5. Loftware Cloud

Loftware Cloud is a extremely environment friendly and user-friendly labeling resolution, ultimate for environments that demand fast label creation below strain. Its ease of use allowed me to design and print labels quickly, at the same time as a newbie, saving beneficial 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 numerous options that make label creation each inventive and practical. The drag-and-drop performance made it simple to design professional-quality labels, even with out superior graphic design expertise. Pre-defined templates had been extremely useful for streamlining the design course of, whereas the power to save customized designs as templates ensured consistency throughout a number of initiatives. Including barcodes to labels was equally simple, requiring solely the choice of the suitable barcode symbology—no technical experience was obligatory.

I used to be additionally impressed with the multi-printer configuration, which allowed for seamless printing throughout numerous 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 durations.

Nevertheless, Loftware Cloud does have some drawbacks that I encountered throughout my use. One concern 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 difficulty and troubleshoot successfully.

The configuration course of may also be considerably complicated. A number of steps are concerned, and for customers unfamiliar with the platform, it could possibly take longer than anticipated to get all the pieces arrange correctly.

Moreover, whereas I appreciated the power 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 popular. A extra intuitive scripting interface would have significantly improved the expertise.

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

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

– Loftware Cloud Evaluation, Abhash Ok.

Finest label printing software program: incessantly requested questions (FAQs)

1. Do I want particular software program to print labels?

Sure, specialised label printing software program is commonly beneficial. These instruments supply templates, barcode technology, and customization options tailor-made to label design and printing. They assist guarantee labels are formatted appropriately and might help numerous printers, making certain constant outcomes.

2. What’s the greatest format for printing labels?

The perfect format for printing labels is usually PDF or PNG for high-quality output. These codecs protect design parts, fonts, and pictures in print-ready decision, making certain labels seem skilled and clear when printed.

4. Ought to I print in CMYK or RGB?

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

5. Which is one of the best free label printing software program?

Label Dwell is one of the greatest free-label printing software program choices. It provides 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 provides numerous 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 dimensions of what you are promoting or the complexity of your labels, so it’s at all times a good suggestion to check out a couple of choices earlier than deciding on one. 

And don’t neglect, whereas it’s essential to get the right label printed, it’s simply as vital to position it on the precise 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 one of the best graphic design software program.