The 5 Finest Label Printing Software program I Examined and Suggest

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

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 The method can turn out to be much more overwhelming while you’re counting on outdated or inefficient instruments.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

That is why discovering the correct label printing answer is essential. By streamlining your entire course of, you possibly can cut back guide effort and have peace of thoughts that each label is printed exactly.

My prime 5 greatest 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 very best label printing software program instruments for 2025 that will help 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, colleges 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 very best label printing software program

When testing the very best label printing software program, I deal with 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 presents 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 also needs to 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 power to simply create totally 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 sturdy 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 very best label printing software program ought to be capable 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 knowledge from CSV recordsdata, Excel spreadsheets, or reside databases. This function is especially helpful for printing giant batches of labels with distinctive knowledge, equivalent to product names, costs, or delivery addresses. I examine if the software program presents mail merge-like performance to automate the inhabitants of labels with dynamic knowledge.
• Assist for various printing strategies: I consider whether or not the software program is suitable with varied label printers, together with desktop, industrial, and cellular 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 equivalent to print velocity, decision, and label alignment to optimize high quality and effectivity primarily based on the kind of printer getting used.
• Template library: I assess whether or not the software program presents a wealthy library of pre-designed templates and layouts to hurry up the label creation course of. Templates needs to be out there for varied industries, together with retail, logistics, meals and beverage, and healthcare. This function is particularly invaluable for customers who have to create normal labels rapidly 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 giant portions of labels directly. 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 primarily based on dynamic knowledge. Printing a whole lot or hundreds 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 fashionable stock administration, delivery, and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, UPS, and FedEx). This integration permits companies to mechanically generate delivery labels and monitor and optimize stock with out manually coming into knowledge. It streamlines order achievement and ensures consistency between order knowledge 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 varied sorts of labels (e.g., delivery, 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 tug and drop
• Assist a number of languages and several types of barcodes
• Adjust to rules or business requirements equivalent to GS1-128

This knowledge 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 largest benefits was how easy it was to format every part for printing on Avery stickers. I did not must spend time adjusting margins or worrying about alignment—every part match completely proper from the beginning. This made your entire course of easy and saved me numerous time.

Organising the software program was simply as straightforward. Downloading and putting in Avery Design & Print took only some minutes, and I may leap straight into my venture with none pointless steps or problems.  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, a couple of drawbacks stood out. The person interface may use some enhancements by way of UX design. Whereas purposeful, sure components felt outdated, and navigating by means of the device wasn’t as seamless as I’d have preferred.

Additionally, the free templates have been considerably restrictive, notably relating to font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered myself restricted by way of artistic freedom, which was irritating once I needed to experiment with totally 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 fashionable UX design. Whereas purposeful, navigating by means 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 needed to experiment with totally 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 may supply fewer superior enhancing instruments. This may very well be a disadvantage for customers needing particular design components.”

– Avery Design & Print Assessment, 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 accurately 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 side I appreciated was the What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) designer interface, which offered a seamless printing expertise throughout totally different printers. I even examined it on an 80mm printer, and the outcomes have 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 disguise components primarily based on situations. Moreover, the flexibility to combine immediately with spreadsheets utilizing variables made it straightforward to automate and customise label technology with out guide 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 by means of trial and error. A extra detailed clarification 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 means of trial and error. A clearer clarification 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 quicker. When printing greater than 100 totally different labels, the method can take as much as 10 minutes, which will be time-consuming.”

– Label LIVE Assessment, 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

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

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

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

One other main draw back is the steep studying curve. Whereas BarTender presents spectacular performance, getting snug 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 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 dearth of clear documentation for managing person permissions made deployment and entry management complicated. I needed to experiment extensively earlier than discovering an efficient option 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 normal and didn’t present the depth wanted for extra particular points, making the training course of more durable than it needs to be.

What G2 customers dislike about BarTender:

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

– BarTender Assessment, Larry M.

4. MarkMagic

I discovered MarkMagic to be extremely customizable. The power to export and import totally 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 totally 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 machine with out worrying about system compatibility or updates. Moreover, the graphical person interface (GUI) was straightforward to study, 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 big profit for me, because it ensured accessibility from anyplace whereas decreasing the necessity for native storage or upkeep.

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

One specific situation 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’d have preferred, requiring extra guide tweaking than anticipated.

Moreover, I faced challenges in correctly formatting pictures to be used on types, 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 components 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 pictures accurately to be used on types has been problematic.”

– MarkMagic Assessment, Craig L.

5. Loftware Cloud

Loftware Cloud is a extremely environment friendly and user-friendly labeling answer, ideally suited for environments that demand fast label creation below stress. Its ease of use allowed me to design and print labels quickly, whilst a newbie, saving invaluable time I’d 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, advanced label manufacturing, the software program adapts simply to evolving enterprise wants. 

By way of designal, Loftware Cloud excels with varied options that make label creation each artistic and purposeful. The drag-and-drop performance made it straightforward 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 straightforward, requiring solely the choice of the suitable barcode symbology—no technical experience was mandatory.

I used to be additionally impressed with the multi-printer configuration, which allowed for seamless printing throughout varied places or groups. The power to distribute the workload throughout a number of servers considerably enhanced the system’s efficiency, guaranteeing 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 situation was the occasional bugs that disrupted my workflow, making sure duties extra irritating. Specifically, 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 may also be considerably advanced. A number of steps are concerned, and for customers unfamiliar with the platform, it will probably take longer than anticipated to get every part 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’d have most well-liked. A extra intuitive scripting interface would have significantly improved the expertise.

Lastly, the dealing with of area 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 have been positioned accurately on the ultimate label.

What I dislike about Loftware Cloud:

• I encountered occasional bugs that disrupted my workflow, making sure duties extra irritating. The dearth of clear error messages made troubleshooting difficult, slowing the method.
• The configuration course of was extra advanced 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 accurately primarily based on the serial quantity. There are additionally a number of bugs, equivalent to adjustments not making use of instantly and solely reflecting after logging out and logging again in.”

– Loftware Cloud Assessment, Abhash Okay.

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

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

Sure, specialised label printing software program is usually really helpful. These instruments supply templates, barcode technology, and customization options tailor-made to label design and printing. They assist guarantee labels are formatted accurately and might assist varied printers, guaranteeing constant outcomes.

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

The very best format for printing labels is often PDF or PNG for high-quality output. These codecs protect design components, fonts, and pictures in print-ready decision, guaranteeing 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 must print in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) mode, as that is the usual colour mannequin for printers. RGB (Purple, Inexperienced, Blue) is good for digital screens however doesn’t translate precisely to print, affecting colour high quality.

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

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

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

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

However bear in mind, your necessities may differ relying on the scale 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 overlook, whereas it’s essential to get the right label printed, it’s simply as vital 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 stuffed with rubberbands as a substitute of glassware.

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