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 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 a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into it. The method can change into much more overwhelming once you’re counting on outdated or inefficient instruments. The unsuitable software program can result in errors, wasted time, and a whole lot of frustration.

That is why discovering the correct label printing answer is essential. By streamlining the complete course of, you may scale back handbook 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 search 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 transport, faculties for occasion provides, and people for organizing private shipments.

Regardless 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 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 affords a variety of design choices, permitting customers to create labels of assorted shapes, sizes, and layouts. The software program ought to assist customized dimensions and templates for various label codecs (e.g., transport labels, product labels, barcode labels, and packaging). It also needs to permit for superior design customization, together with font kinds, shade schemes, borders, and alignment instruments to create professional-looking labels.
• Barcode and QR code technology: I test whether or not the software program contains 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 sturdy barcode and QR code technology options ensures correct, scannable labels. I additionally take 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 most effective 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 instrument helps importing knowledge from CSV information, Excel spreadsheets, or dwell databases. This function is especially helpful for printing massive batches of labels with distinctive knowledge, resembling product names, costs, or transport addresses. I test if the software program affords 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 cell printers. It ought to assist each thermal switch and direct thermal printing strategies. Moreover, the software program ought to permit customers to regulate print settings resembling 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 affords a wealthy library of pre-designed templates and layouts to hurry up the label creation course of. Templates must be out there for varied industries, together with retail, logistics, meals and beverage, and healthcare. This function is very beneficial for customers who have to create commonplace labels shortly with out ranging from scratch. I additionally test 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 directly. I assess whether or not the instrument 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 transport programs: I test if the label printing software program integrates with common stock administration, transport, and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, UPS, and FedEx). This integration permits companies to routinely generate transport labels and monitor and optimize stock with out manually getting into knowledge. It streamlines order achievement and ensures consistency between order knowledge and the printed labels.

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

• Embody templates for varied sorts of labels (e.g., transport, 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 pull and drop
• Assist a number of languages and various kinds of barcodes
• Adjust to rules or business requirements resembling GS1-128

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

1. Avery Design & Print

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

One of many greatest 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 the complete course of easy and saved me a whole lot of time.

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

One other function I appreciated was the flexibility to retailer Avery templates and designs for future use. This was particularly helpful after 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.

Nonetheless, just a few drawbacks stood out. The consumer interface might use some enhancements by way of UX design. Whereas purposeful, sure parts felt outdated, and navigating by the instrument wasn’t as seamless as I’d have appreciated.

Additionally, the free templates have been considerably restrictive, significantly concerning font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered myself restricted by way of inventive freedom, which was irritating after I wished to experiment with completely different kinds.

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 consumer interface felt considerably outdated and may benefit from a extra trendy UX design. Whereas purposeful, navigating by the instrument wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped, making some duties really feel clunky.
• The free templates have been restrictive, significantly in font sizes and design flexibility. I discovered it irritating after I wished to experiment with completely different kinds however was restricted by the instrument’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 could possibly be a disadvantage for customers needing particular design parts.”

– 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 remaining. This saved me an incredible 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 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 primarily based on situations. Moreover, the flexibility to combine straight with spreadsheets utilizing variables made it straightforward to automate and customise label technology with out handbook intervention.

Nonetheless, there have been just a few downsides. The error messages could possibly be extra user-friendly and descriptive, as I typically discovered myself troubleshooting points by 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 additional 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 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 additional steps to confirm label formatting earlier than printing.

What G2 customers dislike about Label LIVE:

“Label creation could possibly be sooner. When printing greater than 100 completely different labels, the method can take as much as 10 minutes, which could 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

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 underneath tight deadlines, as I might shortly tweak present designs slightly than constructing every part from the bottom up.

Moreover, BarTender’s capacity 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 big benefit for companies dealing with large-scale labeling.

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

One other main draw back is the steep studying curve. Whereas BarTender affords 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 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 consumer permissions made deployment and entry management complicated. I needed to experiment extensively earlier than discovering an efficient solution to management consumer 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 must be.

What G2 customers dislike about BarTender:

“It’s difficult to grasp the deployment course of, product limitations, and how you can set consumer restrictions, making it tough for finish customers to navigate.”

– BarTender Assessment, 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 varied 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 solely within the browser, eliminating the necessity for software program set up. This made it extremely handy to entry from any gadget with out worrying about system compatibility or updates. Moreover, the graphical consumer interface (GUI) was straightforward to study, making the onboarding course of easy and intuitive.

I additionally appreciated how effortlessly MarkMagic built-in with present programs, 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.

Nonetheless, the consumer interface could possibly be modernized to enhance the general consumer expertise. Some parts felt outdated, and a extra polished design would improve navigation and value.

One explicit concern 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 appreciated, requiring extra handbook tweaking than anticipated.

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

What I dislike about MarkMagic:

• The consumer 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 kinds 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 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, very best for environments that demand fast label creation underneath strain. Its ease of use allowed me to design and print labels quickly, whilst a newbie, saving beneficial time I’d have spent studying a brand new instrument. 

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 inventive 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 tasks. Including barcodes to labels was equally straightforward, requiring solely the collection 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 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.

Nonetheless, Loftware Cloud does have some drawbacks that I encountered throughout my use. One concern 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 tough to pinpoint the supply of the difficulty and troubleshoot successfully.

The configuration course of will also be considerably complicated. A number of steps are concerned, and for customers unfamiliar with the platform, it may 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 tough to work with and fewer user-friendly than I’d have most well-liked. A extra intuitive scripting interface would have enormously 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 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, making sure 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 primarily based on the serial quantity. There are additionally a number of bugs, resembling 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: continuously requested questions (FAQs)

1. Do I would like particular software program to print labels?

Sure, specialised label printing software program is commonly beneficial. These instruments provide templates, barcode technology, and customization options tailor-made to label design and printing. They assist guarantee labels are formatted accurately and may assist varied printers, making certain constant outcomes.

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

The most effective format for printing labels is often 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.

3. Which printing technique is best?

Thermal printing is good for high-volume, fast-label printing with no ink required. Inkjet printing gives higher shade accuracy, whereas laser printing affords precision and velocity for bigger volumes. Select primarily based on label materials, sturdiness, and shade necessities.

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 shade mannequin for printers. RGB (Pink, Inexperienced, Blue) is good for digital screens however doesn’t translate precisely to print, affecting shade high quality.

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

Label Reside is one of the greatest free-label printing software program choices. It affords 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 most effective label printing software program I examined affords varied options to fulfill completely different enterprise wants, from ease of use and customization to highly effective integrations and high-volume printing capabilities.

However keep in mind, your necessities would possibly differ relying on the dimensions of your online business 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 right 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 stuffed with rubberbands as a substitute of glassware.

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