Guides | Labels Zoo

1 Top Tips and Tricks for Printing Your Own Barcodes

At Labels Zoo, we specialize in high-quality barcode labels. This guide provides expert-backed insights on printing barcodes at home, along with best practices recommended by industry leaders.

Barcode labels are one of the most important ways to identify your products, assets, or employees. You can use them for inventory tracking, identifying products and more. They’re used in manufacturing industries, retail businesses, stockrooms and many other industries, varying across most sectors.

Since their introduction in the 1970s, barcodes have transformed global commerce and supply chains. According to a GS1 study, companies that implement barcode tracking see an average 30% reduction in inventory errors and a 20% boost in operational efficiency

What are barcodes and why are they useful?

Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data, consisting of black-and-white patterns. Each barcode encodes information in a way that scanners can read, using light reflection to detect variations between dark and light spaces. The scanned data is then converted into a numerical or alphanumeric code, which corresponds to product details stored in a database

The barcode acts as a quick reference tool for the cashier or worker to scan to identify the description and cost of an item with ease.

While retail is a major industry for barcodes, they are also crucial in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. In warehouses, barcodes track shipments, reduce errors, and automate inventory management. In hospitals, barcode wristbands help prevent medication errors by ensuring patients receive the correct prescriptions. According to GS1’s industry reports, barcode technology has improved efficiency across global supply chains by reducing manual data entry errors.

Barcodes are a great way to track inventory and keep track of the goods you sell, or the goods that your company needs. They’re also used in many other industries where it is important to keep track of items being sold, including retail stores, grocery stores and even manufacturing companies. Barcodes allow for easy scanning by employees when entering new inventory into their databases.

Barcodes follow international standards set by GS1, the global authority on barcode creation and scanning. GS1 recommends a minimum resolution of 300 DPI for barcode clarity. Additionally, Zebra Technologies suggests using thermal printing for long-term barcode durability in retail and warehouse environments.

Types of barcodes

Not all barcodes serve the same purpose. GS1’s Barcode Types Guide explains different barcode formats and their uses:

UPC-A – Used in retail for scanning at checkout.
EAN-13 – Common in Europe for consumer products.
Code 128 – Ideal for internal inventory tracking, as it stores more information.
QR Codes – Used for digital interactions, like linking to websites or product details.

For at-home printing, UPC and Code 128 barcodes are the most commonly used formats

What label adhesive should I use for a barcode label?

While you can use a wide variety of adhesives or sticky labels as barcode labels, certain types will work better than others. For short-term barcodes used on products with a short shelf life, matt white paper labels work well. However, for long-lasting labels, such as those used in warehouses or shipping, consider using thermal transfer labels made of polypropylene or polyester.

These materials resist moisture, chemicals, and wear. We also recommend synthetic labels for industrial applications where durability is required.

Due to barcode readers relying on the ability to scan the barcode to gather the information, it is important the label can be read clearly and quickly for efficiency. Barcode readers detect the difference between white and black printed areas on the label to gather the right information.

Therefore, the label needs to be matt to avoid any shiny surface reflecting light and interfering with the barcode detection which can prevent accurate results. Permanent adhesive is the ideal solution for barcode labels to keep them secured on the relevant items.

What type of label should I use for a barcode label?

When it comes to which type of label you want for your barcodes, you need something simple, matt, white and the right shape and size for a barcode. Printer labels and direct thermal labels are both great for barcodes, however, if you’re printing them at home, printer labels are the best option due to their compatibility with inkjet and laser printers.

Manufactured using high-quality 70gsm paper with a permanent adhesive backing, printer labels are perfect for barcodes to be printed off at home. The permanent adhesive will keep them stuck to the product and avoid any stock with missing barcodes, and you’re able to order them in different sizes to customise how many barcodes you need.

For barcodes that need to withstand warehouse conditions or frequent handling, consider using polypropylene or polyester labels instead of standard paper labels. Research from Zebra Technologies highlights that thermal transfer printing on synthetic labels can make barcodes last longer and resist fading.

What print settings should I use for barcode labels?

When printing barcode labels, you must consider the print settings as you need the best quality result possible so that the barcode reader can get accurate and quick results. Therefore, selecting a “Labels” or “Heavy Paper” print setting is the best solution for ensuring a quality print finish.

To ensure scanning accuracy, always print your barcodes in high contrast (black on white) and set your printer to at least 300 DPI resolution to avoid blurry barcodes. Higher resolution (e.g., 600 DPI) is ideal for small barcodes or complex codes like QR codes.

Antonette Tagnipez from BoxHero also recommends reducing your printing speed, as printing too quickly can result in distorted barcodes. Low-resolution barcode printing can cause errors in inventory management and POS systems, making it important to retain quality wherever possible.

What should I consider when choosing labels for my barcodes?

1. The colour of the labels needs to be white so the barcode reader can get accurate results.
2. Use a matt finish so the gloss does not reflect light.
3. A permanent or high-tack adhesive will prevent your products from losing their assigned barcode.
4. Printer labels are compatible with inkjet and laser printers, which are most common from at-home printers.
5. Print barcodes with the highest quality settings available to get the best results from the barcode reader.
6. While label sheets allow for flexible printing of small quantities, roll label printers often require full rolls to be used efficiently. If using a desktop inkjet or laser printer, opt for A4 label sheets with a layout matching your software settings.

Are you in need of barcode labels?

Having barcode labels available to print at home or on-site is extremely efficient and beneficial. At Labels Zoo, we’ve helped thousands of businesses print durable, high-quality barcode labels.

If you’re looking for high-quality barcode labels tailored for inkjet, laser, and thermal printing, explore our barcode label collection or contact us for expert guidance on selecting the right label for your needs.

We have a 4.8 star rating from 612 customer reviews – we help businesses to cut costs whilst providing high-quality label solutions.

About the Author: This article was written by Tom Lamb, a labelling specialist at Labels Zoo with over 20 years of experience in label manufacturing and printing solutions. Our team stays up to date with GS1 barcode standards and best practices from industry leaders

1 How To Print Labels at Home

When you’re running a business, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different tasks that need to be done. Jobs such as invoicing customers, printing sales receipts and shipping labels can be daunting for new business owners.

If you’re starting a business from home, this guide is the perfect resource to assist you in printing labels at home and streamlining shipping tasks.

What are printer labels?

Labels come in many shapes and sizes, meaning you might not know where to start when searching for the perfect label to suit your business needs.

When you’re first starting, the chances are you haven’t invested in any fancy equipment, meaning you need a simple label solution that can printed with standard InkJet or Laser printers.

Printer labels are A4 sheets of plain sticky labels that can be used in everyday printers. We sell a variety of sizes to suit the needs of most businesses, ranging from 1 A4 label to 27 labels per sheet.

What size label should I use?

The size of the label you need depends on what you’re using the label for, and how much information you need to include.

Address Labels

If you’re using the labels for customer addresses, you don’t need too much space on each label. Our popular choices for address labels are from 8 labels per sheet – 21 labels per sheet printer labels.

Shipping Labels

Shipping labels sometimes need to contain more information than just a customer’s address. Some mailing companies also require barcodes, mail mark tracking and other features to be included on the label. In this case, you have two options for labels.

You could stick with printer labels but with a bigger size such as 2 – 6 labels per sheet. This gives you ample space to fit all the necessary information on the labels.

Alternatively, if you wanted to print your customer’s invoice or delivery notes on one page, you could choose an integrated label. An integrated label is an A4 page with a label positioned at the bottom, that you can peel out and stick on the packaging. You then pack the rest of the A4 sheet with the delivery notes/invoice, streamlining the order process.

What are the benefits of printing my labels at home?

Save money

Making your own labels is a creative way to cut costs. Printing your own labels can save you up to 75% off the cost of buying commercial labels when you factor in the cost of ink, paper, and printer maintenance. You may ensign a distinctive style that expresses your personality or brand using personalised labels, cutting the cost of a designer too.

Convenience

Additionally, you’ll appreciate how convenient it is to print any kind of label whenever you need to, without having to wait for someone else to do it for you. Printing your own labels is fantastic for so many reasons, with convenience being one of the key elements.

Print what you need

When you print your own labels, you only need to print the exact amount you need. This saves you from having too many pre-printed labels that may go to waste.

Versatile

You can print labels for any purpose: from shipping and labelling packages to personalising gifts with custom stickers. Printer labels are available for everyday use or even for your own business, as they’re a blank canvas. They’re able to bring your branding to life for various uses.

How to print labels at home

The first step in printing your own labels at home is getting high quality printer labels that are the quantity, shape and size you need. Depending on what you need them for, you may want to check the compatibility of your printer and if they’re right for your use.

When ordering printer labels to print at home, they will usually come with a template you can use. To get this template working you need to do as follows:
1. Click the ‘Download Word Templates’ link
2. You will see a message asking if you want to open or save the file – just click the ‘Open’ button
3. Once you have opened the template file, you’ll see it contains two Word Template documents. One has the label at the bottom, and one has the label at the top.
4. Double click the template you prefer, and the Word file will open
5. In Word select ‘File’ then ‘Save As’
6. Give the file a name that is relevant and easy to locate, then click ‘Save’
7. You’re now ready to go, although you’ll probably want to remove the text and image first and input what you want to print
8. Save the document to use in future versions

You are then able to use this template to print onto the printer labels you’ve ordered after placing them in your printer. Always make sure you print a test print to make sure it comes out correctly, then once you’ve printed onto the label, you’re able to just peel it off and use it.

Tips and tricks for printing labels at home

Write clearly
Type legibly! Writing or typing for labels can be a difficult process because if you don’t write precisely enough or you type too much, the ink can smear or get cut off. The best method is to stick to a template and use the right materials.

Use a guide
By using a template or guide when designing your labels, it will ensure that they will print correctly and look the most effective when printed. Templates can also help you when coming back to reprint specific designs, so you save time by just choosing the ones already done.

Use a label applicator
If possible, apply labels with a tool or dispenser rather than by hand to save time, as well as to keep your labels a lot cleaner and avoid the chance of ripping or creasing.

Check your printer’s settings
Most modern printers have features that let you significantly enhance the print quality you may get while working with various materials, located in the settings. For instance, most printers can include a “Heavy Paper” setting that is intended to process heavier materials, some have a setting just for “Labels.” Additionally, make sure your printer is set to print the right size document, depending on which labels you have and the country you are located in due to different regions having different sizes.

Don’t put labels through the printer more than once
Labels may be moved around rollers subjected to pressure or heat as they are fed through a printer. Therefore, if you run the label through the printer more than once, the print quality can become diminished, and the labels may start to curl up the more they are put through.

Make sure your labels and printer are compatible
Depending on the printer, some labels can be printed using only one method, such as inkjet printing or laser printing. If you use an incompatible printing method, the print just won’t stay in place.

Make sure you do a test print before starting
Doing a test run before you print your required labels is a must, to make sure what you want printed comes out perfectly. This can save you a lot of time and money if there is a mistake, with a simple alteration it can be fixed rather than having to reprint the whole batch.

Think about your design
When designing your label, you need to take into consideration the size and shape of the actual label you are using to print on. This will help you with the arrangement of the elements that you use in your design, bringing your brand and personality to life. Focus on the colour and meaning of your label, making it easy to read and understand so your audience can take the information in quickly and effectively. Depending on your printer, you may need to design to the edge of your label, or some may require there to be an edge, the best solution is stick to your template and do a test run before printing in bulk.

Are you in need of printing your own labels at home?

It’s now easy and affordable to print labels at home. Not only that, but with your own printer, you are able to make sure they are exactly the way you want them to be and right for your use. You do not have to worry about sending them off to someone else to print, or risking any mistakes made by other companies. If you’re after high quality printer labels to use at home, feel free to contact us today or visit our printer labels web page for more information.

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1 The Ultimate Guide To Creative Label Design

Label design is an art form and very important within your business. It can be used to convey information about a product or impact the perceived quality of the contents it is stuck to. When done well, label design can help you stand out from the competition and generate more sales, or provide the right information to pack products effectively. However, label design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a science that takes into account things such as readability, legibility, security and shelf appeal. If you want to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace, you will need to understand the importance of label design and functionality.

How big should my labels be?

Bigger is not always better, there is no need to go overboard with the size of your labels. It is easy to get excited about big, bold labels, but it is important to take into consideration what your customers may desire. Using accurate sizing is vital, as it allows room for the relevant information, and creates the perfect label for the product or designated area without drowning it. Functionality is key, so your labels need to be the right size so that customers can read them but are also not overwhelmed by them.

What is the best font for my label?

The font is completely up to your company, and there are many factors to take into consideration. Firstly, you want the font to stay on brand to protect your brand identity and keep consistent. However, you need it to be readable, to keep the label informative for the reader.

Fewer fonts are fine and can be better. A single font is easier to read and it makes your brand look more cohesive and unified. When you pack a label with too many fonts, the message can become confusing or difficult for consumers to decipher. Keep your fonts easy on the eyes when it comes to reading texts, and keep your logo and text separate.

What colours should I make my labels?

Colour is a powerful tool in design, and it is important to use it wisely. You need to consider how the colour of your label will affect what people see and how they interpret your product. Using colours that match the product and are appropriate for your target audience will create an easier connection between the product and the consumer.

Avoid using colours that don’t fit in with your branding or the purpose of the product. For example, if you are creating packaging labels, red would be the obvious choice due to connotations of urgency and importance. Take into consideration colour theory, ask yourself if the colour represents what you’re trying to communicate and portray.

Using images in label design

Images are another important part of label design, but they need to be used correctly. If you want to use images on your label, make sure they’re done in a way to enhances the design or provides information.

Images can be used to enhance the design, helping an image-based product stand out from its competitors and improve user experience by adding visual appeal or meaning to otherwise bland text labels. Images can also be used to help customers identify the product. Having clear pictures on printer labels can be useful as they can supplement text-based descriptions with visual information that makes it easier for people to understand.

The benefits of a well-designed label

Advertises your business
Products sold with labelled stickers help advertise their brand, especially compared to products that are sold unlabelled. Having your branding and brand name on the label will promote it right away from the first interaction with the customer.

Informative
A well designed label, fit with the right information is able to inform the user easily. It could be to inform readers about the product, or to inform them of the direction of use when taking care of packaging, such as packaging labels.

Protects your branding
Utilising design on labels allows you to protect your branding. Using your branding guidelines when creating the label will provide you with an on-brand label, keeping it cohesive and consistent with your businesses brand identity.

Improved delivery
All purchases, especially in e-commerce, need multiple labels through the journey from purchasing, to warehouse, to destination. This ensures that they arrive on time and to the right place with the utmost efficiency. With a customised and well designed label, your product and packaging will stand out, making it less likely to get lost in transit and carried with care.

Improved efficiency
Effective and creative labelling looks professional and can provide information and help the parties involved in the supply chain on how to handle your package properly. By providing the right information and instruction on your package, missing packaging or damaged returns can be avoided at an easier rate. Therefore, labelling your products properly with a well designed label can help build your success rate in deliveries.

Don’t forget the details

Use a high quality printer or printing service, as you want to make sure that your label has the best quality possible. Use a secure printing process also, from integrated labels or direct thermal labels, make sure the labels you choose are printed using a secure printing process. This allows the labels to be much better quality and provide a longer and more durable product.

Are you in need of labels?

Creativity, information and security are important parts of label design. The labels with innovative and creative elements embedded into them appeal to customers much more. Achieve optimum results by using the appropriate colours, shapes, fonts, images and more. If you’re looking for high quality labels, check out our large selection today and make sure to contact us for any further information required.

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Category: Guides

1 Top Tips and Tricks for Printing Your Own Barcodes