Get Organized with the Best Label Makers

Things to Consider when Choosing a Label Maker

To choose the best label maker, there are several things to have in mind before you make a purchase. Continue reading to see our suggestions.

Type of label maker

There are several types of label makers. These include personal label makers, desktop label makers, and direct thermal label makers.

- Portable label makers: Portable label makers are useful if you need to make a variety of labels. A stationary label maker means you will need to go to and from the printer every time you need new labels. Alternatively, you can print out the exact amount of labels you need and carry them around. However, if you have many labels to make, it is unlikely you will remember every item you need to label.

With all good intentions of printing enough labels for what you need, you will likely spot an item you haven’t made a label for. Portable printers are lightweight, compact, and usually very user-friendly to make your job easier.

Portable printers aren’t recommended for anywhere with high temperatures or direct sunlight. They are also not suitable for creating long-life labels. This is because portable printers are most commonly direct thermal printers. We will explain how heat affects thermal printers below.

- Direct thermal label printers: Direct thermal paper contains chemicals that respond to heat and UV light. This is why it is not suitable to use in warm conditions or areas exposed to high levels of UV light. Conditions like this will simply make the entirety of the paper darker and will make your label hard to read.

There are many benefits to using a direct thermal printer. A direct thermal printer produces clear prints with good scannability. They are also easy to use, as there is no ribbon, ink, or toner to monitor and replenish. For this reason, a direct thermal printer does not cost very much to run.

With a direct thermal label printer, you can print a single label or a batch of labels just as easily with no waste. Direct thermal printers are often also more durable than a lot of other printers on the market.

If opting for a direct thermal printer, the paper used remains chemically active long after use, which is not great for the environment.

- Thermal transfer printing: Thermal transfer printing works by heating a ribbon with ink on one side. First, the ribbon is heated in specific areas to create an image of a barcode, letters, or numbers. Then, the ink is transferred from a ribbon onto a label surface.

Thermal transfer printing is impervious to heat and moisture, so it is a sensible option if you want to use a label maker in a warm environment. This type of printing also produces longer-lasting results than a direct thermal printer.

It is important to consider the added cost of using a thermal transfer printer. It requires a thermal transfer ribbon which will be an ongoing cost during its use.

- Desktop printer: If you don’t have much space, you should consider buying a desktop printer. This is a cheaper option than an industrial printer but will require you to fill up the ink and replace the ribbon more often.

- Industrial Printer: An industrial label printer takes up a lot of space, but you won’t need to change the ribbon or ink as often. In addition, an industrial label printer can make labels non-stop if you need it to. These are most suitable for large workplaces in need of many labels.

Variety of characters

Choose a label maker that has a large variety of symbols. This will make certain labels stand out and will help you identify items at a glance. Labels with symbols also look more aesthetically appealing.

Different fonts

Look for a label printer that offers different fonts, styles, and frames. This will keep things visually interesting. You can spice up your labels and use different fonts for different items as a way to categorize.

Label size

Consider the size you want your labels to be. The majority of printers make labels that are 100mm wide. If you want a wider label printer, it will cost more in the long run because the printheads are more costly.

Print speed

Label printers range in speed from 4 up to 14 inches per second. This won’t make too much difference if you are labeling items at home, but if you are in the workplace, waiting for labels to print is an inconvenience. That doesn’t need to happen if you choose your label maker wisely.

Connectivity

Consider how the label printer receives its orders. Some label makers are only compatible with certain devices. Most modern label makers work via Bluetooth or USB. Some use WiFi, memory cards, or ethernet. Check before you purchase a product to make sure you have what you need to use it if it requires another device to design the labels.

DPI

DPI stands for “dots per inch.” It is a measurement that will tell you how clear the image will be. The higher the DPI number, the clearer the printed image. For home use, a 203 DPI printer will be sufficient. If you need to print out a clear barcode or small writing, opt for a 600 DPI printer.

LCD screen

Most label makers have an LCD screen. The LCD screen allows you to see what will be printed onto your label. A clear LCD is important because it can stop you from making mistakes that cost you a substantial amount of ink, toner, or tape.

How do we choose the best label makers?

To choose the best label maker, we consider how much money the label maker costs, including the price of the additional items you need to use, like tape and ink. We looked at how easy the product is to use and how clearly it prints out labels, as well as how customizable the device is. We read many customer reviews and will only recommend items that many people have tried and tested.

Label Maker FAQ

Q: Why isn’t my label printer working?

A: If your label printer has stopped working, open it up and ensure there is sufficient ribbon and ink. Make sure there is paper with the label side facing up. Close the printer and press the feed button. If the feed works, it could be an issue with the connection between the printer and the device sending the instructions to it. Ensure the printer is fully charged or it is connected to a working power source. Try turning the printer off and on again.

Q: Can you use labels as stickers?

A: You could use labels as stickers. However, labels are printed on thinner paper than some stickers, so they will not be as durable.

Q: What is the difference between a tag and a label?

A: A label is attached to an item using adhesive. It may portray the same information as a tag, but a tag is attached to an item without adhesive, perhaps using string or a safety pin.