Label printers and barcode labels

In short: Whoever wants to label things in storage, inventory or shipping uses label printers. They mostly print without ink, by heat on special paper. What matters is that the barcode is read reliably later.

Printing methods

• Direct thermal: the paper itself darkens under heat. No ribbon, cheap, ideal for shipping labels. Disadvantage: heat and light make the print fade over time.
• Thermal transfer: heat transfers ink from a ribbon onto the label. Lasts years, more resistant, for inventory and shelves.
• Inkjet/laser on sheets: label sheets from a normal printer, good for small quantities (sheet with grid, see the inventory tool on this website).

What to look out for

1. Resolution (dpi): 203 dpi is enough for large barcodes, 300 dpi for small text.
2. Label width and roll core matching the device.
3. Connection: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi; driver or printing from browser/program.
4. Durability: special materials for outdoors, cold or chemicals.

Printing barcodes correctly

• Barcode types and their suitability: Barcode types overview; Code 128 suits inventory, EAN-13 retail goods.
• Quiet zone: space must remain left and right of the code (at least 10 module widths), otherwise it scans badly.
• Contrast: black on white, matt; no gloss that reflects.
• Size: not smaller than the scanner requires; test when in doubt.
• After printing check with the scanner (Barcode scanners).

Label content

Barcode plus short plain text (name, place) so the label can also be read without a scanner.

See also: QR code: structure and function