Label printing software makes it easy to design and print labels for many needs including :
- Mailing
- Address
- CD labels,
- Asset marking
- File labels
- Tracking
- and more.
These tools include standard formats where you can choose the label size (often by manufacturer) and the formatting part is completed. These tools allow you to add graphics and the text and then you are ready to print your label.
Label printing software is included with most office suites and word processing programs, but it is also available as a stand alone program that may meet special needs (magnetic strip printing, barcode printing, etc).
Functions included with label software include:
- Barcode printing
- Rich text
- Image importing
- Database interface
- Address database functionality
- Fully searchable
- Data filters
- Magnetic strip printing (special printer required)
- Print to any printer including specialty label printers, dot matrix, thermal printers, etc.
Major Vendors of labeling software include:
- Microsoft
- Zebra
- Seagull scientific
- RKS Software
- Maxell
- Primera
Factors to consider when purchasing label printing software:
- Cost
- If your needs are basic label printing, your word process or other office applications probably have the functionality you need.
- Does info to be printed on labels reside in a specific application, make sure your label printing application is compatible
- Are you printing non-standard labels (CD labels, bar-code labels, metallic labels) that may require specific printers or software
- Printing only, or printing and retaining images
- Language conversion
- System resources: Not usually an issue, but sometimes small business environments are on over-taxed hardware already.