Clear barcode labels: when transparent labels work for barcodes
A barcode needs contrast. On a clear label the product becomes the background, so here's when that works and what to do when it doesn't.
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Practical advice on sticky labels: thermal labels, printing, designing custom labels and product labelling.
QR code stickers: how to make them and where they work
A QR sticker only works if it scans, and if the link still works next year. The rules for size, contrast and choosing the right kind of code.
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Label templates in Avery sizes: L7160, L7163, L7169 and L7651
Four of the most searched Avery codes, matched to our label sheets with free Word templates, and how to avoid misaligned prints.
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Christmas card address labels: free Word templates and a 10-minute mail merge
Free templates in the two most popular address label sizes, plus the quickest way to turn your Christmas card list into printed labels.
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Printable sticker paper: matt, gloss, clear or vinyl?
Match the sticker paper to your printer and to where the sticker is going, and you'll get it right first time.
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Printable food labels: what to include, with a free template
Eight food labels per A4 sheet with all the usual fields, and a plain-English guide to filling them in for a market stall or farm shop.
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Price label templates for shops and market stalls (free)
Twenty-four price tags per A4 sheet in eight designs for a shop, market stall or craft fair, with tips on clear pricing.
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Round printable labels: free template and cutting tips
A free two-page template of round stickers and jar lid labels, and three ways to cut clean circles.
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Shipping label template: free Word and PDF, plus the 6x4 alternative
A ready-made address label for parcels you send without a courier label, and the point where a 6x4 thermal printer makes more sense.
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Where can I print a shipping label? At home, from your phone or in a shop
From QR codes you show at the counter to a 6x4 thermal printer at home: every way to get a label onto your parcel, and which one suits you.
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Wine and beer bottle label sizes: how to measure your bottle
There's no single standard size. Measure the straight part of your bottle, then use these rules of thumb for front, back, neck and wraparound labels.
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Free label design software for Zebra printers: your options
You probably don't need to buy label software. Here are the free routes to designing labels for a Zebra desktop printer, and when each one fits.
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Hazard symbols: the 9 GHS pictograms and what they mean
Red diamond, black symbol: what each of the 9 hazard pictograms means, and the rules for labelling chemicals.
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Printing Royal Mail, Evri and Vinted shipping labels on a thermal printer
No ink, no scissors, no tape: how to print your shipping labels in 6x4 format on a thermal printer, carrier by carrier.
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Direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels: what's the difference?
Two technologies for two jobs. We compare direct thermal and thermal transfer on cost, durability and printer type.
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How to remove sticky labels and residue from glass and plastic
Hot water, a hairdryer, cooking oil or alcohol: which method suits which surface, and what to avoid on plastic.
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4x6 labels in mm: why 100 x 150 mm is the shipping label standard
Four names for almost the same label. Here's what actually differs between 4x6, 100 x 150 mm, 6x4 and A6.
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Label printers: which type do you actually need?
Shipping labels, price tags, folder spines or full-colour product labels each need a different machine. Start with the job, then check five specs.
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How long do thermal labels last? Heat, light, water and top coating
Thermal labels don't last forever, but the right paper, stored sensibly, lasts as long as you need. Here's what damages them and how to avoid it.
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Which thermal label size do you need? A guide by use
30x20, 40x25, 60x40, 100x150… With more than 50 sizes to choose from, here's how to pick the right one for what you're labelling.
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How to print shipping labels from your phone
Selling from your phone? You can print your shipping labels from it too, without touching a computer. Here's how.
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FNSKU labels for Amazon FBA: size, printing and common mistakes
Sending stock to FBA? The FNSKU label looks like a detail, but a badly printed barcode can slow down check-in. Here's what matters.
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Label core size and winding direction explained
Roll won't fit, or the printer churns out blank labels? Nine times out of ten it's the core or the winding direction.
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Thermal printer printing blank, faded or misaligned labels? The fixes
Printer churning out blank labels, skipping every other one or printing too light? Most of the time it's a two-minute fix.
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How to make and print barcode labels (including free options)
EAN for retail, Code 128 for stock, QR code for a link: which code to use, how to create it and how to print it so it scans first time.
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How to print on A4 sticker paper: settings and tips
An A4 sticker sheet prints like normal paper… almost. These settings stop you wasting sheets.
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How to make and print labels in Word (templates and mail merge)
The same label across a whole sheet, or a different address on every label: the Word method, step by step.
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How to design custom labels: size, material and print-ready files
Before you ask for a quote: how to choose the size and material and set up artwork the printer can use as it is.
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Jam and honey jar labels: sizes, what to include and materials
Homemade gifts or a market stall: the right size, the details to include and a material that copes with the fridge.
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Bottle and wine labels: sizes, paper and what to print
Wine, beer or juice: how to find the right size, pick a paper that copes with damp and not forget anything on the label.
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Food labelling: what must go on a food label (UK and EU)
Selling prepacked food? Here is what the label has to show, and a simple way to print it.
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Can a thermal printer print in colour or on plain paper?
Black only, special paper only? What your thermal printer can do, and the pre-printed label trick.
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Free printable fragile stickers (A4 PDF)
A free PDF with 8 designs of fragile, This Way Up and Keep Dry labels, 8 per A4 sheet, ready to print.
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How to make stickers at home (and when to get them printed)
Design, print, cut, protect: a practical route from idea to sticker with the printer you already own, and the point where rolls win.
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Free label templates for Word (A4)
13 free Word and PDF templates for A4 label sheets, from a full sheet to 65 labels per page.
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