Zebra · TSC · Xprinter · Godex · Brother · DYMO
Thermal label printing from your browser
Use GS1 Label Designer as online label printer software for your thermal printer. Design at the exact label size in inches and print through the normal printer driver — direct thermal or thermal transfer, rolls or fanfold.
Set up your printer once
- Install the driver from the printer manufacturer (Zebra ZDesigner, TSC / Godex Seagull drivers, Xprinter, Brother QL, DYMO).
- Create a paper size in the driver that matches your label, for example 2 × 1 in, 4 × 2 in or 4 × 6 in.
- Calibrate the printer so it detects the gap or black mark between labels.
Print settings in the browser
- Scale: 100% (or "Actual size") — not "Fit to page".
- Margins: None; turn off headers and footers.
- Paper size: the label size you created in the driver.
Common label sizes
| Size | Use |
|---|---|
| 1 × 0.5 in, 1.5 × 1 in | Small price and jewelry labels |
| 2 × 1 in, 2.25 × 1.25 in | Retail barcode and price labels |
| 3 × 2 in, 4 × 2 in | Product, food and warehouse labels |
| 4 × 3 in | Carton and pallet labels |
| 4 × 6 in | Shipping labels (UPS, FedEx, USPS) |
Sharp barcodes on 203 and 300 dpi printers
At 203 dpi one dot is about 0.005 in (0.125 mm). Make bars at least two dots wide, increase darkness a little and lower the print speed for dense codes. At 300 dpi you can go smaller. Always test-scan the first label.
Printing from a phone? On iPhone use AirPrint, or share the label image to the app of your printer.
Thermal printing FAQ
Do I need special drivers?
Use the printer manufacturer driver (for example Zebra ZDesigner or the Seagull driver for TSC/Godex). In the driver, create a paper size that matches your label exactly.
Why is my label printed too small or shifted?
Set the print scale to 100% (not "Fit to page"), turn off headers and footers in the browser print dialog and make sure the driver paper size matches the label size in the designer.
How do I get sharper barcodes on a 203 dpi printer?
Make the barcode box a little wider so each bar is at least 2 printer dots (0.01 in) wide, raise the darkness slightly and print at a lower speed.
Can I print from my phone?
The designer works on phones. On iPhone, print to AirPrint printers or share the label image to your printer app.
Design your first label in a minute
Free, in your browser, no sign-up needed to start.
Open the designer