Label Printing Quality

Save Time on Label Printing: How to Create Label Templates

Written by: BernauLena

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Time to read 4 min

If you are an eCommerce beginner, you may feel frustrated when you need to print the same type of labels, such as product labels, again and again. When the number of orders is still small, this may be manageable. But as orders increase, you will want to find a simpler way to design labels. This is where a default template comes in. With a default template, you don’t have to redesign the labels you use repeatedly every time you need them. This will significantly improve your efficiency. Today, we’re going to teach you how to make a label template. Let’s go!

Core Elements of a Label Template

A well-designed label template can greatly improve efficiency, especially when a certain type of label needs to be printed repeatedly. By fixing the key components of your design, you ensure both consistency and speed in your workflow.


Size: The most common label dimensions include 4x6-inch shipping labels and 2x1-inch barcode labels. Selecting the right size from the beginning ensures compatibility with your packaging or inventory system.


Fixed Content: Elements such as your company logo, business name, and sender’s information are best kept static. These provide branding consistency and eliminate the need to re-enter details each time.


Variable Content: This is the information that changes with every print job, such as recipient addresses, order numbers, SKUs, barcodes, or QR codes. A flexible template makes it easy to update only the fields that matter.


Layout Structure: Organize your label logically by dividing information into top/bottom or left/right sections. Highlight key details, such as barcodes or order numbers, by enlarging or bolding them for quick visibility.

Tip: Always design templates with printer compatibility in mind. Direct thermal printers may handle layouts differently from laser or inkjet printers, so testing your template helps avoid misalignment or formatting issues.

Common Label Templates

Here are some of the most common label templates used in business and eCommerce:


Address Labels 
Used for envelopes, parcels, return addresses, and mailing lists.
Common size: 1 x 2.625 inches (30 per sheet on US Letter paper)
Often created in Word or Excel using mail merge.


Product Labels
Used to identify product name, SKU, barcode, size, color, or ingredients.
Common sizes: 2 x 1 inches, 3 x 2 inches, or circle labels.
Can include logos, QR codes, or batch numbers.


Amazon FNSKU Labels 
Required for Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) shipments.
Each product unit needs a unique FNSKU barcode label.
Common size: 1 x 2.625 inches or 2.25 x 1.25 inches.
Must meet Amazon’s printing guidelines.


Storage Labels
Used in warehouses, inventory rooms, or retail backrooms.
Display SKU, product name, location code, or barcode.
Often printed on thermal labels using Zebra or Brother printers.


Thank You Stickers or Logo Labels
Used to enhance packaging presentation.
Often round or square (1.5 inch circle or 2 x 2 inch square).
Includes brand name, thank you message, or QR code.
Printed on glossy, matte, or colored label material.


Fragile or Caution Labels 
Used for shipping sensitive or dangerous goods.
Display messages like “Fragile,” “Handle with Care,” “This Side Up,” etc.
Often printed in red or with icons to attract attention.
Available in pre-printed rolls or as part of custom templates.

How to Make A Label Template

The first few times may seem difficult, but once you get familiar with the process, creating a label template is very easy. There’s nothing too complex—the elements can be combined easily.


Step 1: Choose Your Label Software

You can use different tools depending on your needs:

  • Label design software like BarTender or NiceLabel
  • Free tools likeCanva
  • Microsoft Word or WPS Writer
  • Printer software like Brother P-touch Editor or Dymo Label Software.

Step 2: Select the Label Size

Choose the label size that fits your printer and your product. For example:

In software, you can either:

  • Select a pre-set label size
  • Enter custom width and height

Step 3: Set the Layout and Margins

  • Define the layout:
  • Set margins (top, bottom, left, right
  • Choose portrait or landscape orientation
  • Decide how many labels per row and column (for sheet labels)

Step 4: Add Fixed Content

  • Add elements that stay the same on every label:
  • Brand name
  • Logo or image
  • Website URL
  • Text like “Thank you for your purchase”

Step 5: Add Variable Fields

If you want to print many labels at once with different information:

  • Insert variable fields for product name, SKU, barcode, etc.
  • Link to an Excel file or database to import data
  • Use placeholders like [Product Name] or [Barcode]

Step 6: Add a Barcode or QR Code (Optional)

You can add a barcode or QR code if needed:

  • Choose barcode type (like Code128, UPC, or QR)
  • Set it as fixed or variable
  • Connect it to your data source (for example, a column in Excel)

Step 7: Save the Template

Save your layout as a template file:

  • Name it clearly (like “Shipping Label 4x6”)
  • Store it in an easy-to-find folder
  • Use “Save As Template” if the software supports it
  • Now you can open this template anytime and use it for new products.

Step 8: Test Print

Before bulk printing, do a test:

  • Check size, alignment, and content
  • Make sure barcodes scan correctly
  • Adjust margins or spacing if needed

Conclusion

By setting up a label template, you save time, avoid repetitive work, and keep your labels consistent. Whether you’re printing shipping labels, product labels, or barcodes, a well-designed template will make your workflow smoother and more efficient. Start simple, practice a few times, and soon you’ll find that creating label templates is not only easy but also an essential step for scaling your eCommerce business.

About Betckey

Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit  betckey.com  and get special discount when purchasing! Sign up now and we'll send you a special discount towards your purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!

 

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