How to print labels at home

There are countless reasons why you may like to print labels at home. From organising your pantry to running your own eCommerce site, printing labels at home can make your life much easier and more streamlined. 

With the right tools, it’s surprisingly easy to do! 

Today, we take a look at how to print labels at home, with options for using both a standard inkjet printer, and specially-made devices.

Decide what type of labels you need

The first step is figuring out what kind of label you need for your project. For example, the labels you print for kitchen jars or bottles will be very different from the labels needed for mailing out parcels. 

Ideally, kitchen labels should be waterproof or water-resistant, and strong enough to withstand being stored in the fridge or freezer. They should also be able to stick to curved surfaces, like jars and food storage boxes. 

On the other hand, mailing labels need to be able to withstand being exposed to the elements, as well as being handled roughly. They should also stick firmly to a number of different materials, including paper, cardboard, and plastic. 

Labels can also be printed for wine bottles, candles, books, and other items.

Can you print labels off a regular printer?

Depending on the type of printer you have, you may be able to print labels from your machine. Many printers, both inkjet and laser, are designed for use with sticker and label paper. 

Check your printer’s user manual to find out whether it can print on label paper. If so, check the paper to make sure it’s not wrinkled or damaged, then place the label paper into the input tray. 

Labels print in a similar way to regular paper, but it’s important to use the correct settings. In particular, you’ll need to adjust the type of paper being used in your printer’s settings menu.

Once you’ve figured out that your printer is compatible with label paper, the process for printing the labels is simple! 

How to print labels using your home printer

First, check to make sure your home printer can print onto label paper. Your user manual should have this information. 

Next, purchase the right kind of label paper for your project. Make sure to check that the label paper is compatible with your printer type. 

Then, open up the document or file containing the label design. Select “File” and then “Print”. 

In the print menu, select the correct label paper type. For example, if you’re using Avery labels, you would select “Avery Standard Weight”. 

Then, select the label size that corresponds to the label paper you’re using. 

Click “Print” and your labels will begin printing!

You can also use a specific type of printer known as a label maker. These devices are designed to print labels quickly and easily, and don’t require any special label paper. 

How to print pantry labels at home

The type of pantry labels you choose to print will depend on the aesthetic look you’re going for and how much you’re willing to spend. 

A simple label maker will likely do the job. However, if you want something a little more professional-looking, you could print the labels out on your printer or invest in a thermal label printer. 

How to print postage labels at home 

If you run an eCommerce business or need to send out many letters and packages, printing labels can be an efficient way to save time and get your packages labelled up. 

There are a few different ways to print postage labels at home. One option is to buy a label printer, which can be used with different software programs to design and print labels. 

You can also use a regular printer to print postage labels, as long as you have the right type of label paper. Once you’ve designed your labels, print them out and attach them to your packages.

Types of label printers

Inkjet printer

Many inkjet printers are compatible for use with label paper. All you need to do is check your printer’s user manual and make sure yours can be used in this way. Once you’ve done that, simply feed the label paper into your printer’s input tray and hit print! 

There are many different design programs you can use to help you design labels for printing, from Microsoft Word through to specific programs such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and Avery.

Laser printer

As with inkjet printers, you’ll need to check your user manual to make sure your laser printer can be used with label paper. If it can, simply feed the paper into the machine and print away. Laser printers are perfectly designed for creating crisp, clear prints, and their speed makes them a desirable choice for those who need to print larger quantities, quickly. 

Handheld label maker

Handheld label makers are a popular choice for those wanting to print simple labels at home. Label makers come in a handheld or desktop model and use label tape to print text and symbols. 

These label makers are affordable, and perfect for when you want to print food labels at home, or any other type of basic label you wish to create.

High-end thermal label printer

Although a little pricey to purchase, high-end thermal label printers offer a cost-effective option for those that are wanting to print labels in volume. This makes them ideal for businesses that rely on shipping products, as they can churn out labels quickly and efficiently. 

Thermal label printers use heat to produce professional-quality labels. They work by heating up a ribbon, which then melts the wax or resin onto the label paper. This creates a durable and long-lasting label that can withstand smudging, water, and even fading.

These label printers can be connected to a computer, making it easy to design and print labels. However, they can also be used as standalone machines. 

Tips for printing labels at home

• Check your spelling and grammar – When printing labels at home, it’s important to check your spelling and grammar before you hit print. Once the label is printed, it can be time consuming to make changes, so it’s best to get it right the first time. 
• Design in black and white – If you’re going to be printing the label in monochrome, make sure you design it in monochrome. This will help you know how it’ll look when it’s printed out, and avoid any unwanted surprises. 
• Use high-quality label paper – When you print labels at home, be sure to use high-quality label paper. Doing so will ensure your labels are crisp and clear, with no smudging or fading. 
• Test print before you commit – Before you print out a batch of labels, it’s always a good idea to test print one first. Performing a test print will help you catch any mistakes and make sure the settings are correct. 

Printing labels at home can be a quick and easy way to get your parcels ready for shipping, or keep your kitchen organised. Once you’ve figured out the type of method that works best for you, you can get started on producing your labels. 

Ink Station stocks a variety of label makers and papers for printing labels at home. Be sure to check out our extensive range!