Comparing the best free label printing software options in 2026 — desktop programs vs browser-based tools. Find out which one saves you the most time.

If you need to print labels for your business, you've probably searched for free label printing software and found a long list of options — some you download, some you use in a browser, some that look like they were built in 2004.

This post cuts through the noise. Here's what's actually available for free, and which one is the right pick depending on what you need.

The Two Types of Free Label Software#

Desktop programs — you download and install them on your computer. They work offline but only on that one machine. Examples: Avery Design & Print (Windows only), Dymo Label Software (requires a Dymo printer), Zebra ZPL software.

Browser-based tools — you open a website and design your labels there. No download, no installation. Works on any computer, any operating system. Examples: Labeliy, Canva (limited label support), Avery's online editor.

What Most People Actually Need#

Before comparing specific tools, be honest about what you need:

Bulk printing from a spreadsheet — most desktop tools make this painful. Browser tools like Labeliy are built for this.
Barcode generation — not all free tools support UPC, EAN, or Code 128 barcodes. Many charge for this.
Avery sheet compatibility — if you're using standard Avery sheets, almost any tool works. If you have a thermal printer, you need software that supports custom label sizes.
Works on Mac — most desktop label software is Windows-only. Browser tools work everywhere.

Option 1 — Avery Design & Print#

Avery's own free software. Works well if you're using Avery sheets and want simple designs.

Good: Free, large template library, works directly with Avery sheet formats.

Bad: Windows only, limited barcode support on the free tier, you can't easily import a spreadsheet of data.

Best for: occasional home use, simple address or name badge labels.

Option 2 — Dymo Label Software#

Only useful if you own a Dymo label printer. It's free but locked to their hardware.

Good: Works great with Dymo printers, simple interface.

Bad: Useless without a Dymo printer, no bulk printing from spreadsheets.

Best for: Dymo printer owners printing one label at a time.

Option 3 — Zebra ZPL / ZebraDesigner#

For Zebra thermal printers. ZebraDesigner Essentials is free.

Good: Best in class for Zebra hardware, supports ZPL programming for advanced use.

Bad: Complex for non-technical users, tied to Zebra printers.

Best for: warehouse teams running Zebra hardware who have IT support.

Option 4 — Canva#

Canva isn't really a label maker — it's a general design tool. You can make something that looks like a label, but there's no concept of sheets, margins, or printing multiples from a data source.

Good: Beautiful designs, easy to use.

Bad: No sheet compatibility, no barcode generation, no data import, printing alignment is a guessing game.

Best for: making one decorative label for a gift or event. Not for business use.

Option 5 — Labeliy (Browser-Based)#

Labeliy is built specifically for printing labels in bulk. Open it in any browser, design your label, import your product list from Excel or CSV, and print to any Avery sheet or thermal roll.

Good: Free to use, works on Mac and Windows, supports UPC/EAN/Code128/QR barcodes, bulk printing from spreadsheets, Avery sheet compatibility built in, no download required.

Bad: Needs internet. Saving your designs requires a free account.

Best for: retail stores, e-commerce sellers, and anyone who needs to print more than a handful of labels at a time.

The Bottom Line#

	Avery D&P	Dymo	Zebra	Canva	Labeliy
Free	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Works on Mac	✗	✗	✗	✓	✓
Bulk from spreadsheet	Limited	✗	✓	✗	✓
Barcode support	Limited	Basic	✓	✗	✓
Avery sheets	✓	✗	✗	✗	✓
Thermal printers	✗	Dymo only	Zebra only	✗	✓
No install needed	✗	✗	✗	✓	✓

If you just need to print a few labels once: Avery Design & Print is fine.

If you have a Dymo or Zebra printer: use the software that came with it.

If you need to print lots of different labels from a product list or spreadsheet — on any computer, any printer: use Labeliy.

Getting Started with Free Label Printing#

Whatever tool you choose, the basics are the same:

Know what sheet or roll your printer uses (Avery number or label dimensions)
Have your data ready — even in a simple spreadsheet
Always print a test page on plain paper first before using real labels
Set print scale to exactly 100% — never "fit to page"

That last point alone will save you more wasted label sheets than anything else.

Related guides:

Free Label Printing Software: Desktop vs Browser — Which Is Actually Better?