A free label maker helps you design and print labels for products, jars, envelopes, shelves and shipping boxes. Template sites are quickest for printing on standard label sheets, while label software suits barcodes and thermal printers. If you're labelling food or products for sale, check the legal wording first, because some details must appear by law.
Labels look like a small job until you're on your fortieth jar with wonky text. The right free tool lines everything up with your label sheets and lets you print a whole batch in one go.
Here are nine free label makers in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from design platforms to barcode label software. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If you're designing for products, my comparison of e-commerce vs retail packaging helps you plan the bigger picture.
Start with your label sheets or printer. The template must match the exact sheet code or label size, or nothing will line up.
Order a small pack first and do a test run. Different sheets, papers and finishes behave differently in home printers, and it's far better to find that out on ten labels than a thousand.
Free label makers at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Express | Online design app | Branded product labels | Yes |
| Avery Design & Print | Online label designer | Printing on Avery label sheets | Yes |
| Canva | Online design platform | Good-looking labels from templates | Yes |
| Fotor | Online design and photo editor | Photo-based labels | Yes |
| gLabels | Open-source label designer | Labels and cards on Linux | Yes |
| LabelJoy | Barcode label software | Barcode labels for stock | Yes |
| LibreOffice | Open-source office suite | Address labels from a list | Yes |
| Worldlabel | Label sheets with free templates | Matching many sheet sizes | Yes |
| ZebraDesigner | Label design software | Thermal printer labels | Yes |
Nine free label makers to try
Adobe Express
Best for: Small brands who want label designs that match their logo, fonts and colours.
Avery Design & Print
Best for: Anyone printing on Avery sheets who wants templates that line up with each product code.
Canva
Best for: People who want attractive label templates for jars, candles and gifts.
Fotor
Best for: People who want simple label templates built around a product photo.
gLabels
Best for: Linux users who want a free label and business card designer with mail merge.
LabelJoy
Best for: Small shops and warehouses who want to design and print barcode labels for free.
LibreOffice
Best for: People who want to print address labels from a spreadsheet using a free office suite.
Worldlabel
Best for: People who want free templates matched to lots of different blank label sheets.
ZebraDesigner
Best for: Businesses with Zebra thermal printers who want a free edition for designing labels.
The details UK food labels must show
Here's the part that matters most for small food businesses. GOV.UK guidance on food labelling says that if you package food for sale in your own shop, you must provide the name of the food, an ingredients list and allergen information. A pretty label without those details can still get you into trouble.
Other countries have their own rules, and some products need more, such as weight or best-before dates. Check the official guidance where you sell before you print a big batch.
What to check in a free label maker
- Templates: does it match your label sheet code or label roll size?
- Mail merge: can it print a different name or address on each label?
- Barcodes: can it add barcodes or QR codes?
- Printer support: does it work with your inkjet, laser or thermal printer?
- Export: can you save a print-ready PDF?
How to print labels that line up
- Find the code on your label sheet packet.
- Choose the matching template in your label maker.
- Print a test on plain paper first.
- Hold the test over a label sheet against the light to check alignment.
- Print the real batch once everything lines up.
Label mistakes that waste sheets
- Wrong template. Match the sheet code exactly.
- Printer scaling on. Print at actual size.
- Tiny text. Make sure it's readable at arm's length.
- Missing legal details. Check the rules before printing.
If your labels are for shipping, my guide to the best shipping software for small businesses can automate the rest.
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Do you make label design tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free label makers
Always print a test page on plain paper first. It's the easiest mistake you'll ever catch.
And keep your label design simple. A clear name and the legal details matter far more than decoration, especially on small labels. If you sell in more than one country, check each one's rules, because a label that's fine at home may need extra details abroad.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make labels for free?
Choose a free label maker, pick a template that matches your sheets, add your design and print.
What label size should I use?
Match the size on your label sheets or roll, as templates are made for specific codes.
Can I print address labels from a spreadsheet?
Yes. Mail merge tools pull names and addresses from a list onto each label.
Can free label makers add barcodes?
Some can, including dedicated barcode label software.
Do I need a special printer?
No. Most label sheets work in ordinary printers. Thermal printers suit high-volume shipping.
What must a food label include?
It depends on where you sell. In the UK, food packaged in your shop needs the name, ingredients and allergen information.
Why don't my labels line up?
The template may not match your sheet, or your printer may scale the page. Turn off scaling.
Can I make waterproof labels?
Use waterproof label sheets designed for your printer type.
Can I design jar labels for free?
Yes. Many templates are made for round and rectangular jar labels.
Should I save labels as PDF?
A PDF keeps the layout fixed, which helps labels print accurately.
Can I add a QR code to a label?
Yes. Many tools let you add a QR code linking to your website or product page.
How do I label products for online orders?
Use clear product names and any legally required details, and add a shipping label from your courier or shipping software for the outer box.
Can I save label designs to reuse?
Most label makers let you save a design, so the next batch only needs a quick edit.
