What You’ll Learn

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:

• Generate barcode labels for products
• Choose the right label format
• Set up label printers
• Apply professional labeling standards

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When to Print Barcode Labels

Products Without Barcodes

Print labels for:

• Raw materials
• Repackaged goods
• Handmade items
• Fresh produce
• Bulk items

Internal Tracking

Use your own barcodes for:

• Better inventory control
• Faster checkout
• Reduced errors
• Professional appearance

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Label Information

What to Include on Labels

Essential:

• Barcode (scannable)
• Product name
• SKU

Recommended:

• Price
• Date printed
• Batch/lot number

Optional:

• Company logo
• Product description
• Expiry date

Label Size Options

Size	Use Case	Printer Type
30mm × 20mm	Small items	Desktop label printer
50mm × 25mm	Standard products	Desktop label printer
80mm × 50mm	Large items, pallets	Industrial printer
Continuous roll	Variable lengths	Roll-fed printer

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Generating Barcodes

Using Kelola Web

Some Kelola versions support label printing:

1. Go to Products (web version)
2. Select products
3. Choose Print Labels
4. Select format
5. Print

Note: Feature availability varies by subscription.

Using Third-Party Tools

Online Generators:

• Free barcode generators
• Enter code, download image
• Print on standard labels

Software Options:

• Microsoft Word (label templates)
• Adobe Illustrator
• Canva
• Dedicated label software

Professional Services

Label Printing Companies:

• Bulk printing
• Pre-printed labels
• Various materials

POS Suppliers:

• Label printers
• Label rolls
• Technical support

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Label Printer Setup

Types of Label Printers

Desktop Thermal Printers:

• Cost: $100-300
• Good for: Small business
• Labels: Up to 4 inches wide

Industrial Printers:

• Cost: $500-2000+
• Good for: High volume
• Labels: Larger formats

Standard Printer + Labels:

• Use regular laser/inkjet
• Buy label sheets (A4)
• Print multiple per sheet

Printer Recommendations

Popular Brands:

• Zebra
• Dymo
• Brother
• Rollo
• TSC

Key Features:

• Thermal printing (no ink)
• USB/Bluetooth connectivity
• Various label sizes
• Reliable feed mechanism

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Label Design Best Practices

Barcode Placement

✅ Clear space around barcode

• 5mm margin minimum
• No text overlapping
• Clean, unwrinkled surface

✅ Proper sizing

• Not too small (hard to scan)
• Not too large (wastes space)
• Test scan before mass printing

Text and Fonts

Product Name:

• Clear, readable font
• Large enough to read
• Shortened if needed

SKU:

• Below or beside barcode
• Same font family
• Consistent placement

Price:

• Prominent but not dominant
• Currency symbol included
• Easy to update

Label Material

Paper Labels:

• Cheapest option
• Good for dry environments
• May peel in humidity

Synthetic/Polyester:

• Water-resistant
• Durable
• Better for retail

Direct Thermal:

• No ribbon needed
• Fades over time
• Good for short-term

Thermal Transfer:

• Requires ribbon
• Longer lasting
• Better for permanent labels

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Printing Process

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Product List

   • Export from Kelola
   • Or create manually
   • Include: Name, SKU, Barcode, Price

2. Design Template

   • Choose label size
   • Design layout
   • Test with one label

3. Generate Barcodes

   • Use barcode font or generator
   • Ensure correct format (EAN, Code 128)
   • Verify scannability

4. Print Test Page

   • Print one sheet
   • Check alignment
   • Test barcode scanning
   • Adjust if needed

5. Mass Print

   • Load label paper
   • Print batch
   • Check quality

6. Apply Labels

   • Clean product surface
   • Apply straight
   • Press firmly
   • Avoid bubbles

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Label Templates

Standard Layout

+------------------+
|  [BARCODE]       |
|  123456789012    |
|                  |
|  Product Name    |
|  SKU: ABC-001    |
|  $19.99          |
+------------------+

Minimal Layout

+------------------+
|  [BARCODE]       |
|  Product         |
+------------------+

Detailed Layout

+------------------+
|     [LOGO]       |
|  [BARCODE]       |
|  Product Name    |
|  SKU: ABC-001    |
|  Batch: 2024-A   |
|  Exp: 12/2025    |
|  $19.99          |
+------------------+

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Common Issues and Solutions

Barcodes Won’t Scan

Check:

• Print quality (not faded)
• Size (not too small)
• Contrast (dark on light)
• No smudges or damage

Fix:

• Increase print darkness
• Larger barcode size
• Better printer resolution
• Clean scanner lens

Labels Won’t Stick

Check:

• Surface is clean
• Not too cold/hot
• Right adhesive type

Fix:

• Clean surface before applying
• Use appropriate adhesive
• Consider environment

Printer Jams

Check:

• Label roll loaded correctly
• Tension settings
• Paper guides aligned

Fix:

• Reload labels
• Adjust settings
• Clean rollers

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Cost Considerations

DIY Printing

Costs:

• Printer: $100-300
• Labels: $0.02-0.10 each
• Time: Your labor

Best for:

• Small quantities
• Frequent changes
• Custom labels

Professional Printing

Costs:

• Setup fee: $50-100
• Per label: $0.05-0.20
• Minimum orders

Best for:

• Large quantities
• Consistent designs
• Special materials

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Best Practices

Design Consistency

✅ Use same format for all labels

• Same size
• Same layout
• Same information

Regular Updates

✅ Reprint when needed

• Price changes
• Product updates
• Damaged labels

Quality Control

✅ Test before full run

• Print sample
• Test scan
• Check appearance

Storage

✅ Store labels properly

• Cool, dry place
• Away from sunlight
• Flat (not curled)

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FAQ

Q: Can I print barcodes from the Kelola mobile app? A: Mobile app doesn’t support label printing. Use web version or export data.

Q: What barcode format should I use? A: Code 128 is versatile for internal use. EAN-13 for retail products.

Q: Do I need special software? A: Not necessarily. You can use Word templates or online generators.

Q: How durable are printed labels? A: Paper labels last months. Synthetic labels last years. Thermal labels may fade.

Q: Can I use a regular printer? A: Yes, with label sheets. Dedicated label printers are more efficient for volume.

Q: What if I make a mistake on a label? A: Reprint and replace. Don’t try to correct handwritten - looks unprofessional.