Best free shipping label software in 2026 (thermal + Zebra)

The useful split is simple. A postage tool buys the carrier barcode. A free shipping label maker lays out a pack face, a from-address, or a thank-you when the barcode is already paid for. Open the 4 by 6 templates, map a spreadsheet, and print to a Zebra, Rollo, DYMO, or Brother printer. No signup.

Who buys the postage

Pirate Ship buys the postage. You upload CSV, Excel, or ODS, purchase the labels, and print them. The label is the carrier layout. A rubber stamp can add a short note, such as an order id, in a fixed corner. Print on a desktop printer or a label printer. USPS can be 4 by 6 or 2 by 7. UPS is 4 by 6. You can also download a PDF or ZPL. Their help says a perforated 4 by 6 sheet is a poor fit for the desktop layout. Use a half-sheet sticker, plain paper, or a label printer.

ShipStation creates the carrier label, so it buys postage. The label follows the carrier. A packing slip can print with it, on 4 by 6 or on a letter page. ZPL output cannot take a store logo or a label message. They name Zebra, DYMO, and Brother for 4 by 6, 100 by 150 mm, or A6, plus a desktop printer. Rollo is a limit of ShipStation Connect. If Connect does not drive the printer, download the PDF.

Shopify Shipping buys the label from an order already in Shopify. In the US their help lists USPS, UPS, DHL eCommerce, DHL Express, and FedEx. Other countries differ. You can buy up to 250 labels from orders you select. That is not a CSV upload. The postage face is the carrier's. A short sender name is allowed, and it cannot be the word Shopify. Packing slips can carry your branding. Printing is a desktop printer or a label printer Shopify supports. Their help does not list printer models.

eBay sells USPS, FedEx, and UPS labels from Orders or Seller Hub. You can add a short line of custom text, or use a QR code instead of a printed label. Sizes are 8 by 11, 4 by 6, and 2 by 7 for USPS only. Pick the format before you buy. Several labels are bought from orders you select. That help page does not show a CSV upload.

USPS Click-N-Ship sells the postage. The guide says the online label cannot be altered and must be used as printed. You can hide the postage amount in preferences. Import a CSV, or build the list on the site. Print on a laser or a high-quality inkjet. Labels are about 4 by 6, or two on a letter page. The guide does not clearly say a 4 by 6 thermal printer is supported. A Label Broker code can be used at the Post Office instead of a desk printer.

Rollo Ship was formerly called Rollo Ship Manager. It buys postage. In the US, USPS and UPS are built in, and you can connect your own FedEx account. In Canada, UPS and Canada Post are built in, with FedEx or Purolator as an optional connection. You cannot change the carrier barcode or layout. A package slip can be turned on. Import uses their CSV template. Any compatible printer works, and a Rollo printer can print 4 by 6 directly.

What you can change on the label

Postage labels are mostly fixed. Pirate Ship and eBay can add a short note. ShipStation and Shopify can add a packing slip. USPS says the printed label cannot be altered. Rollo Ship keeps the carrier layout. mylabelmaker is the row that designs the sticker: sender, recipient, an order number, a barcode you already have, a logo, or a QR code. When the barcode has to be the carrier's, leave their PDF alone and use the editor for the pack note.

Printing a list from a spreadsheet

Bulk means a different thing in each tool. Read the CSV column before you export a morning of orders and find out the upload is not there.

Pirate Ship takes CSV, Excel, and ODS. USPS Click-N-Ship imports a CSV. Rollo Ship wants the CSV template you download from them. mylabelmaker takes CSV or Excel, one row per label. ShipStation's CSV order import is described on a page last updated in October 2024, so check it on your account. Shopify buys from orders already in the admin. eBay's help shows bulk purchase from orders you select, not a spreadsheet upload.

Printers, and the carrier PDF

Print the carrier file at 100 percent, or actual size. Turn off fit to page. If the preview shows a tiny label on a large sheet, choose 4 by 6 when the printer lists it. Pirate Ship and Rollo Ship accept a desktop printer or a label printer. ShipStation names Zebra, DYMO, and Brother, plus a desktop printer. Do not assume a Rollo works through ShipStation Connect. Shopify says a desktop printer or a supported label printer, and does not list models. eBay offers 4 by 6, letter, and a 2 by 7 USPS label. USPS Click-N-Ship talks about laser and inkjet. mylabelmaker prints from the browser to Zebra, Rollo, DYMO, Brother, and to sheet printers.

A practical split for a packing table

If you need a tracking barcode the carrier will scan, buy the label in Pirate Ship, ShipStation, Shopify Shipping, eBay, Click-N-Ship, or Rollo Ship, then print their file at 100 percent. If you need a from-address, a thank-you, or a list of ship-to lines, open the 4 by 6 template and map the columns. The carrier PDF goes on the box. The pack note does not replace that barcode.

1. Decide whether this label is postage or your own pack face. Postage stays with the carrier or the shipping platform.
2. For a pack face, open the 4 by 6 shipping template. No signup.
3. Import the CSV or Excel file and map name, street, city, postal code, and order number.
4. Print one at 100 percent scale. Read the postal code and look at the barcode.
5. Print the rest. For a carrier PDF, use the same 100 percent scale on the 4 by 6 printer, and do not redraw their barcode.