Getting StartedChoosing a label printer
Thermal or desktop? What to look for, what label sizes to buy, and how to set it up.
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You can print Octoship labels on almost any printer. The question is how much time you want to spend cutting and taping.
Desktop printers
Any inkjet or laser printer can print labels on plain 8.5×11 paper. It's the cheapest way to start: print, trim and tape. Half-sheet adhesive labels (two per page) save the tape step.
Thermal printers
Thermal printers use heat instead of ink, so there are no cartridges to replace. They print 4×6 peel-and-stick labels in a second or two. If you ship more than a handful of packages a week, a thermal printer usually pays for itself in time saved.
| Desktop | Thermal | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Probably already own one | Around $100–$200 |
| Per-label cost | Paper + ink + tape | Label roll only |
| Speed | Slower, needs trimming | Fast, peel and stick |
| Label size | 8.5×11 or half sheet | 4×6 |
Whichever you choose, set the matching format under Settings → Printing and always print at 100% scale.
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