What is a shipping label?
A shipping label is the sticker on a parcel that tells everyone who handles it where it came from and where it is going. A clear label has the recipient’s address in large type, the sender’s address for returns, and a barcode that warehouse and courier staff can scan.
What the label shows
- The sender’s name and address, in small type at the top.
- The recipient’s name, address and phone number, in large type.
- The parcel’s weight and the delivery service.
- A Code 128 barcode of the tracking number, or of the order number if there is no tracking number.
- An optional handling mark such as Fragile or This side up.
How to use the shipping label generator
- Enter the sender and recipient details.
- Add the order number, tracking number, weight and service if you have them.
- Choose Print label. On a thermal label printer, pick the 4 × 6 inch size. On an ordinary printer, print on a sticker sheet or plain paper and tape it on.
Good to know
- This is an address label. It does not buy postage; a courier that needs its own label format will still issue one when you book the shipment.
- It is useful for your own deliveries, local couriers that accept any clear label, returns and warehouse transfers.
- The label is sized at 4 × 6 inches (about 10 × 15 cm), the standard for thermal label printers. Saving as PDF gives a file of exactly that size.
- Put the label on the largest flat side of the parcel and keep the barcode away from edges and tape seams.
Frequently asked questions
Does this create a prepaid postage label?
No. It makes an address label with a barcode of your own tracking or order number. Postage has to be bought from the courier, who will give you their own label if they require one.
What size is the shipping label?
It is 4 × 6 inches, roughly 10 × 15 cm, which is the size used by most thermal label printers and by many couriers.
Can I print the label on a normal printer?
Yes. Print it on self-adhesive paper, or on plain paper cut to size and fixed under clear tape. Keep the print setting at actual size, not fit to page.