Printing Your First Label

Printing Your First Label

Your first shipping label shouldn't take 45 minutes and three printer jams. But between thermal vs. laser printer settings, ZPL vs. PDF formats, and carrier-specific label sizes, it often does.

Here's the quick path from "I just signed up" to "label is on the box" — including the printer settings that trip up most new users.

Supported Printer Types

Thermal Printers (Recommended)

Best for high-volume shipping:

• Zebra - ZD420, ZD620, GK420d
• DYMO - 4XL, LabelWriter
• Rollo - X1040, X1038
• Brother - QL-1100, QL-820NWB

Standard Printers

Works with any inkjet or laser:

• Print on 8.5" × 11" paper
• Cut and tape to package
• Use adhesive label sheets

Setting Up Your Printer

For Thermal Printers:

1. Install manufacturer drivers
2. Connect via USB or network
3. Load 4" × 6" labels
4. Go to Settings → Printing
5. Select your printer
6. Set as default

For Standard Printers:

1. Ensure printer is connected
2. Go to Settings → Printing
3. Choose "Standard Paper (8.5 × 11)"
4. Select label position on page

Label Format Options

Printing Labels

Single Label:

1. Create your shipment
2. Select rate
3. Click "Print Label"
4. Label opens in new tab
5. Print using Ctrl/Cmd + P

Batch Printing:

1. Select multiple orders
2. Click "Print All Labels"
3. Labels compile into single PDF
4. Print entire batch at once

Print Settings

Configure optimal settings:

Thermal Printers:

• Quality: Standard (fastest)
• Orientation: Portrait
• Media type: Direct Thermal
• Darkness: Medium (adjust as needed)

Standard Printers:

• Quality: Normal
• Color: Grayscale (saves ink)
• Scaling: Actual size (100%)
• Margins: None

Troubleshooting

Label is blank:

• Check media is loaded correctly
• Ensure thermal side faces print head
• Run printer calibration

Label is too small:

• Disable "Fit to page"
• Set scaling to 100%
• Check paper size matches format

Barcode won't scan:

• Increase print darkness
• Check for smudges on print head
• Use new label roll

Multiple labels per page:

• Change format to 4" × 6"
• Update paper size in printer settings

Reprinting Labels

To reprint a label:

1. Go to Labels History
2. Find the shipment
3. Click "Reprint"
4. Choose format
5. Print

Note: Reprinting doesn't create a new tracking number or charge.

Mobile Printing

Print from your phone:

• Use atoship mobile app
• Connect to AirPrint (iOS) or Cloud Print
• Send labels directly to printer

Best Practices

1. Keep labels dry - Moisture affects thermal printing
2. Store properly - Away from heat and light
3. Clean print heads - Monthly for thermal printers
4. Test daily - Print test label before shipping
5. Have backup - Keep standard paper labels available