When it comes to labeling your products, there is no one-size-fits-all label. While many might claim to fulfill all your labeling needs, they can’t due to the different lengths of information and instructions to be printed. This problem presents itself to not only small businesses but also to large-scale businesses. This is why knowing the difference between sheet labels and roll labels can help you make the right purchase for your products and packaging labeling.
Sheet Labels
They are the label version of printer paper and intended for use with inkjet and laser printers. They usually come in traditional 8.5” x 11” paper size as well as larger format configurations, such as 8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17”, and 12” x 18”.
Roll Labels
These labels come in the roll format and can be printed using only dedicated label printers, such as Brother Series printers. These labels are spun around the cardboard spool and mounted inside the roll printer. They also come in different sizes. While some roll labels are pre-cut to a fixed size, some are continuous sheet of roll so that one can print and cut them as per their specific needs. One good example of a continuous roll label is Brother 2205 label.
To help you identify the best label format, we are sharing a few scenarios to help you understand better.
- If you want to print color labels
When you are looking to print labels in full-color design, you will want to go with sheet labels because inkjet and laser printers are ideal for incorporating color logos, images, and/or photographs. The exception to using roll labels is only if you have an inkjet roll printer. Dedicated roll printers typically print in black and white only.
- If the color is not necessary or required
You should definitely go with roll labels. They are more affordable and easier to use. You will save on the ink and toner which these printers don’t use. Plus, they are highly resistant to smudging, smearing, oil, and temperature.
- If speed is essential to your labeling
Roll label printers are indeed faster and eliminate the time-consuming element of printing labels and the need for filling or change ink and toner cartridges as well. Roll printers can print a large number of labels in minimum time.
- If each label has the same content
For things like printing return addresses, it might make more sense to use sheet labels. USING a sheet printer is faster when you are printing a number of labels with the same content. You can print as many sheet labels as you need without having to spend a significant amount of time.
- If each label has different content
For applications like barcodes, labeling for shipping, and name tags where each label is unique, one should use roll labels because it is easier and faster to use a roll printer. Dedicated label printers print out one label at a time. Therefore, it is super easy to customize them. If your content varies in length and exceeds the standard roll length format, you should use a continuous roll label, for instance, Brother 2205 labels.
Now, you can easily figure out what kind of labels you should use and purchase to meet your unique labeling needs.
