LabelForge
LabelForge is a desktop tool for designing labels visually and printing them as ZPL to Zebra printers.
What LabelForge is
LabelForge is a desktop tool for designing labels visually and printing them as ZPL to Zebra printers. Its editor shows a live preview and lets users select, move, resize, and align elements to a grid without editing JSON. Templates can include text, lines, boxes, and barcode formats such as Code128, Code39, Code93, EAN-13, QR codes, and DataMatrix. For variable-data jobs, users can import a CSV to produce one label per row or scan barcodes to trigger printing. Connections include network printers on raw port 9100, Windows printers by name, and USB devices on Linux or Mac. ZPL is documented as tested on physical hardware, including the Zebra ZD410; TSPL, EPL, CPCL, and EZPL are experimental and unverified on physical printers. Other software can submit jobs through an HTTP server, watched JSON-job folder, or command line. The app is free and open source, with Windows, Linux, and macOS downloads. It requires Node.js 18 or later, with version 20 or later recommended.
Good
- Visual editor works without editing JSON.
- CSV imports support variable-data label batches.
- Jobs can arrive through HTTP, folders, or CLI.
- Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Free and open source under the MIT License.
Watch out
- Only ZPL is tested on physical hardware.
- Other printer languages are experimental and unverified.
- Requires Node.js 18 or later.
- Windows SmartScreen may warn because the app is unsigned.
Who it suits
LabelForge suits people who need to design and print labels from a desktop app or command line. It also fits workflows where other programs submit print jobs through HTTP or watched folders.
Verdict
LabelForge pairs visual label layout with CSV, barcode-triggered, and programmatic printing workflows. Check printer-language compatibility and Node.js requirements before adopting it.
Plans and prices
From LabelForge's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free and open source · MIT License · no paid dependencies |
The facts
Each one read from LabelForge's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API default
- The integration guide says the HTTP server listens on localhost by default and recommends using a token and firewall restrictions for LAN exposure.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Batch printing
- Users can import a CSV to print one label per row, or scan barcodes to trigger automatic printing.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Code signing
- The packaged app is not code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen may warn on first run.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The README says downloads are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and also lists an Arch Linux AUR package.checked 4 Oct 2026
- HTTP API
- The HTTP server provides health, template-listing, and print endpoints, and supports optional bearer-token or API-key authentication.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Other programs can submit print jobs through an HTTP server, a watched folder of JSON jobs, or the command-line interface.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The README describes printing labels from a desktop app or command line and connecting other programs through HTTP or watched-folder jobs.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The interface is available in English and Italian, switchable in Settings.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Printer connections
- Printing supports network printers on raw port 9100, Windows printers by name, and USB devices on Linux or Mac.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Printer languages
- ZPL is tested on real hardware; TSPL, EPL, CPCL, and EZPL are described as experimental and unverified on physical printers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- LabelForge designs labels visually and prints ZPL to Zebra printers, with the ZD410 listed as tested hardware.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The app requires Node.js 18 or later, with version 20 or later recommended; USB printing by printer name requires Windows.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support and contributions
- The project invites contributions and asks users to open an issue before making large changes.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Templates
- JSON templates support text, Code128, Code39, Code93, EAN-13, QR codes, DataMatrix, lines, and boxes.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Visual editor
- The editor provides a live preview and lets users select, drag, resize, and snap elements to a grid without editing JSON.checked 4 Oct 2026
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