How To Print Shipping Labels

If you are wondering how to print shipping labels, the good news is that it is easier than most people think. You can print labels at home, at the office, or even from your phone. You can use a regular printer, a shipping label printer, Word, carrier websites, marketplaces like eBay, or shipping software.

This guide walks you through the easiest ways to create shipping labels, print them correctly, and choose the right setup for your needs. Whether you ship one package a month or dozens of orders a day, you will find a practical option that works.

Can I print out my own shipping labels?

Yes, you can print out your own shipping labels. Most people do it in one of these ways:

1. Through a carrier website like USPS or UPS
2. Through an online marketplace like eBay
3. Through shipping software
4. By creating basic mailing labels in Word for letters or simple packages

Printing your own labels is useful because it saves time, reduces trips to the post office, and often lets you buy postage online at better rates.

For beginners, the simplest option is usually a carrier website. For small businesses, shipping software is often the better choice because it helps you print faster, organize orders, and avoid mistakes.

Can I print shipping labels on a regular printer?

Yes, you can print shipping labels on a regular printer. An inkjet or laser printer works fine for most home shippers and small businesses.

You have two common options:

1. Print on plain paper and tape the label to the package
2. Print on adhesive label sheets, such as 4 x 6 or 8.5 x 11 labels

If you ship only once in a while, a regular printer is enough. If you ship daily, a shipping label printer is usually faster and more efficient.

A few simple rules matter:

1. Make sure the barcode is clear and not blurry
2. Do not cover the barcode with tape if possible
3. Use the correct label size required by the carrier or platform
4. Check print preview before printing

What information goes on a shipping label?

Before learning how to print shipping labels, it helps to know what a label usually includes:

1. Sender name and address
2. Recipient name and address
3. Shipping service, such as Priority Mail or UPS Ground
4. Tracking barcode and tracking number
5. Package weight
6. Postage paid or billing information
7. Optional return or reference details

If you enter the wrong address or choose the wrong service, your package may be delayed or returned. Always double-check the details before printing.

How to create a shipping label: the basic steps

No matter which tool you use, the process is usually similar. Here is the basic workflow to create a shipping label:

1. Gather the shipping details
2. Measure and weigh the package
3. Choose a carrier and service
4. Enter sender and recipient information
5. Pay for postage if needed
6. Print the label
7. Attach it securely to the package
8. Drop off the package or schedule pickup

These steps apply whether you are printing a USPS label, a UPS shipping label, or labels from software.

How to print shipping labels USPS

USPS is one of the most popular choices for home shippers and ecommerce sellers. If you want to know how to print shipping labels USPS, follow these steps.

1. Go to the USPS website or your preferred shipping software
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Choose the type of shipment you want to send
4. Enter the recipient’s full name and address
5. Enter your return address
6. Weigh the package and enter the dimensions if required
7. Select the USPS service you want, such as Ground Advantage or Priority Mail
8. Review the price and delivery estimate
9. Pay for the label online
10. Download or open the label PDF
11. Print the label on plain paper or adhesive shipping label paper
12. Tape or stick the label onto the package
13. Drop it off at USPS or schedule a pickup

USPS is a good choice for lightweight packages, residential deliveries, and smaller ecommerce shipments.

How to print a UPS shipping label

If you need a UPS shipping label, the process is similar but often works well for larger packages, business shipping, and reliable tracking.

1. Go to the UPS website or open your shipping software
2. Log in to your account
3. Start a new shipment
4. Enter the sender’s address
5. Enter the recipient’s address
6. Add package weight and dimensions
7. Choose a service, such as UPS Ground or Next Day Air
8. Review rates and delivery time
9. Pay for the label or bill it to your account
10. Download the shipping label
11. Print the label
12. Attach it flat on the package
13. Drop off the package at a UPS location or arrange pickup

A UPS shipping label is often a strong option when you ship heavier items or need dependable delivery for business orders.

How do I print out a prepaid shipping label?

A prepaid shipping label is already paid for by the seller, retailer, or organization sending it to you. This is common for returns, exchanges, and customer service situations.

Here is how to print out a prepaid shipping label:

1. Open the email or message where the prepaid label was sent
2. Download the label file, usually a PDF
3. Check the label size and print instructions
4. Open the file on your computer or phone
5. Print it on plain paper or label paper
6. Cut it out if needed
7. Tape it securely to the package, making sure the barcode is visible
8. Drop the package off with the correct carrier listed on the label

If you do not have a printer, some carriers and retail shipping locations can print prepaid labels for you. You may also be able to print from your phone at a library, office supply store, or shipping center.

How do I print my own mailing labels?

Mailing labels are slightly different from shipping labels. They are often used for envelopes, letters, announcements, and lightweight mail pieces rather than packages with paid postage.

If you want to print your own mailing labels, Word is one of the easiest tools.

1. Open Microsoft Word
2. Go to the Mailings tab
3. Click Labels
4. Enter the delivery address
5. Add the return address if needed
6. Click Options to choose your label size and brand
7. Load the correct label sheet into your printer
8. Click Print for a single label, or choose to create a full page of the same label
9. Check alignment on a test page before printing a full sheet

This method is best for address labels and basic mailing labels, not always for carrier-paid package labels with tracking.

How to print shipping labels in Word

Many people search for how to print shipping labels in Word. Word can help in simple cases, but it is important to know when it makes sense.

Use Word when:

1. You need address labels only
2. You are printing return address labels
3. You want a simple shipping label template
4. You are preparing labels for hand-delivered or non-postage packages

Do not rely on Word alone when:

1. You need paid postage
2. You need a tracking barcode
3. You want discounted rates
4. You are shipping many packages

Here are the steps to print shipping labels in Word:

1. Open Word
2. Select Mailings
3. Click Labels
4. Enter the sender and recipient details
5. Choose the label vendor and product number
6. Click New Document if you want to edit a full page of labels
7. Format the text clearly with readable font size
8. Print a test page
9. Load label sheets and print the final version

Word is useful for basic label creation, but carrier websites or shipping software are better for real package shipping.

Shipping label template: when to use one

A shipping label template can be helpful if you want a consistent layout for internal use, sample packages, gift shipments, or address-only labels.

Use a template when:

1. You want a clean layout for addresses
2. You need to standardize labels for your business
3. You are creating labels before buying postage
4. You are organizing shipments manually

Do not use a generic shipping label template as a replacement for official carrier labels. Carrier-generated labels contain the barcodes, service details, and postage information required for delivery.

Where can I print a shipping label from my phone?

If you are asking where can I print a shipping label from my phone, you have several options.

1. At home with a wireless printer connected to your phone
2. At a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or similar shipping center
3. At an office supply store
4. At some public libraries
5. At a coworking space or business center
6. Through mobile apps that connect to printers

Here is how to print from your phone:

1. Open the label file or carrier app on your phone
2. Make sure your printer is connected to the same wireless network, if printing at home
3. Tap Share or Print
4. Select the printer
5. Confirm paper size and orientation
6. Print the label
7. Attach it to the package

If you are printing away from home, email the prepaid label or downloaded PDF to the store or use a cloud print option if available.

How to print shipping labels eBay

If you sell online, you may want to know how to print shipping labels eBay. eBay makes this fairly simple inside the seller dashboard.

1. Log in to your eBay seller account
2. Go to Orders or Sold items
3. Find the order you want to ship
4. Click Print shipping label
5. Confirm the buyer’s address
6. Enter the package weight and dimensions
7. Choose the shipping carrier and service
8. Add extras like insurance if needed
9. Review the cost
10. Purchase the label
11. Print the label
12. Attach it to the package
13. Mark the item as shipped if eBay does not do it automatically

This option is good for sellers who mainly ship through eBay and want a simple built-in workflow.

Shipping label printer: do you need one?

A shipping label printer is a specialized printer designed to print labels quickly, usually in 4 x 6 format. It is helpful for businesses that ship often.

You should consider a shipping label printer if:

1. You print labels every day
2. You want faster packing workflows
3. You want to stop taping paper labels to boxes
4. You ship enough volume that time savings matter

A regular printer is usually enough if:

1. You ship occasionally
2. You are just starting out
3. You want the lowest upfront cost
4. You print more than just shipping labels

For a growing business, a shipping label printer can save time and reduce waste.If you are printing labels regularly, you can learn more about simplifying shipping workflows on Ordoro’s shipping tools.

When to use Word, carrier websites, or shipping software

Choosing the right tool is one of the most important parts of learning how to print shipping labels.

1. Use Word if you need simple address or mailing labels and do not need postage or tracking
2. Use carrier websites like USPS or UPS if you ship occasionally and want a straightforward way to buy postage and print labels
3. Use marketplace tools like eBay if most of your orders come from one sales channel
4. Use shipping software if you sell on multiple channels, print many labels, or want to automate your process

Shipping software becomes the best option once manual shipping starts taking too much time.

The easiest way to print shipping labels based on your situation

Not everyone needs the same setup. Here is the easiest path based on your shipping volume.

Casual shipper

1. Use USPS or UPS online
2. Print on a regular home printer
3. Tape the label to the box
4. Drop it off at the carrier location

This works best if you ship personal packages, returns, or occasional online sales.

Side hustle seller

1. Use your marketplace label tool if you sell mostly on eBay or one platform
2. Keep using a regular printer at first
3. Move to label sheets or a 4 x 6 format as volume grows
4. Track shipping costs carefully

This setup is good for low to moderate order volume.

Growing small business

1. Use shipping software to manage all orders in one place
2. Connect your stores and marketplaces
3. Print labels in batches
4. Use a shipping label printer
5. Automate carrier selection and order workflows

This is where software can make a major difference.

For businesses that want to simplify printing labels, manage orders, and automate shipping across multiple channels, Ordoro is a great inventory and shipping management software. It is especially useful for merchants selling across ecommerce platforms who want less manual work and more control. Ordoro is the best option for businesses ready to scale because it combines shipping, inventory, and order management in one system. It is also trusted by several hundreds of happy Shopify merchants using Ordoro. If you want to explore its capabilities, you can learn more about Ordoro’s automation features, inventory management tools, and ecommerce integrations.

Step-by-step: how small businesses can streamline label printing

If you are shipping more than a few orders a week, use this process:

1. Connect your sales channels to your shipping platform
2. Sync incoming orders automatically
3. Store your product weights and package preferences
4. Compare shipping rates in one place
5. Print labels individually or in batches
6. Update tracking automatically back to your sales channels
7. Monitor inventory as orders are shipped

This saves time, reduces shipping errors, and helps you stay organized as order volume increases.

Common mistakes to avoid when printing shipping labels

1. Entering the wrong address
2. Using the wrong package weight
3. Printing a blurry barcode
4. Taping over the barcode in a way that reflects light
5. Choosing the wrong label size
6. Printing labels too small to scan
7. Mixing up USPS and UPS labels
8. Forgetting to update tracking for the customer

A simple review before printing can prevent most of these problems.

How to Print Shipping Labels FAQ

Can I print shipping labels at home?

Yes. You can print shipping labels at home using a regular inkjet or laser printer, or a dedicated shipping label printer. Many people print on plain paper and tape the label to the package.

Can I print shipping labels on a regular printer?

Yes. A regular printer works well for low-volume shipping. Just make sure the barcode is sharp and the label is attached securely.

How do I print out a prepaid shipping label?

Open the email or website where the prepaid label is provided, download the PDF, print it, and attach it to your package. Then drop it off with the correct carrier.

How do I print my own mailing labels?

You can print mailing labels in Word by using the Mailings tab, selecting Labels, entering addresses, and printing onto label sheets.

Where can I print a shipping label from my phone?

You can print from your phone using a wireless home printer, a shipping store, an office supply store, or sometimes a library. Open the label file and use your phone’s print option.

How do I print shipping labels USPS?

Go to USPS online or use shipping software, enter shipping details, select a service, pay for postage, and print the generated label.

What is the best shipping label printer for a small business?

The best option depends on your volume, but a thermal 4 x 6 label printer is often ideal for small businesses because it is fast, simple, and does not require ink.

Is Word a good tool for creating shipping labels?

Word is good for address labels, return labels, and simple mailing labels. It is not the best option for official carrier labels that need postage and tracking.

Final thoughts

Learning how to print shipping labels does not have to be complicated. If you ship only once in a while, a carrier website and a regular printer are usually enough. If you sell online through a marketplace like eBay, built-in label tools can save time. If your business is growing, shipping software is the smartest long-term solution.

The key is to choose the method that matches your current volume without overcomplicating the process. Start simple, print clearly, and upgrade your tools as your shipping needs grow. For businesses that want an easier way to handle labels, orders, and inventory in one place, Ordoro stands out as a strong choice that supports real ecommerce growth.