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SPECIFICTION
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LabelForge

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.8 #14 of 32 in Label Design Software

What it is

LabelForge is a desktop app for designing labels and printing them as ZPL to Zebra printers. Its visual editor previews a label as you work and lets you select, move, resize, and grid-snap elements without editing JSON. Templates can combine text, lines, boxes, and barcodes including Code128, Code39, Code93, EAN-13, QR codes, and DataMatrix. For variable data, import a CSV to print one label per row, or scan a barcode to trigger printing. It connects to network printers over raw port 9100, Windows printers by name, and USB devices on Linux or Mac. ZPL is tested on physical hardware, including the listed ZD410; TSPL, EPL, CPCL, and EZPL are experimental and not verified on physical printers. Other programs can submit jobs through an HTTP server, a watched JSON folder, or the command line. The free plan costs nothing. LabelForge runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and requires Node.js 18 or later; version 20 or later is recommended.

Spec sheet

Purpose
LabelForge designs labels visually and prints ZPL to Zebra printers, with the ZD410 listed as tested hardware.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The README describes printing labels from a desktop app or command line and connecting other programs through HTTP or watched-folder jobs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
Other programs can submit print jobs through an HTTP server, a watched folder of JSON jobs, or the command-line interface.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Batch printing
Users can import a CSV to print one label per row, or scan barcodes to trigger automatic printing.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Code signing
The packaged app is not code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen may warn on first run.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
The README says downloads are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and also lists an Arch Linux AUR package.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
HTTP API
The HTTP server provides health, template-listing, and print endpoints, and supports optional bearer-token or API-key authentication.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Languages
The interface is available in English and Italian, switchable in Settings.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Printer connections
Printing supports network printers on raw port 9100, Windows printers by name, and USB devices on Linux or Mac.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Printer languages
ZPL is tested on real hardware; TSPL, EPL, CPCL, and EZPL are described as experimental and unverified on physical printers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
The app requires Node.js 18 or later, with version 20 or later recommended; USB printing by printer name requires Windows.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support and contributions
The project invites contributions and asks users to open an issue before making large changes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Templates
JSON templates support text, Code128, Code39, Code93, EAN-13, QR codes, DataMatrix, lines, and boxes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Visual editor
The editor provides a live preview and lets users select, drag, resize, and snap elements to a grid without editing JSON.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Free and open source · MIT License · no paid dependencies Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every LabelForge plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Visual editing with live preview and grid snapping
  • CSV import prints one label per row
  • HTTP, watched-folder, and command-line job submission
  • Free plan costs nothing
  • Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS

Limits

  • Requires Node.js 18 or later
  • Four listed printer languages are experimental and unverified
  • 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, including teams connecting other programs through HTTP or watched-folder jobs. It supports CSV-driven printing and barcode-triggered jobs.

Verdict

LabelForge combines visual label layout with CSV batches and several ways for other programs to submit jobs. ZPL is the tested printer language; support for TSPL, EPL, CPCL, and EZPL is unverified on physical printers.

Where Specifiction places it

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