EASYLABEL vs LabelForge

EASYLABEL is label-design software for creating and printing shipping and compliance labels. EASYLABEL 7 is supported on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the software includes barcode and RFID wizards, database connectivity, print-history reporting, access controls, automation, ActiveX controls, and XML support. Gold and higher connect to common databases through ODBC and directly to DBF databases and Excel files. Platinum adds XML-based printing from SAP, Oracle, and other applications, along with tools to process XML from a directory or TCP/IP port. Command-file capabilities are available in Platinum, Multi-User, and Terminal Server editions. Net Print Server provides a browser interface for selecting and printing labels from Windows, Linux, Unix, Apple Macs, and handheld PDAs. Licenses are one-time fees: Start is free with any Tharo printer; Silver costs $245, paid once, Gold $545, paid once, Platinum $995, paid once, Multi-User $1,495, paid once, and Terminal Server or Net Print Server $2,995, paid once.

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.