EtikStudio vs FreeLabels Desktop

EtikStudio is a variable-data label design and printing platform with a web editor connected to more than 10,000 printers. The editor provides layers, alignment, grids, advanced objects, preview, and print simulation. For changing label content, it supports variables, counters, dates and times, serialization, conditions, calculations, and expressions. Barcode support includes 1D and 2D symbologies and GS1 validation. Data connections include SQL databases, CSV and Excel files, REST APIs, Webhooks, ERP, WMS, MES, SCM, and custom systems. The product lists nine native printer languages, including ZPL, EPL2, DPL, and ESC/POS. Compliance templates cover GS1, FDA, UDI, and allergens, with change notices and version history for updates. Access controls include users, roles, per-resource permissions, action auditing, and logs. EtikStudio says product data remains in its existing location and is only read and printed. Plans are described for SMBs, growing firms, print-automation plants, and large multi-plant factories. Pricing is on request; a free trial is available.

FreeLabels Desktop is a free offline application for designing and printing barcode and QR labels from a computer. It targets shops, warehouses and small manufacturers that print labels in bulk. Product data can be imported from.xlsx files, including names, SKUs, prices, barcodes, QR or EPC data, expiry, GST rate, HSN code and brand. The app renders EAN-13, Code128 and EPC/GID-96 barcodes, and creates QR codes for URLs, text or EPC data. Page presets cover A4, A5, 50×30 mm thermal rolls, Avery layouts and custom sizes or grids. Users can add a logo, choose a solid or image background and save reusable template files. Output includes paginated PDFs plus ZPL or TSPL files for Zebra and similar thermal printers. The app runs locally; the maker says product lists, images and templates never leave the machine. The free plan costs nothing, forever, with no account, license fee or watermark. Installers need roughly 150–200 MB; Windows requires 10/11 64-bit, macOS 12 or later, and Linux has a 64-bit.deb.