Label Toolkit vs Zint Barcode Generator

Label Toolkit is a cloud, browser-based label designer for creating and printing labels without installing software or drivers. Its editor handles text, logos, borders, and major barcode types including UPC, EAN, GS1-128, QR, and Data Matrix. QR codes can use custom colors, rounded or dotted modules, different finder eyes, and a center logo. A text description can produce an editable layout, with fields bound to columns in loaded data. CSV imports support column mapping, row previews, and one label per row for batches of 10 to 10,000 spreadsheet rows. Merges can auto-increment serial numbers and conditionally show elements. Designs export as vector PDF or Zebra ZPL, and ZPL files can be imported, although some commands or graphics may not be recoverable. Google Sheets and Excel data require CSV export. A free public ZPL API supports programmatic generation. The editor and template gallery are free without signup.

Zint Barcode Generator is a free, open-source project that creates barcode images through a desktop GUI, command-line tool, or library API. It supports more than 50 symbologies across linear, stacked, postal, and matrix formats, including QR Code, Code 128, EAN, UPC, Data Matrix, and PDF417. Users can set image size, colour, error correction, and orientation. The library renders BMP, EMF, EPS, GIF, PCX, PNG, TIF, and SVG images. Developers can use its C API from C and C++ programs; the manual also describes Qt and Tcl interfaces. Installation is documented for Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD, and the Tcl backend can also be built on Android. Windows downloads include Barcode Studio and a command-line executable, both requiring the Visual C runtime DLL. The macOS instructions cover the command-line tool and library through Homebrew, while GUI build directions are separate. Linux users can compile Zint, and Barcode Studio requires Qt. The gLabels desktop label-design software supports the Zint libraries. Zint has no paid plans stated.