LabelForge vs MarkMagic
LabelForge
github.com
MarkMagic
cybra.comSide by side
| Figure | LabelForge | MarkMagic |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $215.42/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Label Design Software | 7.8 (#14) | 8.7 (#2) |
| Spec score · Barcode Labeling Software | 7.8 (#18) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Integrations | Other programs can submit print jobs through an HTTP server, a watched folder of JSON jobs, or the command-line interface. | Official integration listings include Acumatica, Flourish, HID Global, Manhattan, NetSuite, Shopify, and VAI. |
| Intended users | The README describes printing labels from a desktop app or command line and connecting other programs through HTTP or watched-folder jobs. | The product is described for organizations designing and printing labels, tags, and forms across industries including manufacturing, distribution, retail, healthcare, and food and beverage. |
| Templates | JSON templates support text, Code128, Code39, Code93, EAN-13, QR codes, DataMatrix, lines, and boxes. | Licenses include more than 100 templates covering carrier labels, GS1 labels, RFID tickets, invoices, statements, and packing slips. |
Plans
MarkMagic
- MarkMagic PI$2,585 a year
- MarkMagic Cloud$3,295 a year
- MarkMagic EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
LabelForge
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.