| Customised Labels: A Product for Every Need
Years ago, customising labels could be a complicated process involving measuring and clearing printer jams, with varied results. Nowadays, the average printer has improved technology for feeding customised stock, and a flatter paper path combined with higher-quality toners/inks have enabled novice home users to be able to create professional looks with low-cost supplies!
This has created a large market for labels, and there is a size/style of label available for nearly every need! Should you wish to have circular button-style wearable labels, inexpensive name badges for a company retreat, or simply a more professional look to your mailings, there is a label stock for the job! Franking—which used to be a hand process, indicating that postage had been paid—now refers to postage labels such as the familiar Pitney-Bowes style of postage-machine “single serve” labels, or even the more recently introduced ability to print postage from the internet using franking labels. These are available both in sheets for large-scale mailings, or individually when just a few are required.
Another common label style is the address label. Due to its popularity, many software titles include templates for ease of creation. Microsoft Word, which has for many releases included Avery templates, has a mail merge option; using form fields, one can automatically import data from Excel, or enter data which will be automatically placed into the label format. Another popular template is the CD/DVD label. Nowadays, most CD/DVD burning software includes software to generate such labels; most even include free clipart to help the novice create labels with an economy of time, and without the need for advanced technical skills. Label templates of nearly all varieties can be downloaded from the internet, and occasionally label stock includes free software for ease of customization.
For higher-volume needs, many opt to use continuous feed labels. These can be used for dot matrix or speciality label printers. As the name implies, they are designed for those with continuous need of labels; often with these, a machine is dedicated exclusively to label printing. The advantage is that no recurring setup is required and labels can be printed on demand, as needed.
Another reason for the increased popularity of customising labels has been improved printer and ink/toner technology. In recent years, the paper paths in printers have flattened out, meaning that label or card stock that might previously have jammed can now be printed with a minimum of interaction. It is important when selecting a label stock to know which style of printer you will be using, as differing coatings can prevent the ink/toner from adhering properly to the surface, and the operating heat of the machine can soften the label coating. Also, when shopping for a continuous feed printer, specialty labels should be purchased. Label shopping is a simple matter as long as one notes in advance the printer style; whether the printer is laser or an inkjet, the style is generally denoted on the printer near the brand name and/or on the front cover of the manual.
At Office 365 you can find a full range of Labels for many different uses. |
