Labels may appear to be insignificant, yet selecting the appropriate type can save you time, costs, and a considerable reduction in frustration. If you are uncertain between fanfold and roll labels, rest assured that you are not the only one. Many businesses regularly deal with the decision of which option is better.
The reality is that the best choice is dependent on your specific printing requirements.
In this article, we will be breaking down each label.
What Are Fanfold Labels?
Fanfold labels are stacked like an accordion with perforations between each label. Instead of being wound around a roll, they come in a zigzagged stack, which sits neatly in a box or tray.
Pros of Fanfold Labels:
- It Offers More Capacity: Since they aren’t on a roll, you can fit a higher number of labels in a small space.
- It is Easier to Store: Unlike roll labels, which can take up shelf space, fanfold labels can be stacked neatly in a box.
- It Requires Less Frequent Reloading: Because more labels fit in a single stack, you won’t have to reload as often.
- It Works With Printers That Support Fan-Fold Feeding Many industrial and desktop label printers can use fanfold labels.
Cons of Fanfold Labels:
❌ It Requires the Right Printer Setup: Not all printers are designed for fanfold labels, so double-check compatibility.
❌ It May Curl or Shift: If not stored properly, the edges can bend or shift slightly during printing.
What Are Roll Labels?
Roll labels are exactly what they sound like—labels wound around a cardboard core. They feed into the printer from the roll, making them easy to use for high-speed printing.
Pros of Roll Labels:
- It Works With Most Label Printers: Roll labels are widely compatible with both direct thermal and thermal transfer printers.
- It Offers Faster Printing: Since they continuously feed through the printer, roll labels are great for high-speed printing.
- It is Neat and Organized: The roll keeps labels uniform and easy to handle.
- It is Great for Small Batches: If you print in smaller quantities, roll labels make it simple to load and print only what you need.
Cons of Roll Labels:
❌ Requires More Storage Space: Rolls can take up more space than a stack of fanfold labels.
❌ Frequent Reloading: Depending on the size of the roll, you may need to reload more often than fanfold labels.
How to choose: fanfold vs. roll labels?
So, which one is best for you? Ask yourself these questions:
- What type of printer do you have? Some printers only support rolls, while others can use both.
- How often do you print? If you're printing in bulk, fanfold labels can save time on reloading.
- Do you need space efficiency?:- Fanfold labels take up less storage space than rolls.
- Do you prioritize speed? If you need fast, continuous printing, roll labels are the way to go.
Which Labels Should You Choose?
If you print high volumes and don’t want to reload frequently, fanfold labels are a great choice. However, if you need convenience, speed, and printer compatibility, then roll labels are your best bet.
4x6 labels have high-quality thermal labels in both fanfold and roll formats.