Label Rolls vs Label Sheets vs Fan-Folded Label Sheets: What's the Difference?

When it comes to ordering blank labels for your label printer, you have a few different options: label rolls, label sheets, or fan-folded label sheets. But what's the difference? And which one is right for you?

Label printers use different types of labels in several configurations: rolls, sheets, and fan-folded sheets. Depending on the printer model, you may not have a choice as to which type of label to use. For example, if your label printer does not have a paper tray, using sheet labels is impractical, if not impossible. Similarly, if it does not have a label roll holder or label unwinder, then using label rolls is generally not an option (though you could order an external label unwinder).

Label Rolls

Label rolls are just that -- rolls of labels. The labels are wound onto a cardboard core. The roll is mounted onto either an internal or external label unwinder that feeds the labels through the printer. The labels on the label roll are either pre-die-cut or continuous. Continous labels will need to be cut after printing, either by the printer's built-in cutter or an external cutter. This format is best for high-volume printing because you can print many labels in a single production run.

Label Sheets

Label sheets are usually letter-sized (8.5" x 11") sheets of pre-die-cut or uncut labels. For example, a label sheet may have a series of small address labels in several columns and rows across the letter-sized liner or it could contain a single large label taking up the entire sheet.

Label sheets are typically used in office laser or inkjet printers. They can be placed in the paper tray or manually fed through the printer's manual feed slot. This format is best for low-volume printing because you can print only the number of labels you need.

Fan-Folded Label Sheets

Label sheets are also available in fan-folded form, which is a variation on the standard label sheet that can be used in a variety of label printers. Each sheet is fan-folded so that a stack of labels can be neatly stored and dispensed. Perforations between the labels allow them to be easily torn off one at a time. GP-831 fan-folded label sheets are available for the Epson GP-C831 color label printer with pinholes for the printer's tractor feed.

Like label rolls, this format is best for moderate- or high-volume printing because you can print many labels at once and they're easy to store and dispense.

Which format of blank label is best for you? It depends on how much labeling you do and the type of printer you have. If you need to print a large volume of labels, then a label roll would be your best option. If you only need to print a few labels at a time and want to use your existing office printer, then a label sheet would be the best choice. And if you have the Epson GP-C831 color label printer and need to print labels in fan-folded form, GP-C31 fan-folded label sheets are available.