Tips for purchasing Labels

Last published at: July 28th, 2025

In the event that you need to purchase regular labels (non-RFID) outside of our recommended vendor list, please keep in mind the following

Ensure the core size is suitable for the printer.
- This is referring to the cardboard tube in the center of the roll
- Some printers come with optional adapters that allow for larger core sizes
Ensure the total outer diameter of the roll fits into the printer.
Ensure the label width also fits the printer.
Ensure that the label's printing method matches the printer's
- Thermal Transfer - Printer transfers ink from an ink ribbon to the label
- Direct Thermal - Printer uses heat to print directly on the label

Delete

Check the Zebra specification page of the printer you are buying to find accepted Core size, max outer Diameter, Media Width and Print Method. Alternatively you can ask the vendor directly if the paper is compatible with the printer.

Delete

For RFID Labels check this article

Specs for some of our supported printers

Model	Core size	Max Outer Diameter	Label Width	Printing Method
ZD411	Standard: 0.5 in./12.7 mm and 1.0 in./25.4 mm With Optional adapters: 1.5 in./38.1, 2.0 in./50.8 mm and 3.0 in./76.2 mm	5.00 in./127 mm	Minimum 0.585 in./15 mm Maximum: 2.25 in./57 mm	Direct Thermal OR Thermal Transfer depending on the SKU purchased
ZD410	Standard: 0.5 in./12.7 mm and 1.0 in./25.4 mm w/ Optional adapters: 1.5 in./38.1, 2.0 in./50.8 mm and 3.0 in./76.2 mm	5.00 in./127 mm outer diameter	2.36 in./60 mm	Direct Thermal only
ZQ500 series	n/a	ZQ511: 2.0 in./51 mm ZQ521: 2.24 in./57 mm	ZQ511: 1.38 in./35 mm to 3.15 in./80 mm ZQ521: 2.0 in./50.8 mm to 4.45 in./113 mm	Direct Thermal only

Model

Core size

Max Outer Diameter

Label Width

Printing Method

ZD411

Standard: 0.5 in./12.7 mm and 1.0 in./25.4 mm

With Optional adapters: 1.5 in./38.1, 2.0 in./50.8 mm and 3.0 in./76.2 mm

5.00 in./127 mm

Minimum 0.585 in./15 mm

Maximum: 2.25 in./57 mm

Direct Thermal OR Thermal Transfer depending on the SKU purchased

ZD410

Standard: 0.5 in./12.7 mm and 1.0 in./25.4 mm

w/ Optional adapters: 1.5 in./38.1, 2.0 in./50.8 mm and 3.0 in./76.2 mm

5.00 in./127 mm outer diameter

2.36 in./60 mm

Direct Thermal only

ZQ500 series

n/a

ZQ511: 2.0 in./51 mm

ZQ521: 2.24 in./57 mm

ZQ511: 1.38 in./35 mm to 3.15 in./80 mm

ZQ521: 2.0 in./50.8 mm to 4.45 in./113 mm

Direct Thermal only

Should you choose to acquire a printer or labels that is not included in our recommended list, please be aware that this decision is made at your own risk. While we will certainly make every effort to assist you with any troubleshooting and setup, we cannot assure successful resolution, as we have not conducted tests on those specific models.

Zebra printers can support both Direct thermal and Thermal transfer, or only one of them, but the part number of the printer you are using should let you know if it is compatible. You can also check it in your printer's user guide.

You can find more information on Hardware and Labels in our Samples FAQ, listed under "Hardware & Labels" here.

Launchmetrics Help Center

Contact Us