Brother P-touch Editor vs OpenLabelMaker
Brother P-touch Editor is a powerful desktop label app — but it only runs on Windows and Mac, only works with Brother printers, and can feel overloaded for simple label tasks.
OpenLabelMaker is a free browser-based alternative that works with Brother QL labels and every other printer brand. No download, no account.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | P-touch Editor | OpenLabelMaker |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows, macOS | Any browser (incl. Chromebook, Linux) |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Account required | ✓ No | ✓ No |
| Supported printers | Brother only | All brands (Brother, DYMO, Zebra, Avery...) |
| Label sizes | Brother DK/TZe sizes | 500+ sizes (13 brands + 97 sheets) |
| Barcodes | ✓ Many formats | ✓ 7 formats + QR |
| Batch / mail merge | ✓ Database connectivity | ✓ Excel, CSV, Google Sheets |
| Fonts | System fonts | 158 built-in Google Fonts |
| Direct printer control | ✓ Yes (native) | ✗ PDF → print |
| P-touch tape labels (TZe) | ✓ Yes | ✗ QL die-cut only |
| Network printer support | ✓ Built-in | ~ Via OS print dialog |
| Privacy | Local application | ✓ 100% client-side, no uploads |
| Install size | ~300MB | 0 MB (runs in browser) |
When to Use Which
✅ Choose OpenLabelMaker if you...
- • Use multiple printer brands (not just Brother)
- • Work on a Chromebook or Linux machine
- • Don't want to install software
- • Need Avery/HERMA sheet label support
- • Want batch labels from Excel/CSV/Google Sheets
- • Share a computer and can't install apps
✅ Choose P-touch Editor if you...
- • Only use Brother printers
- • Need P-touch tape labels (TZe cassettes)
- • Need direct Brother printer control (no PDF step)
- • Need database connectivity (Access, SQL)
- • Use advanced features like snap mode or cable flag templates
Brother QL Labels in OpenLabelMaker
All standard Brother QL die-cut label sizes are built into OpenLabelMaker. Select your label, design it, and print via PDF.
⚠️ Honest Note: P-touch Tape Labels
OpenLabelMaker currently supports Brother QL die-cut labels (DK-series). If you use a Brother P-touch labeller with TZe tape cassettes (the narrow tape labels for cables, folders, etc.), P-touch Editor is still your best bet — those require precise tape-width handling and native printer communication that a browser tool can't replicate. We may add TZe support in the future.
FAQ
Can I print to a Brother QL-800 from OpenLabelMaker?
Yes. Select a DK label size (e.g. DK-11201), design your label, export as PDF, and print via your OS print dialog. The QL-800 appears as a standard printer when connected via USB or network.
Does OpenLabelMaker support Brother P-touch tape (TZe)?
Not currently. TZe tape labels require specific tape-width handling and native printer communication. For P-touch tape labellers, we recommend using P-touch Editor. OpenLabelMaker supports all Brother QL die-cut (DK) labels.
Can I batch print Brother labels from Excel?
Yes. Use the Batch feature. Design a Brother DK label with {{placeholders}}, import your data from Excel/CSV/Google Sheets, and export a multi-page PDF — one label per page.
Why would I use this instead of P-touch Editor?
If you use multiple printer brands (e.g. Brother at the office, DYMO at the warehouse), OpenLabelMaker gives you one tool for all. It also works on Chromebook and Linux, where P-touch Editor isn't available. And there's nothing to install.