A Free Alternative to NiceLabel
NiceLabel (now Loftware) starts at $295 per license. OpenLabelMaker gives you barcode labels, batch printing from spreadsheets, and a full design editor — completely free, in your browser.
NiceLabel vs OpenLabelMaker
NiceLabel Pain Points
- • Expensive — starts at $295 one-time or subscription model
- • Windows only — no Mac, no Chromebook, no browser access
- • Requires installation and .NET Framework
- • Steep learning curve for new users
- • Licensed per printer — scales expensively
- • Overkill for simple label design tasks
OpenLabelMaker Advantage
- • 100% free — no license fees, no subscription
- • Works on any OS — Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook
- • Nothing to install — runs in your browser
- • Intuitive design editor — start designing in seconds
- • No printer licensing — works with any printer
- • Perfect for small businesses, warehouses, and home use
Feature Comparison
| Feature | OpenLabelMaker | NiceLabel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | From $295 |
| Platform | Any browser | Windows only |
| Requires installation | No | Yes |
| Barcodes (Code 128, EAN, UPC, Code 39) | ✓ | ✓ |
| QR codes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch print from Excel/CSV | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Sheets import | ✓ | ✗ |
| Database connection (SQL, etc.) | ✗ | ✓ |
| GS1 / RFID encoding | ✗ | ✓ |
| 250+ printer label sizes | ✓ | ✓ |
| 97+ sheet layouts (Avery, HERMA) | ✓ | ~ Some |
| Image / logo placement | ✓ | ✓ |
| 158 fonts | ✓ | ✓ System fonts |
| Privacy — data stays local | ✓ 100% client-side | ✓ Desktop app |
| Enterprise label management | ✗ | ✓ |
Bottom line: NiceLabel is enterprise software designed for compliance-heavy industries (food, pharma, logistics). If you need GS1 compliance, RFID, or database-driven label management, NiceLabel is the right tool. For everything else — small business labels, product labels, shipping labels, batch printing from Excel — OpenLabelMaker does it for free.
Best For
Small Businesses
Product labels, shipping labels, return address labels. No need to pay $295+ for basic label design.
Warehouses & Inventory
Batch barcode labels from a CSV file. Upload your SKU list, generate hundreds of unique barcode labels in minutes.
Home & Office
Address labels, file folder labels, name badges. Works with any DYMO, Brother, or Avery labels you already have.
Try it free — no strings attached
No download. No license key. No account. Just open and start designing.
Open the Free Label Editor →