A Free Alternative to ZebraDesigner
ZebraDesigner requires Windows and a paid license for Pro features. OpenLabelMaker lets you design barcode labels for Zebra printers in any browser — free, no download, works on Mac too.
Why People Look for ZebraDesigner Alternatives
ZebraDesigner Limitations
- • Windows only — doesn't run on Mac, Linux, or Chromebook
- • Requires .NET Framework 4.7.2+ and ZDesigner driver
- • Pro version is a paid license
- • Steep learning curve for occasional users
- • Designed for ZPL output — overkill for simple label designs
- • Can't produce sheet labels (A4, US Letter, HERMA)
OpenLabelMaker Advantage
- • Works on any OS — Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook
- • Nothing to install — runs in your browser
- • 100% free — every feature included
- • Intuitive editor — design your first label in 30 seconds
- • PDF output works with any thermal printer
- • Also supports DYMO, Brother, Rollo, and 97+ sheet layouts
Feature Comparison
| Feature | OpenLabelMaker | ZebraDesigner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free (Essential) / Paid (Pro) |
| Platform | Any browser | Windows only |
| Requires installation | No | Yes + .NET + driver |
| Barcodes | ✓ Code 128, EAN, UPC, etc. | ✓ Extensive |
| QR codes | ✓ | ✓ |
| ZPL output (native Zebra commands) | ✗ PDF output | ✓ |
| Batch print from Excel/CSV | ✓ | ✓ (Pro) |
| Google Sheets import | ✓ | ✗ |
| Database connection | ✗ | ✓ (Pro) |
| RFID encoding | ✗ | ✓ |
| Also works with DYMO, Brother, sheet labels | ✓ 250+ sizes | ✗ Zebra only |
| Sheet layouts (A4, US Letter, HERMA) | ✓ 97+ | ✗ |
| 158 Google Fonts | ✓ | ~ Printer fonts |
| Image / logo placement | ✓ | ✓ |
Bottom line: If you need native ZPL output, RFID encoding, or direct database connections for high-volume industrial printing, ZebraDesigner is purpose-built for that. For designing and printing barcode labels from a spreadsheet on any Zebra thermal printer — OpenLabelMaker does it free in your browser.
Supported Zebra Label Sizes
All standard Zebra thermal label sizes are built in — from small barcode labels to large shipping labels.
4×6″ Shipping
101.6 × 152.4mm
2.25×1.25″ Barcode
57 × 32mm
4×3″ Product
101.6 × 76.2mm
4×2″ Warehouse
101.6 × 50.8mm
3×1″ Asset Tag
76.2 × 25.4mm
Design Zebra labels without installing software
Free. Browser-based. Works on Mac and Windows.
Open the Free Label Editor →