You searched Google for "macOS label printer app" and got almost nothing. There are dozens of programs for Windows but for Mac? Almost zero. Because the label printer world has been Windows-centric for years.
But not anymore. LabelInn is a label design and printing application natively developed for macOS, compatible with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4), AI-powered.
Label Printing on Mac: Current Alternatives
Your options when you want to print labels as a Mac user:
| Option | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Label with Word/Pages | Program everyone knows | No barcode, no data binding, weak printer compatibility |
| Online label tools | No installation required | Slow, internet dependent, limited printer support |
| Avery Design & Print | Compatible with Avery labels | Only Avery sheets, no thermal printer |
| BarTender (Windows) | Industry standard | No macOS version |
| NiceLabel (Windows) | Professional | No macOS version |
| Parallels + Windows software | All Windows programs work | Parallels license needed, slow, complex |
The two major software in the label printer industry – BarTender and NiceLabel – both only work on Windows. Mac users either set up a virtual machine with Parallels/VMware or buy a separate Windows computer for label work.
LabelInn: Label App Designed for Mac
LabelInn was built from scratch for macOS. No virtual machine, no emulation – native macOS app.
Core Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 🎨 Drag-and-drop label design | Visually design labels by adding text, barcodes, QR codes, images, and shapes |
| 🤖 AI-powered design | Type "create a 50×30mm product label with barcode and price field" and let AI generate it |
| 📊 Excel/CSV data binding | Each row in your Excel file becomes a label – 1,000 different labels at once |
| 📱 Barcode generation | EAN-13, Code 128, QR Code, DataMatrix and 20+ barcode formats |
| 🖨️ Driverless printing | Direct to printer with ZPL – no driver installation needed |
| 📦 Marketplace integrations | Trendyol, Hepsiburada, ikas, Shopify and more |
| 🍎 Apple Silicon native | Runs ultra-fast on M1, M2, M3, M4 chips |
🤖 AI-Powered Label Design
Don't know how to design labels? No problem. LabelInn's AI engine creates labels for you:
Describe what you need:
"100×60mm product label. Company logo on top, product name and description in the middle, EAN-13 barcode and price at the bottom. With a border."
AI generates the label design – dimensions, positions, and fonts are automatically set
Edit if you want – change positions and sizes with drag-and-drop
Bind data – pull product name, price, barcode number from Excel
Print – all labels come out of your printer with one click ✅
Shelf label: "60×40mm shelf label. Product name in large text, barcode and price
below."
Address label: "100×50mm address label. Sender and recipient info, QR code."
Product label: "80×50mm product label. Logo, product name, instruction text,
barcode."
Shipping label: "10×15cm shipping label. Address, barcode, carrier logo."
📊 Printing Labels from Excel (Data Binding)
Design your label template once, then pull data from your Excel or CSV file to print hundreds or thousands of labels at once.
How Does It Work?
Example Excel file:
| Product Name | Barcode | Price | SKU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Olive Oil 500ml | 8690123456789 | $24.99 | OOL-500 |
| Natural Honey 450g | 8690123456790 | $18.99 | HON-450 |
| Dried Apricots 250g | 8690123456791 | $7.99 | APR-250 |
Add variables to text fields in your label design: {Product Name},
{Barcode}, {Price}
Upload your Excel file – LabelInn automatically matches column headers
Preview – see each label filled with data
"Print All" – 3 rows = 3 labels, 1,000 rows = 1,000 labels ✅
Supported Data Sources
- 📗 Excel (.xlsx, .xls)
- 📄 CSV (comma-separated)
- 📋 Paste from clipboard – copy-paste from Google Sheets
- 🛒 Marketplace data – automatic from Trendyol, Hepsiburada orders
📱 Barcode Generation and Printing
With LabelInn you can create and print barcodes in over 20 barcode formats:
| Barcode Type | Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | Retail product barcode (international standard) | Supermarket products |
| EAN-8 | Small product barcode | Small packages |
| Code 128 | Logistics, shipping, inventory | Shipping barcode, shelf code |
| Code 39 | Industrial, military | Serial number |
| QR Code | URL, vCard, Wi-Fi info | Website link, menu |
| DataMatrix | Industrial, healthcare | Drug tracking, part number |
| UPC-A | US retail | Amazon FBA products |
| ITF-14 | Case/pallet barcode | Wholesale |
LabelInn generates barcodes directly on the printer using ZPL commands, not as images. This ensures barcodes are always crisp, legible, and scannable – shipping company scanners read them with 100% accuracy.
🖨️ Supported Printers
Printers that work on macOS without installing a driver:
| Brand | Popular Models | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Zebra | ZD220, ZD421, ZD621, ZT230, ZT411 | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| TSC | TE244, TTP-244 Pro, TC200, DA220 | USB, Ethernet |
| Xprinter | XP-420B, XP-365B, XP-460B | USB |
| Bixolon | SLP-TX400, SRP-330 | USB, Ethernet |
| HPRT | HT300, HT800 | USB |
| Gainscha | GS-2406T, GI-2406T | USB |
| Honeywell | PC42t, PM42 | USB, Ethernet |
| Argox | OS-214 Plus | USB |
macOS Version Compatibility
| macOS Version | Support |
|---|---|
| macOS 12 Monterey | ✅ Supported |
| macOS 13 Ventura | ✅ Supported |
| macOS 14 Sonoma | ✅ Supported (Latest) |
| macOS 15 Sequoia | ✅ Supported (Latest) |
| Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) | ✅ Native support |
| Intel Mac | ✅ Supported |
Compared to Windows Alternatives
| BarTender | NiceLabel | LabelInn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| macOS support | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Native |
| AI label design | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Available |
| Driverless | ❌ Driver required | ❌ Driver required | ✅ Driverless with ZPL |
| Marketplace integration | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ 8 platforms |
| Mobile app | ❌ None | ❌ Limited | ✅ iOS & Android |
| Excel data binding | ✅ Available | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Price (yearly) | $495+ | $300+ | Much more affordable |
Use Cases
🏪 Retail Store
Shelf labels, price tags, product barcodes. With bulk printing from Excel, 500 shelf labels are ready in 10 minutes for a store opening.
📦 E-Commerce Seller
Shipping labels, order preparation lists, product labels. Automatic with Trendyol, Hepsiburada, ikas integration.
🏭 Manufacturer / Workshop
Product labels, serial number barcodes, content labels. Quick design with AI, DataMatrix barcode support.
📚 Office / Organization
Address labels, file labels, inventory labels. Digital information linking with QR codes.
Print Professional Labels from Your Mac
macOS native application. Try free for 14 days.
Try LabelInn for Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download it from the Mac App Store?
LabelInn can be downloaded directly from our website. It's macOS Gatekeeper approved, so you can install it safely.
Which Mac models are supported?
All Macs running macOS 12 (Monterey) and above – MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro. Works on both Apple Silicon and Intel processors.
Is AI label design free?
It's included during the trial period. Monthly AI design credits are provided based on your subscription plan.
Does it work on Windows too?
Yes! LabelInn offers both macOS and Windows native apps. You can use both platforms with the same account.
Is a thermal printer required? Can I print from a regular printer?
A thermal printer is recommended but not required. You can also print labels from A4 laser/inkjet printers.