Printing FBA Labels - A Comprehensive Guide to Thermal Printers

AZLabels provides a streamlined solution for Amazon sellers printing FBA labels. This comprehensive guide covers setup and operation of both Dymo and Zebra thermal printers, helping you create an efficient labeling workflow.

Initial AZLabels Setup

The basic setup process takes just a few minutes and involves three simple steps:

Step 1: Download the Browser Extension

AZLabels offers extensions for the two most popular browsers:

Chrome Extension: 1. Visit the Chrome Web Store 2. Search for "AZLabels" 3. Click "Add to Chrome" 4. Accept permissions 5. Extension icon appears in toolbar

Firefox Extension: 1. Visit Firefox Add-ons 2. Search for "AZLabels" 3. Click "Add to Firefox" 4. Accept permissions 5. Extension icon appears in toolbar

Step 2: Register for an Account

Free tier includes: - Up to 100 FNSKU labels monthly - 10 shipping labels monthly - Full access to printing features - No credit card required

Registration process: 1. Click the AZLabels extension icon 2. Select "Sign Up" 3. Enter email address and create password 4. Verify email address 5. Account activated immediately

Step 3: Configure Dashboard Settings

1. Visit dashboard.azlabels.com
2. Log in with your credentials
3. Navigate to Settings → Printers
4. Select your printer model from the dropdown
5. Configure label sizes for FNSKU and shipping labels
6. Save configuration

Label size options: - FNSKU: 2" × 1", 2" × 1.5", 2.25" × 1.25" - Shipping: 4" × 6"

Once configured, you can print labels directly from Seller Central with a single click.

DYMO Thermal Printer Setup

DYMO LabelWriter printers are popular among Amazon sellers for their plug-and-play Mac compatibility and reliable performance.

Loading Labels

Proper label loading is critical for consistent printing:

1. Remove protective labels using the form-feed button (blue button on top)
2. Load label spool ensuring labels feed from underneath (thermal side down)
3. Align left edge with the feed slot opening
4. Lower top cover to secure labels
5. Press form-feed to test - Label should advance properly

Critical Alignment Note

"It's all about proper alignment. Regardless of the FBA label width, the left edge of the label must be aligned with the left edge of the label feed slot for the labels to feed properly."

Common alignment issues: - Labels printing off-center - Labels jamming - Partial prints

Solution: Always align the left edges precisely.

Computer Configuration

Both Windows and Mac require label size configuration to match your physical labels.

Windows Configuration

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers
2. Right-click your DYMO printer
3. Select Printer Preferences
4. Click Advanced tab
5. Select Paper Size dropdown
6. Choose existing size or click Custom

For custom sizes: 1. Click New 2. Enter width and height (e.g., 2" × 1") 3. Name the size (e.g., "FNSKU Label") 4. Save and close

Print settings: - Quality: Best (600 DPI) - Print intensity: Adjust based on label darkness - Label type: Select your label stock

Mac Configuration (CUPS Interface)

Mac configuration requires accessing the CUPS printer management interface:

1. Open Safari or Chrome
2. Navigate to: localhost:631/printers
3. Click your DYMO printer name
4. Select Administration → Set Default Options
5. Authenticate with your Mac username/password

Configure paper size: 1. In the General section, find Media Size 2. Select from existing sizes or click Add Custom Size 3. Enter dimensions in points (1 inch = 72 points) - 2" × 1" = 144 × 72 points - 4" × 6" = 288 × 432 points 4. Save changes

Alternative method (System Preferences): 1. System Preferences → Printers & Scanners 2. Select your DYMO printer 3. Click Options & Supplies 4. Select Options tab 5. Configure label sizes

Testing Your Setup

1. Log into Amazon Seller Central
2. Generate a test label
3. Click the AZLabels extension button
4. Verify label prints correctly
5. Check alignment and darkness

Troubleshooting tips: - Too light: Increase print intensity - Too dark: Decrease print intensity - Off-center: Check physical label alignment - Blank labels: Verify thermal side orientation

Zebra Thermal Printer Setup

Zebra printers like the LP2844 are industry workhorses known for reliability and speed. Setup is straightforward once you understand the mechanism.

Loading Labels

The Zebra design uses adjustable guide bars for different label widths:

1. Open the top cover by pressing the release buttons on both sides
2. Place label roll between the green adjustable bars
3. Use black adjustment pieces to secure the paper width
   • Slide black pieces inward until snug against label edges
   • Should be tight enough to prevent wiggling but not crushing labels
4. Thread labels through the print mechanism
5. Close cover - Should click into place securely
6. Wait for green indicator light confirming ready status

Label Guides Adjustment

Proper guide adjustment prevents: - Skewed printing - Label jams - Wasted labels

Perfect adjustment: - Guides touch label edges lightly - Labels move freely - No visible gaps or crushing

Paper Size Configuration (Windows)

Windows requires custom paper sizes for proper Zebra printing:

1. Control Panel → Devices and Printers
2. Right-click Zebra printer
3. Printer Properties → Printing Preferences
4. Click Advanced

Add new stock size: 1. Click New under Paper/Output 2. Enter dimensions: - Width: 4 inches (for shipping labels) - Height: 6 inches 3. Name: "4x6 Shipping Label"

Adjust darkness and speed: - Darkness: 15 (standard) - Increase if labels too light (16-18) - Decrease if too dark (12-14) - Print Speed: 1.5 inches/second - Slower = darker but reduced throughput - Faster = lighter but higher volume

Save settings as default for one-click printing.

Calibration

Zebra printers may need calibration when: - Changing label sizes - Labels printing off-center - Sensor errors occurring

Calibration process: 1. Turn off printer 2. Hold feed button while turning printer on 3. Release feed button after printer starts 4. Printer advances several labels automatically 5. Green light indicates calibration complete

Auto-calibration (some models): - Press and hold feed button for 2 seconds - Printer calibrates automatically

Testing Zebra Setup

1. Load labels and calibrate
2. Open AZLabels dashboard
3. Select Zebra printer
4. Choose label size
5. Print test label from dashboard
6. Verify quality and alignment

Common fixes: - Labels skipping: Run calibration - Too light: Increase darkness to 16-17 - Off-center: Adjust black label guides - Partial prints: Check label width setting matches physical labels

Printing Workflow with AZLabels

Once setup is complete, your printing workflow becomes incredibly simple:

For FNSKU Labels

1. In Seller Central, navigate to Inventory → Manage Inventory
2. Select products needing labels
3. Click Print Item Labels
4. Choose quantity
5. Click the AZLabels extension button (instead of "Print item labels")
6. Labels automatically format and print

Time saved: Approximately 4-5 minutes per batch versus manual PDF download/print.

For Shipping Labels

1. Create shipment in Seller Central as usual
2. Reach the label printing step
3. Click the AZLabels extension button
4. Labels automatically format and print

Automatic formatting: - Correct label size selected - Thermal printer optimized - No manual PDF manipulation - Batch printing for multiple labels

Advanced Features (Business/Enterprise Plans)

AZLabels Instant: - Labels print automatically without clicking - Server-side processing for maximum speed - Native printer language (ZPL/EPL) for best quality - 5-8x faster than traditional methods

Batch Operations: - Print all shipment labels at once - Queue multiple print jobs - Automatic retry on errors

Benefits of Thermal Printing Workflow

Once properly configured, thermal printing with AZLabels enables:

Efficiency Gains

• 5 minutes saved per shipment on average
• Batch print dozens of labels in seconds
• No waiting for ink to dry
• Continuous operation for high-volume days

Annual time savings (50 shipments/month): - 5 min × 50 shipments × 12 months = 3,000 minutes - 50 hours saved annually

Cost Savings

Versus inkjet printing: - No ink cartridges ($30-50 every 2-3 months) - No paper jams wasting labels - Lower per-label cost ($0.02 vs $0.15)

Annual savings (2,000 labels/year): - Thermal: $40 for labels - Inkjet: $300+ (paper + ink) - $260+ saved annually

Quality Improvements

• Consistent, scannable barcodes
• No smudging during shipping
• Professional appearance
• Water-resistant (direct thermal)

Scalability

• Handle 10 or 1,000 labels identically
• No workflow changes as volume grows
• Multiple user support (Enterprise plans)
• Reliable for daily operations

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Labels Printing Blank

Possible causes: 1. Thermal paper loaded backwards (thermal side up) 2. Thermal head dirty 3. Darkness setting too low

Solutions: - Reload labels with thermal side down (shiny side typically non-thermal) - Clean thermal head with isopropyl alcohol - Increase darkness setting to 16-18

Off-Center Printing

DYMO: - Check left edge alignment with feed slot - Verify paper size matches physical labels in software

Zebra: - Adjust black label guides - Run calibration - Verify paper size configuration

Labels Jamming

Common causes: - Guides too tight (Zebra) - Debris in print path - Damaged labels (torn edges)

Solutions: - Slightly loosen label guides - Clean printer interior - Inspect label roll for damage

Barcode Not Scanning

Causes: - Print density too low - Low-quality label stock - Damaged thermal head

Solutions: - Increase darkness setting - Use higher quality thermal labels - Clean or replace thermal head

Connection Issues

Extension not detecting printer: 1. Verify printer powered on 2. Check USB connection 3. Restart browser 4. Reinstall extension if needed

Dashboard sync issues: 1. Log out and log back in 2. Clear browser cache 3. Check internet connection

Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning

Thermal head (most important): - Clean every 1,000 labels - Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) - Gentle wiping with soft cloth - Never use sharp objects

Platen roller: - Clean monthly with alcohol - Remove adhesive buildup - Ensures consistent feeding

Exterior: - Wipe down weekly - Prevent dust accumulation - Keep ventilation clear

Label Storage

• Store in cool, dry place
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Keep sealed until use
• Prevents premature darkening (direct thermal)

Preventive Measures

• Run calibration monthly
• Check for firmware updates
• Replace worn rollers
• Keep spare parts on hand

Conclusion

Proper thermal printer setup with AZLabels creates a professional, efficient labeling workflow that scales with your business. The combination of:

• Reliable thermal printer hardware
• Streamlined AZLabels software
• Proper configuration and maintenance

...delivers consistent, high-quality labels while saving hours of manual work weekly.

Getting started: 1. Download AZLabels extension 2. Register for free account (100 labels/month) 3. Configure your printer using this guide 4. Start printing in minutes

Need help? Visit dashboard.azlabels.com or contact support@azlabels.com

Your efficient FBA labeling workflow is just a few setup steps away.