# Choose a shipping label printer and label size
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360001921655-choose-a-shipping-label-printer-and-label-size
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Updated: 2026-05-07

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Choose a compatible shipping label printer and the label size required by your couriers.

## Choose a printer

Starshipit can use a printer that is installed and working in your computer's operating system. Choose a current model that:

* supports the label sizes required by your couriers
* has a current driver for your Windows or macOS version
* supports your preferred USB or network connection
* is supported by its manufacturer in your region

Most shipping labels use 100 x 150 mm (approximately 4 x 6 inch) stock, so a four-inch label printer is a practical starting point. Some couriers and documents require a different size; check the table below before buying hardware.

Direct thermal and thermal transfer printers can both be suitable. Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive labels and do not need a ribbon. Thermal transfer printers use a ribbon and are useful when labels must remain readable for longer or tolerate harsher conditions. Match the printer technology to the correct label stock.

Starshipit does not require a specific printer brand or model. Before purchasing, confirm compatibility with the printer manufacturer and test the required courier formats where possible.

After connecting the printer, [set up and test the Starshipit printing route](/articles/90200000000155-understand-how-starshipit-printing-works).

## Label sizes

The exact formats available depend on the courier, product, destination, and account configuration. The format options shown in the relevant courier settings are the source of truth for your account.

Common output sizes include:

| Format | Typical use |
| --- | --- |
| **100 x 150 mm (A6 / approximately 4 x 6 inch)** | Standard thermal shipping labels for many domestic and international services. |
| **100 x 174 mm or 100 x 175 mm** | Longer shipping labels used by some services. |
| **100 x 200 mm** | Extended shipping labels used by some services. |
| **A4** | Courier documents, commercial invoices, international labels, or multi-label sheets. |

Some formats have workflow restrictions. For example:

* [Australia Post A4 label sheets](/articles/360000313576-how-to-print-australia-post-shipping-labels-4-per-page) must be downloaded and printed as a PDF.
* [Australia Post eParcel A6 CN22 labels](/articles/360001225675-australia-post-eparcel-a6-cn22-labels) are available only when the shipment meets Australia Post's criteria.
* A courier may produce extra documents, such as commercial invoices, on A4 even when the shipping label uses thermal stock.

Check every courier service your team uses, including domestic, international, returns, and dangerous-goods workflows, before standardising a packing station on one printer or label size.