Barcode labels
Barcode labels, decoded — and how to print your own
A barcode label encodes data as machine-readable bars and spaces, so a scanner can record it instantly. Print your own on Rollo 2×1 thermal labels — $9.99 for a roll of 1,000, with no ink and no per-label software fee.
Direct thermal · in stock · green, blue, yellow, white, pink and purple.
A barcode label represents data as parallel lines of varying width and spacing, where each bar and space stands for a specific value. Attach it to an item, scan it, and the data is read and recorded in an instant — which is why barcodes power inventory, pricing, and tracking across modern business.
The fundamentals, fast
Why barcodes matter
They make tracking, inventory, and pricing faster and far less error-prone than manual entry, across nearly every industry.
The most common format
The Universal Product Code (UPC) is the worldwide standard for consumer goods — a numeric code with a company number and a product number.
Linear vs 2D
Linear (1D) barcodes read in one direction and suit retail and warehouses. 2D codes like QR store data both ways, holding much more. See the GS1 guide to 2D barcodes.
Standards bodies like GS1 and the ISO set rules for size, color, placement, and print quality so barcodes stay readable everywhere.
Where barcode labels earn their keep
Inventory
Track quantity, location, and movement across warehouses and stores — so you avoid overstocking, prevent stockouts, and replenish on time.
Clothing & retail
In fashion, a single label carries style, size, color, and price — speeding pricing and checkout while helping deter theft.
Creating and printing a barcode label
You can absolutely print your own. You need three things: a barcode printer, software to generate the code, and the right label material.
Generate the barcode in label-design software, enter the data to encode, add details like product name and price, and print. With the free Rollo Label Design app, you create custom barcodes and QR codes and send them straight to a Rollo printer on 2×1 thermal labels.
New to it? Start with our guide to barcode printer innovations or the e-commerce barcode printing guide.
Rollo barcode labels
$9.99 · 1,000 labels per roll
2×1-inch direct thermal labels built for barcodes and inventory tags, compatible with FBA FNSKU and ASIN barcodes. A thousand per roll keeps your cost per label low for high-volume work.
FBA FNSKU = Fulfillment by Amazon, Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit · ASIN = Amazon Standard Identification Number.
Barcodes: the trade-offs
Why they win
- Speed and efficiency — scanning beats manual entry
- Accuracy — far fewer data-entry errors
- Cost-efficiency — lower labor and shrinkage over time
- Versatility and scalability from one store to many
- Traceability across the supply chain
Where they fall short
- Readability suffers if a label is damaged or poorly printed
- They depend on scanners and printers to work
- 1D codes hold limited data; richer data needs 2D
- Hardware and software can hit technical glitches
- Standardization gaps can cause compatibility issues
Most of these come down to label quality. Smudge-, tear-, and fade-resistant stock — like Rollo's — keeps barcodes scannable, and a smartphone camera can now stand in for a dedicated scanner, cutting hardware cost.
The barcode printer you need
Rollo makes two direct thermal printers built for clean, scannable barcodes — pick by how you want to connect.
Rollo Wireless — go cordless
AirPrint-enabled Wi-Fi printing from computer, phone, or tablet at 203 dpi. Runs on Mac, Windows 10+, iOS, Android, Linux and Chromebook, and works with all major marketplaces. Rated 4.96/5 from 187 customer ratings.
Rollo USB — stay wired
A direct thermal printer that runs at 150 mm/s — about one label per second — with no ink or toner. Compatible with all marketplaces and with Windows (XP and newer) and Mac (10.9 and newer).
Both print barcodes and QR codes on a 2×1 label roll, and both support 4×6, 2×1 and 2-inch round labels by default (custom sizes via the Rollo Printer Portal). Roll labels need a label holder; fanfold labels don't.
Streamline shipping with Rollo Ship
Barcodes track your stock. Rollo Ship moves it out the door — a free platform that imports orders, compares carrier rates, and prints 4×6 labels straight to your Rollo printer.
Free to use — you only pay for the discounted labels you select.
📦 Import orders automatically
Connect Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Walmart, WooCommerce and more. Orders sync into one clean dashboard.
💸 Compare five carriers
See USPS, UPS, FedEx, Canada Post and Purolator side by side. USPS and UPS are built in; add your own FedEx account.
📍 Sync tracking back
Tracking updates flow back to your store, protecting marketplace account health and keeping buyers informed.
How to print barcode labels on Rollo
Set up and connect
Set up your Rollo Wireless and put it on the same Wi-Fi as your device. New to it? Watch the Rollo Wireless setup video.
Add the printer
On Mac: Settings > Printers > + > choose Rollo X1040. On PC: Printers & Scanners > Add a printer > choose Rollo X1040.
Load the labels
Open the cover, set the purple guides to your label width, feed labels print-side up, and let Rollo learn the size. Supports 4×6, 2×1 and 2-inch round by default.
Design and print
Create a barcode or QR code free in the Rollo Label Design app and print. On the USB model, first install the Rollo USB driver.
Hit a snag? The Rollo support library has troubleshooting for label feeding, connectivity, and print quality.
Barcode label questions, answered
Can I print my own barcode labels?
Yes. You need a barcode printer, software to generate the barcode, and the right label material. For small businesses this is cost-effective and flexible. With a Rollo printer and the free Rollo Label Design app, you can create a barcode or QR code and print it on a 2×1 thermal label yourself, with no per-label software fee.
How do I make a barcode label for free?
Use a free barcode generator, enter the data you want to encode, pick the barcode type, and download the result to print. The Rollo Label Design app lets you generate custom barcodes and QR codes for free and send them straight to a Rollo printer on 2×1 thermal labels, so the only cost is the label stock itself.
Do I need a barcode to sell my product?
A barcode is not legally required, but it is practically essential. It speeds up inventory management and pricing, and most retailers and online platforms expect one. If you plan to sell through large marketplaces or stores, having a scannable barcode on each product makes listing, tracking, and fulfillment far smoother.
Do I need a barcode to sell on Walmart?
Yes. Walmart requires every product sold on its platform to carry a barcode, so its systems can manage inventory and pricing accurately. Before listing, make sure each item has a valid, scannable barcode. Rollo 2×1 thermal labels are compatible with FBA FNSKU and ASIN barcodes, which also covers common Amazon requirements.
How much does a Rollo barcode label cost?
Rollo barcode labels cost $9.99 for a roll of 1,000. The labels are 2×1 inches, built for barcodes and inventory tags, and compatible with FBA FNSKU and ASIN barcodes. They come in green, blue, yellow, white, pink, and purple. Because there are 1,000 labels per roll, the cost per label stays very low for high-volume work.
How do I register a barcode for my product?
Register through a standards organization such as GS1, which issues a unique company prefix so your barcodes are globally unique. Registration is not legally required, but it prevents conflicts with other companies and is expected by many retailers. Once you have your numbers, you can generate and print the barcodes yourself on Rollo thermal labels.
How do I create a SKU barcode?
A SKU barcode encodes your Stock Keeping Unit number — the unique code you assign to each item in your inventory. Generate the barcode from that SKU using label-design software, then print it on a thermal label. The free Rollo Label Design app can turn a SKU into a scannable barcode and send it to a Rollo printer on 2×1 labels.
Get organized. Stay creative.
Print crisp, scannable barcodes on Rollo 2×1 thermal labels, design them free in the Rollo Label Design app, and ship every order with Rollo Ship.
Free to start · no card required.
