Inkjet or Laser Printing?

Keep in mind, with technology constantly changing, Online Labels® does not recommend any specific make, model or type of printer. Instead, we focus on manufacturing labels that will look great, and work great, in virtually any kind of printer!

First, Select The Best Printer

Before buying inkjet or laser compatible labels, the first step is to determine which printer type you are using, or which will best suit your needs. Inkjet and laser printers each cover a broad range of costs and capabilities. If your project requires color, inkjet printers can produce rich, vivid hues and photographic-quality images. If you are looking for high-volume, speed and efficiency, a laser printer is a great solution. Laser printers are also great for printing crisp, dark images in black-and-white.

Most printer types can be easily identified by their model name, often found on the printer itself.

Inkjet Printers

An inkjet printer propels tiny droplets of ink onto the paper during printing, which then must dry. They are the most common type of printer due to their low cost, high quality of output, capability of printing in vivid color, and ease of use. Unfortunately, frequent ink cartridge replacement may drive up the daily operating cost.

Advantages

• Most models are very affordable.
• Great for occasional use at home or office.
• Capable of printing images with photo-quality results.
• Produces vivid colors.

Disadvantages

• Can be costly to operate and maintain.
• Slower printing print speed compared to most laser printers.
• Ink cartridges tend to have a short life.

Laser Printers

Laser printers use a special laser to produce an electrically charged image on a drum, which is then rolled through powdered toner. The toner then fuses onto the paper using heat. Laser printers have traditionally been used for business applications because of high printing speeds and ability to handle large volume printing. In general, laser printers tend to be more expensive than inkjet printers.

Advantages

• Usually costs less to operate on a daily basis.
• On average, toner cartridges have a longer life.
• Sharp text quality.
• Fast printing speeds.

Disadvantages

• Can be more expensive at time of purchase.
• Sometimes images and detailed graphics do not print as well.
• Toner cartridges can be very costly to replace.

Next, Choose The Right Label For Your Printer