Blank LabelsCustom Labels

Thermal Transfer Ribbons

4.4 rating based on (50 reviews)
Thermal Transfer Ribbons banner image
Shop high-quality ribbons for your thermal transfer printer.
Browse resin-enhanced wax and durable wax resin ribbons in both Coated Side Out (CSO) and Coated Side In (CSI) formats.
Home Labels by Material Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Coated Side Out (CSO) Thermal Transfer Ribbons Shop our coated side out thermal ribbons for use with most Zebra® thermal transfer printers. Start Shopping
Coated Side In (CSI) Thermal Transfer Ribbons Browse coated side in thermal ribbons for your Datamax® or SATO® thermal transfer printer. Start Shopping

Here's what people are saying

CSO vs CSI Ribbons

Various printer brands feed the ribbons through their machines differently. CSO (coated side out) ribbons are made with the ink on the outside of the ribbon spool. They unroll from the bottom before making contact with the print-head and label. CSI (coated side in) ribbons, on the other hand, have the ink on the inside of the spool. They unroll from the top before making contact with the print-head and label.

Unsure which type you were using before?

Stick a piece of tape to the outside of your ribbon roll. After a few seconds, peel the tape off. If ink sticks to the tape, you were using a CSO ribbon. If no ink sticks to the tape, you were using a CSI ribbon.

Be sure to also read our article, "How to Choose the Right Type of Thermal Transfer Ribbon."