How to Choose the Right Paper Brand and Model for Barcode Printing in Retail Force

Choosing the correct paper brand and model is one of the most important steps when creating label templates in Retail Force Barcode & Labels. The right selection ensures your labels print accurately, align perfectly on the paper and scan reliably at checkout or during inventory management. This article walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Why Paper Brand and Model Matter

Each label paper brand and model has its own:

• Label width and height
• Gap or margin between labels
• Corner radius and layout structure
• Compatibility with specific printers

If the selected paper does not match the actual labels loaded in your printer, you may face issues such as:

• Misaligned prints
• Cut-off text or barcodes
• Barcodes that fail to scan
• Wasted label rolls or sheets

Retail Force solves this by offering a wide library of preconfigured paper brands and models.

Accessing Paper Selection in Retail Force

To choose a paper brand and model:

1. Open Retail Force Barcode from your Shopify admin.
2. Go to Label Templates.
3. Click New Template or edit an existing one.
4. Enter the Basic Design Editor.
5. Navigate to the Overview section.

This is where you define how Retail Force understands your label paper.

Selecting “I Know the Brand & Model”

This is the recommended option if your paper brand is listed.

Step 1: Choose Paper Brand

From the Paper Brand dropdown, select the brand of labels you are using. Retail Force supports a wide range of popular brands, including:

• Zebra
• Dymo
• Brother
• Avery (A4/A5, US Letter, Standard, Dennison)
• Uline
• BarcodeFactory
• Munbyn
• NIIMBOT
• OfficeSmartLabels
• Staples
• Many more

These brands are preconfigured with accurate label dimensions and layouts.

Step 2: Choose Paper Model

Once a brand is selected, the Paper Model dropdown becomes available. Each model represents a specific label size and format provided by that brand.

For example:

• Jewelry tags
• Shipping labels
• Shelf labels
• Thermal barcode labels

Selecting the correct model ensures Retail Force automatically applies:

• Label size
• Margins and gaps
• Print alignment

Naming Your Label Template

After selecting the brand and model, you should enter a Label Template Name.

Use a clear and descriptive name, such as:

• Zebra Jewelry Label 100×15
• Uline Shelf Label – Small
• Thermal Barcode 2×1

This helps you quickly identify the template later when printing labels.

Understanding the Paper Information Incomplete Message

Sometimes you may see a notice saying Paper information is incomplete. This means:

• Some layout details are missing for the selected model, or
• The paper model requires manual fine-tuning

This is not an error. You can complete the missing information later in:

• Label Setup
• Paper Setup

Retail Force gives you full control to adjust margins, spacing and alignment if needed.

Using the Label Preview

On the right side of the screen, the Label Preview panel shows how your label will look based on the selected paper model.

• The preview updates automatically when you select a model.
• It helps you confirm that the barcode, text, and layout fit correctly.
• You can also use Test Print to verify alignment before bulk printing.

When to Enter Dimensions Manually

If your paper brand or model is not listed, choose I’ll enter dimensions manually. This option is ideal for:

• Custom label rolls
• Unbranded paper
• Imported or generic labels

You will manually define:

• Label width and height
• Margins and spacing

This gives you flexibility but requires precise measurements for best results. 

Best Practices for Choosing the Right Paper

• Always check the label box or manufacturer website for the exact model number.
• Match the paper brand with your printer type (thermal vs inkjet/laser).
• Use test prints before final production.
• If unsure, use the Chat with us option inside Retail Force for free design help.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right paper brand and model in Retail Force is the foundation of a successful label printing workflow. By selecting a supported brand and accurate model, you ensure clean prints, perfect alignment and reliable barcode scanning. Whether you are printing jewelry tags, retail shelf labels or barcode stickers, Retail Force makes the process simple, flexible and professional.

Updated on: 31/01/2026