Choosing the right shipping label for Dymo, Brother and Zebra

The right shipping label – complete guide for Dymo, Brother and Zebra

Whether you ship parcels with PostNL, DHL, DPD, GLS, UPS or other carriers: choosing the correct shipping label determines how well barcodes are read, how securely the label sticks and how smoothly your shipment is processed. This guide explains which labels work with Dymo, Brother and Zebra, the difference between rolls and fanfold and which formats are most commonly used.

1. Dymo shipping labels – only for the LabelWriter 4XL

Dymo has only one model that can handle true parcel-sized labels: the LabelWriter 4XL. It supports wide labels like 104 × 159 mm and 102 × 210 mm. Other LabelWriter models are simply too narrow.

Important: the large shipping labels you buy from us are intended for the 4XL. They do not work in the new Dymo 5XL or 550-series, because those printers use RFID chips that block compatible rolls.

Suitable Dymo formats

Use: small and medium parcels, A6 shipping labels, return labels and labels with extra information.

2. Brother shipping labels – QL (DK rolls) vs TD (BDE rolls)

Brother uses two different label systems: the QL series with DK rolls and the TD series with BDE rolls. You must choose the correct roll type for your printer.

2.1 Brother QL series – DK rolls for address and shipping labels

Brother QL printers, such as QL-700, QL-800 and QL-1100, use DK rolls. They are suitable for address labels, small parcel labels and barcodes. Only wider QL models (like QL-1100) can handle 100 mm wide labels.

Examples of suitable DK shipping labels:

• Brother DK-11241 – 102 × 152 mm (standard parcel label for QL-1100 / QL-1110NWB)
• Brother DK-11247 – 103 × 164 mm (larger parcels or pallet labels)
• Brother DK-22243 – 102 mm continuous (you define the length)
• Brother DK-22246 – 103 mm continuous

2.2 Brother TD series – BDE rolls for professional parcel labels

Brother TD printers (for example the TD-4D series) use BDE rolls. These are professional parcel labels using standard carrier formats, ideal for daily parcel shipping.

Use: webshops, warehouses and shipping departments with daily parcel volumes.

3. Zebra shipping labels – industry standard for high volumes

Zebra printers are widely used in logistics and fulfilment. They support both label rolls and fanfold labels and are built for continuous, high-volume printing.

Popular Zebra formats

• Zebra 800264-605 – thermal labels for Zebra desktop printers
• Zebra labels 100 × 150 mm (500 labels on a roll)
• Fanfold shipping labels 100 × 150 mm
• Zebra 800284-605 shipping labels

4. Rolls vs fanfold – what is the difference?

Besides classic rolls, there are fanfold labels: labels that are zigzag-folded in a box instead of wound on a core. They are very interesting when you print large volumes.

Advantages of fanfold

• Many more labels per box – fewer label changes
• Labels stay flat – no curl from the roll
• Perfect for long print jobs and fulfilment setups
• Often lower cost per label compared to rolls

Points to consider

• Your printer must support a rear or external fanfold feed
• Not suitable for Dymo or Brother QL printers (they are designed for rolls)
• You need some extra space behind or next to the printer for the fanfold box

5. Which combination fits your business?

By combining the right printer with the right shipping labels, you avoid errors, speed up packing and ensure perfectly scannable barcodes.