Types of Direct Thermal Labels You Should Know

Types of Direct Thermal Labels You Should Know

When it comes to direct thermal labels, it can feel like navigating a ton of labels. With so many options, which do you pick? Let's break it down so it doesn’t feel like you’re lost in paper and adhesive.

I’ll walk you through the types of direct thermal labels. 

1" Core Direct Thermal Labels

3" x 3" - Die Cut Inkjet Label; 8 Rolls/case; 300 Labels/roll - Kimdura (GHS/BS5609 Certified) - 4x6Labels


You might think of the 1" Core labels as the most in demand of the thermal label world. Small in size but they fit smaller printers like a glove. These labels are ideal for businesses with compact desktop printers where space is a premium, but reliability and speed are essential.

Perfect for businesses that print smaller quantities of labels, like retail stores or offices, 1" Core labels are the go-to for light to medium printing jobs. They’re not built for the heavy-duty industrial printers, but if you just need your labels fast and fuss-free, these are a solid choice.

Fun fact: Some people like to think of the 1" core as the “coffee-to-go” version of direct thermal labels. Fast, efficient, and small enough to fit right into your day-to-day workflow.

3" Core Direct Thermal Labels

4" x 6" Direct Thermal Labels - 1,000 Labels/Roll - 4 Rolls/Case - 4x6Labels


Now, if you’re running a business where printing labels is more of an industrial-level task, you’ll want to get the 3" Core direct thermal labels. Think of them as the marathon runners—designed to go the distance without breaking a sweat.

These labels are usually found in larger, industrial-type printers and are built for heavy-duty tasks. Whether you’re in manufacturing, shipping, or warehousing, this is your best choice. With the 3" Core, you get fewer roll changes, so you’re not constantly running to swap out rolls when you have a ton of packages to ship.

What’s fun about these? Well, if you’re someone who likes to be efficient (and who doesn’t?), using these labels will make you feel like you’ve unlocked the cheat code for high-volume printing.

Fanfold Labels

4" x 6" Thermal Transfer Labels- Fanfold - 1,000 labels/case - 4x6Labels


You know those times when space is at a premium? Enter fanfold labels. Unlike rolls, fanfold labels are stacked neatly and folded like an accordion, saving space while still delivering on quality. It’s like having all the benefits of labels but without the bulk of a roll.

Fanfold labels are a great choice if you want something that takes up less space on your shelf and works well with printers that are built for it. They’re particularly handy for high-speed printing environments where you need label after label quickly and don’t want to stop to reload a roll.

A fanfold is ideal for when you want to keep things tidy in your workspace, and let’s be honest, we all need a little more organization in our lives, right?

Which Should You Choose?

Now that we’ve gone through the three main types, it all comes down to your specific needs. Are you printing small batches and need a small, reliable option? Go with the 1" core. Need something more robust for large printing volumes? The 3" Core is your workhorse. Short on space but still need high performance? Fanfold labels will help you stay organized without compromising quality.


And whichever you choose, be sure to pick the right one for your printer. Matching your label type to your printer can save you a world of headaches, so check your printer specs before diving into your purchase.

Why Choose 4x6 Labels for Your Label Needs?

Here at 4x6Labels, we’ve got all your label needs covered—from 1" Core to 3" Core and fanfold. We make it easy for you to find the best direct thermal labels to suit your business. Whether you're printing for shipping, retail, or warehouse management, we ensure top-notch quality at competitive prices.


So, what’s the wait? Head over to our site and grab the labels that best fit your business. We’ll take care of the rest, making sure they arrive in tip-top shape, ready for action.

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