4x6 Labels Information

Everything You Need to Know About 4x6 Labels

At 4x6Labels.com, our focus is simple: provide businesses with high-quality, affordable, and reliable 4x6 thermal labels that get the job done—whether you're printing shipping labels, barcodes, or product tags.

As one of the most widely used label sizes in the shipping and logistics world, 4x6 labels have become the industry standard. They're used by small e-commerce shops, Fortune 500 companies, warehouses, and fulfillment centers across the country.

Types of Labels

  • Thermal Labels

    Designed for speed and simplicity. They use heat to create prints; no ink or toner required. Ideal for high-volume shipping and inventory tasks.

    Shop Thermal Labels 

  • Direct Thermal Labels

    Work with direct thermal printers, which are perfect for short-term applications like shipping. They’re cost-effective, smudge-resistant, and easy to use. 

    Shop Direct Thermal Labels 

  • Inkjet Labels

    Great for full-color printing, branding, and custom designs. Compatible with standard inkjet printers, they offer vibrant output and flexible sizing. 

    Shop Inkjet Labels 

Common Uses of 4x6 Labels

4X6 labels are used across industries for a wide range of applications, including:

  • Shipping labels for UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon, and Shopify
  • Barcode and SKU labeling for inventory management
  • Product tags and packaging for retail and e-commerce
  • File and document labeling for office organization
  • Return labels and logistics tracking for fulfillment centers

Benefits of 4x6 Labels

Here are a few reasons why businesses rely on this format every day:

  • Efficient Printing
    Thermal technology means fast, reliable output with minimal maintenance. No ink, no toner, no mess.

  • Durability
    Our 4x6 labels are made with premium materials that resist smudging, moisture, and tearing — essential for warehouses and shipping environments.

  • Easy Scanning
    Whether it’s a shipping barcode or product SKU, thermal labels produce sharp, scannable prints that improve accuracy and reduce errors.

  • Cost-Effective
    When you buy labels in bulk, especially with our direct pricing, the savings add up. We also offer volume discounts for high-use businesses.

Order with Confidence

We understand the importance of fast shipping and consistent supply to your operation. That’s why we keep our most popular 4x6 thermal labels in stock and ready to ship quickly. You’ll also enjoy:

  • Secure online ordering
  • Easy tracking
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Helpful customer service; no bots, just real people who know labels

Ready to Stock Up?

Whether you ship a few packages a day or thousands each week, having the right labels can make a big difference in efficiency and professionalism. Explore our full selection of direct thermal 4x6 labels and thermal transfer 4x6 labels, and experience why so many professionals trust 4x6Labels.com.

Have questions? Call us anytime at 1-866-577-9671. We’re here to help.

FAQ

Can I print thermal labels on a generic printer?

Not really. Thermal labels utilize a thermal printer to work properly. The labels themselves are coated with a heat-sensitive material. This reacts to the printer’s thermal printhead. The result? Crisp, smudge-free text and images without needing ink or toner. Comparatively, regular inkjet or laser printers don’t produce the heat required to activate the coating, so it won’t work with direct thermal or thermal transfer labels.

Do thermal labels print in color?

Standard thermal labels are meant to print in black only. Why? Because thermal printers use heat to create images, not ink or toner. The result is monochrome by default. This is perfect for shipping labels, barcodes, and inventory tags where clarity and scanability matter most. For color printing, inkjet labels or thermal transfer labels with colored ribbons are great. For most logistics and e-commerce needs, black-and-white thermal labels are the gold standard.

What Are 4x6 Thermal Labels?

4x6 thermal labels are self-adhesive labels made for use with thermal printers. These printers use heat rather than ink to create text and images, which means your labels print fast, come out smudge-free, and hold up well over time.

This label size (4 inches wide by 6 inches long) offers the perfect amount of space for shipping details, barcodes, return information, branding, and more. It’s a size that fits major platforms like UPS, FedEx, USPS, Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.

Depending on your printer and application, we carry both:

  • Direct Thermal Labels: no ribbon required, ideal for short-term use like shipping labels.
  • Thermal Transfer Labels: requires a ribbon but delivers more durability, perfect for product labeling and long-term storage.

Roll vs. Fanfold 4x6 Labels: What’s the Difference?

At 4x6Labels.com, we offer both thermal roll labels and fanfold labels, depending on your printer type and workflow:

  • Roll Labels: These labels are wound on a core and work with desktop thermal printers such as Zebra®, Rollo®, and DYMO®. Ideal for high-speed printing and easy reloading. Available in both direct thermal and thermal transfer varieties.
  • Fanfold Labels: Stacked in a zig-zag pattern, fanfold labels are great for continuous printing without the need to change a roll. They also take up less space behind or beneath your printer.