10+ Free Shopify Shipping Label Templates & Complete Guide for 2026

Be honest: there is nothing like a Shopify shipping label template that would log you out of your flow of fulfillment so quickly and unsightly. Do you need to correct the sticky carrier label, the free Shopify shipping label template, or the customized packing slip? It’s confusing. I have assisted hundreds of merchants through this. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to master Shopify print shipping label formats and customization so you can stop wrestling with your printer and start shipping.

Understanding Shopify Shipping Label Templates

Shopify shipping label templates are computer-generated documents with all the necessary data about a package delivery, including the address of the sender and the address of the recipient, the weight of the package, the shipping company, and a scanner barcode. They normally measure 4x6 inches and can be made using the Shopify administration through the Orders page by clicking the Print label button or by printing a particular order. These templates simplify the fulfillment process, allowing for quick and accurate label generation for both individual and bulk orders. 

Key components of a Shopify shipping label template

• Recipient and Sender Information: The shipping label includes the full name, address, and phone number for both the recipient and the sender. The sender's information is crucial for returns if a delivery fails.
• Package Details: This part shows the package’s total weight and the chosen shipping method (e.g., Priority Mail).
• Tracking and Barcodes: A scannable barcode is printed on the label, which the carrier uses to track the package's progress. This often includes an online tracking number and a machine-readable code (IMpb code) for automated processing. 

Why "Good Enough" Isn't Good Enough

You might think, "It’s just a label. As long as it arrives, who cares?"

I used to think that too until I saw the data. Your shipping label is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with your brand. A crisp, professional label printed on a proper thermal sticker says, "We are a pro business." A taped-on, crinkled piece of paper says, "I printed this in my basement."

But beyond aesthetics, the correct template setup is vital for:

• Speed: You need a Shopify shipping label bulk print workflow that takes seconds, not minutes.
• Accuracy: Proper templates prevent delivery errors.
• Returns: A smooth Shopify shipping label for the returns process relies on these templates, generating valid return barcodes instantly.

Shopify Native vs. Third-Party Apps: The Overview

So, where do you get these labels? You generally have two paths, and choosing the right one depends on your volume.

1. Shopify Shipping (Native)
For most of you, starting, this is the sweet spot. Shopify has built-in Shopify carrier integration directly in the admin. You don't need extra software. You just go to your order, click "Create shipping label," and boom - you get a discounted rate and a standard label. It is the best Shopify shipping label template solution for simplicity. It handles customs forms and basic packing slips right out of the box.

2. Third-Party Apps (The Power Users)
However, if you are shipping 50+ orders a day, or if you need highly specific customizations (like putting a SKU barcode on the shipping label itself), you might outgrow the native settings. This is where a Shopify shipping label app like ShipStation or Shippo comes in. These tools offer "automation rules" and slightly more flexible Shopify shipping label customization, but they add an extra monthly cost.

10+ Best Shopify Shipping Label Templates For Your Stores

The best Shopify shipping label templates depend on your needs, ranging from Shopify's built-in, free options for simple, functional labels to custom-designed templates from tools like Canva for branding. You can also use templates directly from carriers like USPS or Avery.com to ensure compatibility. The "best" template will likely be a combination of easy-to-use software like {Canva https://www.canva.com/create/labels/} with carrier-approved formats, such as the standard 4x6 inch size. 

1. Minimal Clean Shipping Label

The features of this template are very clean and minimalistic with sharp edges, a big barcode, and well-divided areas where the sender, recipient, and tracking numbers are located. Its most significant strength is legibility - it can be read fast, and it is easy to use by warehouse teams. Nevertheless, the bare design can be too simple for brand-conscious businesses. Best when dealing with ecommerce stores with large volumes that do not place much value on appearance but rather on quickness, legibility, as well as efficiency in their operations.

2. Modern Branded Shipping Label

Space in this design has logos, brand colors, and little icons, making packages look polished and professional. It is attractive to the eyes and promotes brand awareness in the delivery process. The weakness is that there is no room to add additional notes or special instructions. Most suitable with boutiques and high-end ecommerce brands that wish all their shipments to resemble an extension of their visual merchandise.

3. Bold Barcode-Focused Label

Featuring an oversized barcode and bold text elements, this template prioritizes scanning accuracy and logistics performance. It reduces errors in busy fulfillment centers and speeds up sorting. However, the heavy barcode emphasis leaves less room for branding or additional details. Best for businesses shipping fragile, high-value, or large quantities of packages that require strict tracking accuracy.

4. Two-Column Detailed Label

This template divides the label into two sections on the vertical side so that the number of fields is increased: SKU, order number, package weight, shipping class, and handling instructions. It works well with complicated deliveries or businesses with a heavy inventory. The disadvantage: the information-dense layout can be vaguely cluttered. Most suitable when warehouses are involved, B2B shipping, or when a seller has many items to be ordered, and these have to be tracked accurately.

5. Eco-Friendly Green Label

The template is adorned with tiny environmental icons, soft green colors, and parts that promote environmentally friendly management. Its design helps in branding it as eco-conscious, and the customers value the environmentally friendly design. Nonetheless, green colors can not be printed steadily in low-quality printers. Best when the organization has environmentally conscious brands, craft stores, and companies with products that are organic or sustainable.

6. Priority Express Shipping Label

This label has a bold header and high-contrast colors, as well as the marks of EXPRESS/PRIORITY that make it receive attention within a few seconds in transit. It minimizes the possibility of delay and is suitable when the deliveries need to be timely. The drawback of this is that the high visual focus can be overwhelming for the minimal brand styles. Good when it has to be shipped urgently, goods are perishable, and orders are of premium quality.

7. Fragile/Handle With Care Label

In this template, one can find huge alert elements and the part colored red and highlighted with Fragile. It enhances the safety of the parcels and makes sure that the package is handled carefully by the handlers. Nevertheless, the sunshine warning design may be incompatible with the graceful brand design. Ideally suited to stores that ship glassware, electronics, ceramics, and handmade crafts, or anything that can easily be broken.

8. International Shipping Label

It is an international shipping template that is built with custom fields, HS codes, description of an item, and a country-of-origin section. It is detailed and compliant, and may look hectic due to the additional paperwork fields. Best in case of exporters and online stores sending goods frequently abroad.

9. QR Code Smart Label

This design focuses on a big QR code with a tracking, product, or return instruction link. It is contemporary, computer-friendly, and ideal for mobile scanning. The disadvantage is dependence on QR readability - bad printers are likely to obscure the code. Most suitable with brands that adopt technology-based logistics and a smooth customer experience.

10. Illustrated Cute Shipping Label

Featuring soft illustrations, small icons, and playful details, this label adds charm to packages. It enhances unboxing experiences and is great for gifts, stationery shops, or children’s brands. However, the decorative elements reduce available space for logistics data. Best for small creative shops that value personality and customer delight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Shopify Shipping Labels

Creating Shopify shipping labels involves accessing an unfulfilled order in your Shopify admin, confirming package details, choosing a carrier and package size, purchasing the label, and printing it for shipping.

How to create Shopify Shipping Labels

Phase 1: The One-Time Setup (Do This First!)

Before you even look at an order, we need to tell Shopify what kind of printer you own. If you skip this, your Shopify print shipping label process will be a nightmare of sideways PDFs.

1. Go to your Shopify Admin and click Settings (bottom left).
2. Click Shipping and delivery.
3. Scroll down until you see Shipping labels.
4. Look for "Label format".
1. Do you have a Rollo, Dymo, or Zebra? Select Thermal (4 x 6 inch).
2. Do you have a standard home printer? Select Letter (8.5 x 11 inch).
5. Click Save.

Pro Tip: You only have to do this once. Now Shopify remembers your format forever.

Phase 2: How to Print a Single Label

Let’s fulfill your first order.

1. Open the Order: Go to the "Orders" tab and click on an unfulfilled order number.
2. Click "Create shipping label": It’s usually a big green button near the top right.
3. Verify the Package: This is the most important step.
1. Package: Choose your box size (e.g., "Padded Envelope").
2. Total Weight: Shopify estimates this based on your product weights, but always weigh your package on a scale. If you guess 1lb and it’s actually 1.2lbs, the carrier will charge you a penalty fee later.
4. Select Shipping Service: Shopify will show you rates from USPS, UPS, or DHL. Choose the one you want (or the one the customer paid for).
5. Buy Label: Click "Buy shipping label". The money is deducted from your Shopify account immediately.
6. Print: A window will pop up. Click Print.

Did it format correctly? If you did Phase 1 right, it should fit your paper perfectly.

Phase 3: The "Bulk" Workflow (For Busy Days)

Printing one by one is fine for 5 orders. It is suicide for 50 orders. Here is how to use the Shopify shipping label bulk print feature.

1. Go to your Orders list.
2. Select All: Tick the checkboxes next to the orders you want to ship.
3. Click "Create shipping labels".
4. Review: You will see a list of all orders. You can enter weights for all of them on one screen.

Shortcut: If they are all the same item (e.g., 50 people bought the same T-shirt), use the "Preset" feature to apply the same weight to all of them at once.

5. Buy & Print: One click buys all 50 labels. Shopify will merge them into a single PDF file (or ZPL file). Your printer will just churn them out one after another.

Phase 4: "Help! I Messed Up!" (How to Void a Label)

Did you buy a label for the wrong address? Or did you buy a 1lb label for a 5lb box?
Don't panic. You can get your money back.

1. Go back to the Order page.
2. Find the "Timeline" or the "Fulfilled" section.
3. Click the ... (three dots) next to the shipping label.
4. Select "Void label".

Crucial Note: It can take 10–14 days for the carrier (USPS/UPS) to approve the refund and send the money back to your account. They have to wait to ensure you didn't actually mail the package.

For a detailed guide, please explore here: How to Create a Shopify Shipping Label

How to customize Shopify Shipping Label templates

You can customize Shopify shipping labels using the Order Printer app to edit Liquid code or by using a third-party app for more advanced customization. For basic changes like the store name, you can go to Settings > Shipping and delivery and edit the "Shipping documents" section. The Shopify platform does not have a built-in, user-friendly "label designer" for shipping labels. Still, the Order Printer app allows for code-based customization of templates like packing slips, which can be adapted for shipping labels. 

Because the label has to be scanned by high-speed robots in a sorting facility, you cannot move the barcode, change the font size, or rearrange the address blocks. However, you can customize specific parts of the experience. Here is exactly what you can change and how to do it.

1. Customizing the "Ship From" (The Branding Hack)

Since you can't slap a giant logo on the native Shopify label, your "Ship From" text is your most valuable real estate.

The Default: Shopify usually pulls your "Legal Business Name." If your LLC is "Smith Holdings Inc." but your store is "Radical Skateboards," your customer might get confused.

The Fix:

1. Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Scroll to Shipping labels.
3. Under "Shipping from", click Edit.
4. Change the "Company name" to your store’s public brand name. This ensures "Radical Skateboards" appears on the top left of the 4x6 sticker.

2. Modifying Label Formats (PDF vs. Thermal)

We touched on this in the setup, but it’s worth repeating as a customization option. You are not stuck with the default.

Format Options:

• Thermal (4 x 6): The professional standard. Best for Rollo, Zebra, and Brother label printers.
• Letter (8.5 x 11): The standard home printer format.

How to change: You can switch this inside the "Buy shipping label" flow or in your main Shipping settings.

3. The "Packing Slip" Customization (Where the Magic Happens)

If you want to be creative, stop looking at the sticky label and start looking at the packing slip. This is the document where you have 100% creative control.

Using the Shopify Order Printer app, you can edit the HTML/Liquid code to add:

• Your Logo: Upload your logo to your Shopify "Files" section, copy the URL, and insert it into the template code with an <img> tag.
• Brand Colors: Use CSS to change the font headers to your brand’s hex code (e.g., #FF5733).
• Custom Text: Add a static footer like: "Love it? Tag us on Instagram @YourStore for a chance to win!"

Quick Win: If you aren't a coder, I recommend downloading an editable Shopify shipping label template (specifically for packing slips) from a provider like Order Printer Templates. It saves you hours of frustration.

4. Advanced: Adding "Order Notes" or "SKUs" to the Label

Sometimes your warehouse team needs info right on the sticky label so they don't have to open the box to know what's inside.

Native Shopify: Very limited. It often prints the Order Number (e.g., #1001) on the label, but rarely the SKU.

The Workaround: If you absolutely need the product SKU printed on the 4x6 shipping label, you need a Shopify shipping label app like ShipStation.

• ShipStation allows you to map "Item SKU" to "Field 1" or "Field 2" (small text areas at the bottom of standard shipping labels). This is a lifesaver for pick-and-pack efficiency.

5. The Ultimate Branding Flex: Custom Sticker Rolls

If you are dead-set on having a branded shipping label but stick with native Shopify shipping, here is the physical workaround I see top brands use:

Don't print the logo.

Buy custom thermal rolls.

Instead of plain white 4x6 rolls, you can order rolls that have your logo pre-printed in color on the border or the back.

You print the standard black-and-white Shopify data on top of it.

Result: A fully branded label that is 100% compliant with USPS/UPS scanners.

Top 5 Shopify Apps for Enhanced Shipping Label Templates in 2026

Shopify provides an advanced, one-stop shipping service through apps that automate the production of labels, rate from purchasing and submitting bids, and grant greater template choices such as a branded tracking webpage and packing slips. These applications make the fulfillment process simpler in your Shopify dashboard.

1. Order Printer Pro (Best for PDF Invoicing)

If you need more than a basic packing slip, Order Printer Pro is the industry standard for 2026. It automatically generates and emails professional PDF invoices, receipts, and return forms the moment a customer buys. I like it because it works with international compliance easily, identifying language and currency preferences so that you can pass your paperwork through customs without any issue. It offers the most convenient tool for automating the Shopify shipping label PDF workflow in a generous free plan that helps merchants who are willing to automate their workflow without any complications.

2. Order Printer Templates (Best for Design)

For merchants who want beautiful branding without a monthly subscription, this is my top recommendation. Instead of fighting with code, you browse a gallery of stunning, mobile-responsive designs - like gift receipts or sticker-style lists - and buy them for a one-time fee. These templates plug directly into Shopify’s free Order Printer app, making it the most cost-effective way to upgrade your unboxing experience. It’s perfect for store owners who want a "Fortune 500" look on their Shopify packing slip template for just $29.

3. ShipStation (Best for Multi-Channel Scaling)

ShipStation is the heavyweight champion for high-volume sellers scaling across Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy. It offers the deepest level of Shopify shipping label customization on the market, allowing you to add your logo, SKU, or warehouse location directly onto the 4x6 carrier label. I’m a huge fan of their "Branded Tracking Page," which keeps customers engaged with your social feed instead of a boring carrier site. If you ship 50+ orders a day, the automation rules here are an absolute lifesaver.

4. Shippo (Best for Returns & Ease of Use)

Shippo is the user-friendly alternative that balances power with simplicity. It excels at generating Shopify shipping labels for returns, offering a portal where customers can print their own labels, saving your support team hours of email tagging. It syncs instantly with Shopify for lightning-fast bulk printing and offers highly competitive carrier rates on its free "Starter" plan. If you want professional shipping features without committing to a complex monthly subscription, Shippo is arguably the easiest app to master in 2026.

5. PH Multi-Carrier Shipping Label (Best for Niche Carriers)

This app is the universal adaptor of merchants with carriers that Shopify does not support, such as Canada Post or Blue Dart. It creates carrier-compliant label templates, which are precise, and it creates hundreds of global services to make sure you are not stumped at the post office. I recommend it to international sellers as it shows specific exact r, rates at checkout depending on the size of the boxes. In case your company depends on certain local delivery firms or transportation, this is the most appropriate Shopify shipping label template option that will fill in the gap.

Troubleshooting Common Shopify Shipping Label Issues

Troubleshooting Shopify shipping label problems: Check that addresses are accurate and complete, and that they do not include special characters. And make sure that your shipping and delivery options (zones, rates, and types of packages) are correctly configured to the destination and that your payment system is up to date. For technical issues, try a different browser, clear your cache, or temporarily turn off third-party apps. 

Here are the 5 most common Shopify shipping label troubleshooting scenarios I see, and exactly how to fix them in seconds.

1. The "Tiny" or "Sideways" Label Error

The Symptom: You print on a 4x6 thermal printer, but the label prints tiny in the corner or rotated 90 degrees.

The Cause: Mismatched Format Settings. Your Shopify Admin is generating an 8.5x11 PDF, but your printer is expecting a 4x6 file.

The Fix:

• Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery > Shipping labels.
• Change "Label format" to Thermal (4 x 6 inch).
• Note: You cannot fix a label you already bought. You must void the bad label and purchase a new one with the correct setting.

2. "Address Invalid" or "Unable to Purchase Label."

The Symptom: You click "Buy Label," and Shopify gives a red error message saying the address is invalid.

The Cause: Carriers (USPS/UPS) have strict databases. If a customer made a typo (e.g., "Main St" instead of "Main Street") or the zip code doesn't match the city, the carrier rejects it.

The Fix:

• Google the address to verify it exists.
• Click Edit next to the shipping address in the Order view.
• Use a tool such as the USPS Zip Code Lookup to get the exact standardized format.
• Tip: Watch out for too many characters in "Line 1." Move apartment numbers to "Line 2."

3. Printer Connection Failures (The "Ghost" Printer)

The Symptom: You click print, the computer says "Sent," but your Rollo or Zebra printer does nothing.

The Cause: Usually a driver conflict or a "stale" connection in the browser.

The Fix:

• Hard Reset: Turn the printer off and on.
• The PDF Test: Download the label as a file to your desktop and open it in a PDF viewer (like Adobe or Preview). Print from there. If it works, the issue is your web browser, not the printer.
• Check Drivers: Ensure you have the specific driver for your printer installed, not a generic "USB Printer" driver.

4. Carrier Connection & Payment Failures

The Symptom: "There was a problem purchasing the label."

The Cause: Either Shopify Payments is having a hiccup, or your credit card on file for billing has expired.

The Fix:

• Visit the Shopify Status page to verify whether Shipping is experiencing an outage.
• Go to Settings > Billing and ensure your payment method is active. Shopify charges shipping labels to this card, not your sales balance.

5. "I Jammed the Paper! Can I Reprint?"

The Symptom: The printer chewed up the label, but you already paid for it.

The Fix:

• Do NOT buy a new label yet.
• In the Order Timeline, find the label you just bought.
• Click "Print shipping label" again. Shopify allows you unlimited reprints of the same label (since it has a unique tracking number, you can't use it twice anyway).
• Only "Void" and buy a new one if you need to change information on the label.

Bottom line

A disorganized day of fulfillment is only a few steps away from a seamless one, so it is not in vain that you know how to design your Shopify shipping label template. If you are keeping the free native settings or purchasing a Shopify shipping label App to have better branding, efficiency is the objective. Don't let format errors slow you down. Optimize your packing slips, set your printer to 4x6, and turn that unboxing moment into a customer retention win. Now, go print that first perfect label!

FAQ: Common Questions About Shopify Shipping Label Templates

1. Can I create shipping labels without a Shopify Shipping account?
Yes. If you don't have a Shopify store at all, you can use the free Shopify shipping label template generator tool on their website for one-off packages. However, if you are a merchant, you don’t need a separate "account" - Shopify Shipping is built directly into your admin (available in the US, Canada, Australia, UK, and select EU countries). If you are outside these regions, you will need to integrate a third-party Shopify shipping label app or connect your own carrier account (like FedEx or DHL) to generate labels.

2. How do I print multiple labels at once?
You can easily handle a Shopify shipping label bulk print directly from the "Orders" page. Simply check the boxes next to the orders you want to fulfill, click "Create shipping labels," and review the weights for all packages on a single screen. Once purchased, Shopify merges them into a single PDF or ZPL file, allowing your printer to churn out 50+ labels in one continuous run without clicking "Print" fifty times.

3. Can I modify how my shipping labels look?
It depends on which label you mean. You cannot customize the design of the carrier label (the sticky part with the barcode) because carriers like USPS and UPS have strict scanning requirements. However, you can customize the "Ship From" name in your settings to show your brand name instead of your legal entity. For full creative freedom, focus on customizing the packing slip template using the Shopify Order Printer app, where you can add logos, fonts, and brand colors.

4. What printers work best with Shopify shipping labels?
Thermal label printers are the best in the market when it comes to professional output, as they do not need ink. Shopify merchants are fond of using Rollo, DYMO LabelWriter 4XL, Brother QL-1110NWB, and Zebra desktop printers. These are optimized to the size of 4x6-inch. Assuming that you have a typical home inkjet or laser printer, make sure that your shipping profiles in Shopify are configured to use the letter format (8.5 x 11 inch) to prevent the use of small labels that nobody can read.

5. How do I create return shipping labels?
To generate a Shopify shipping label for returns, go to the original order in your admin, click "Return items," and select the quantity being returned. You can then choose "Create return label" to generate a pre-paid label (usually USPS or UPS) and email it directly to the customer. For a more automated experience where customers generate their own labels, I recommend using apps like Shippo or AfterShip Returns.

6. Can I use Shopify shipping labels for international orders?
Yes, the native Shopify carrier integration handles international shipments smoothly. When you buy the label, Shopify uses your product data (weight, country of origin, and HS code) to automatically generate the required customs forms (CN22 or CN23). These are often printed on the same 4x6 label or as a secondary page, depending on the carrier and destination.

7. How do I handle label errors or reprinting needs?
If your printer jammed or the label looks faded, do not buy a new one. You can reprint an existing valid label as many times as you need for free by going to the Order Timeline and clicking "Print shipping label". However, suppose the information on the label is wrong (e.g., incorrect weight or address). In that case, you must click the "..." menu on the fulfillment card, select "Void label" to initiate a refund, and then purchase a completely new label with the correct details.