Whether it’s for personal or office use, you should first understand your specific requirements when looking for the best label maker for you. If you need a label machine for home use, like organizing kitchen containers or personal files, a simple, easy-to-use model with a variety of font styles and sizes would be ideal.

On the other hand, if you are setting up a home office and want to add a label creator for office use, features like connectivity to a computer, compatibility with various label sizes and strong printing capabilities might be best. You can use your label maker for marking office supplies, file folders, desk organization and more.

A shipping label printer is another option, especially if you mail a lot of documents and packages. If you go that route, look for a model that prints labels on laminated tape, which is great for creating durable, water-resistant and fade-resistant labels. Other label makers print on non-laminated tape, which is typically more cost-effective and sufficient for indoor applications where labels are less likely to be exposed to harsh conditions.

You should experiment with your label maker’s various features and functions. Most label makers have built-in keyboards and user-friendly interfaces for easy text entry and quick formatting. Explore different font styles, sizes and symbols. A black and white label maker and a color label printer can both produce professional-looking results.

Most label machines are wireless, so make sure to invest in extra batteries. The last thing you’d want is to be in the middle of creating a label and your label maker loses power. Rechargeable batteries are also available, which can save money and reduce waste over time. More heavy-duty label makers, like a shipping label printer, are typically wired. So, having extra USB cables and adapters on hand is also a good idea.

Whether you’re upgrading your home office, labeling kitchen containers or you just want some more organization in your life, make sure to take good care of your label maker. Regularly clean the exterior and gently wipe down the print head with a soft cloth to prevent any buildup that could affect print quality.