Multi-column printing is a powerful feature that can drastically improve label printing efficiency, especially when using a barcode printer. For industries like retail, logistics, and manufacturing, this technique optimizes label space, reduces printing time, and minimizes waste.
What is Multi-Column Printing on a Barcode Printer?
Multi-column printing enables you to print multiple labels arranged in columns on a label roll, typically die-cut labels. Instead of printing a single label per row, multiple labels are printed simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and conserving resources.
Benefits of Multi-Column Printing
In industries such as warehouse, logistics, retail, and manufacturing, bulk label printing is common, and printing barcodes in multiple columns can significantly enhance printing efficiency, well-suited for fast-paced manufacturing environments.
For example, in warehouse settings, multi-column printing is often used for inventory barcodes and SKU labels to streamline stock management. In electronics manufacturing, it’s employed for rapid bulk printing product serial numbers and variable barcodes, ensuring accurate traceability throughout the supply chain.
In addition, fewer resources are used when printing multiple labels at once. This leads to less material waste, less downtime, and reduced costs.
How to Print Multi-Column Labels in BarTender
BarTender is a leading software solution for designing and printing labels, barcodes, and RFID tags. It offers powerful tools to streamline the creation and printing of labels, including support for multi-column printing.
Setting up multi-column printing in BarTender is straightforward. The key steps include setting the page size based on your label dimensions and specifying the number of columns. You should also adjust the left and right margins, and set the gap between columns as needed.
Remember to use the Print Preview feature to ensure everything is properly aligned and correct. Once confirmed, print your labels.
A common issue with multi-column printing is misalignment, which may involve horizontal or vertical offset. To avoid this, precisely configure the label height, margins, and the gaps between columns in BarTender. Printer calibration may also be needed to ensure accurate positioning during printing.
All iDPRT barcode printers come equipped with BarTender software, enabling users to efficiently create and print product SKUs, serial number labels, and variable barcodes in multiple columns.
Additionally, our barcode printers are designed with advanced detection sensors. For example, the iT4X desktop barcode printer is equipped with dual media detection sensors—transmissive and reflective—that accurately identify various media types, such as gap labels, black marks, and continuous paper. This ensures high-precision batch printing, which can be easily configured via software, either manually or automatically.
Recommended iDPRT Barcode Printers for Multi-Column Printing Serial Numbers and Variable Data Labels
● iX4P Industrial Barcode Printer
Final Thoughts
Multi-column printing is a game-changer for businesses needing fast, efficient bulk label production. With high-performance barcode printers like the iDPRT iX4P and the right BarTender setup, you can simplify your label printing process, cut costs, and boost productivity.
As your trusted barcode experts, iDPRT is here to help you find the perfect printer to meet your needs. Contact us now!
