Best Free & Open-Source Label Printing & Barcode Software for Machine Shops

Even the most advanced CNC cell can grind to a halt if parts, tools, or fixtures aren’t labeled correctly. Clear, consistent labeling links the physical flow of materials with the digital records in your ERP, MES, or WMS. For small and mid-size machine shops, professional label design and barcode printing don’t have to mean buying enterprise licenses.

In 2025, several free and open-source label and barcode software tools give manufacturers a reliable way to generate part IDs, work order tags, tool crib labels, and inventory barcodes — all with integration-ready formats and support for common printer types like Zebra, Brother, and DYMO.

1. Zint Barcode Studio

Best for: Generating industrial-grade barcodes across all common symbologies.
Zint supports over 50 barcode types, including Code128, QR, DataMatrix, and GS1. It can be used standalone or integrated via command line and API in production systems. Output to PNG, EPS, or direct printer stream.
License: GPLv3 / Open Source.
Used by: Manufacturing teams embedding barcodes into work instructions or labels.

2. LabelJoy Free Edition

Best for: Simple WYSIWYG label layouts and serial number generation.
LabelJoy’s free tier offers drag-and-drop label design, data import from CSV/Excel, and variable fields for batch printing. Paid versions unlock network printing and database connectivity, but the free edition is enough for small shops.
License: Freemium / Proprietary.
Used by: Small machine shops for part and packaging labels.

3. gLabels

Best for: Desktop label creation and printing on standard Avery/office sheets.
A lightweight GNOME-based application for Linux and Windows, gLabels supports barcodes, QR codes, and variable text fields. It can merge data from spreadsheets for batch printing.
License: GPL / Open Source.
Used by: Workshops and tool cribs managing tool or fixture labeling.

4. LibreOffice Draw + Barcode Extension

Best for: Fully customizable label templates inside an open office suite.
With the Barcode extension for LibreOffice, users can design and print custom labels directly from Draw or Writer. It supports EAN, Code39, Code128, and QR codes, making it ideal for teams that already use LibreOffice for documentation.
License: MPL / Open Source.
Used by: Shops wanting a single platform for labeling and document generation.

5. Barbecue (Java Barcode Generator)

Best for: Integrating barcode printing into in-house systems or MES.
Barbecue is a Java library that creates barcodes programmatically. It’s simple, lightweight, and widely used for embedding part IDs into PDFs, job travelers, or printed reports.
License: LGPL / Open Source.
Used by: Developers and IT integrators building custom manufacturing software.

6. Barcode4J

Best for: XML/Java-based label generation inside ERP or report systems.
Barcode4J integrates directly into Apache FOP, JasperReports, and other report engines. Perfect for generating barcoded travelers, inspection sheets, or shipping docs straight from ERP workflows.
License: Apache 2.0 / Open Source.
Used by: Plants automating labels through ERP or MES outputs.

7. qZ Tray (Open Source Print Bridge)

Best for: Printing barcodes and labels from browsers or web-based MES/WMS apps.
qZ Tray lets browser-based systems print directly to local or network label printers without drivers. Supports Zebra (ZPL), ESC/POS, and DYMO.
License: Apache 2.0 / Open Source.
Used by: Shops running web-based dashboards or kiosk systems.

8. NiceLabel Cloud Free (Community Tier)

Best for: Cloud-based label management and small-team collaboration.
NiceLabel offers a limited community edition with label templates, version control, and integration APIs. Though proprietary, it’s one of the easiest cloud options for small factories managing multiple workstations.
License: Freemium / Proprietary.
Used by: Small manufacturing teams and distributed production sites.

9. Bartender Free Edition

Best for: Entry-level professional printing with Zebra and SATO support.
Seagull Scientific’s Bartender Free Edition provides industrial driver support, GS1 formatting, and simple variable fields. It’s limited to local printing but ideal for standalone machine shop PCs.
License: Freemium / Proprietary.
Used by: Small and mid-size shops labeling parts, fixtures, or shipping crates.

10. Node-RED + Zint + qZ Integration

Best for: Low-code automated labeling linked to shop-floor events.
By connecting Node-RED flows to Zint barcode generation and qZ Tray printing, you can automatically print labels when a work order closes, a tool is checked out, or a part passes inspection.
License: Apache 2.0 / Open Source.
Used by: Manufacturing engineers and integrators automating labeling logic.

Barcode Software Comparison Table

Barcode Software Recommendations for Machine Shop

For standalone use, gLabels, Zint, and LabelJoy Free are simple, stable, and printable on any desktop system.
For integration with ERP or MES, Barcode4J, Barbecue, and qZ Tray are excellent open options.
If you’re building automated label workflows, combine Zint and Node-RED for a flexible, scriptable stack.
And for small teams needing an out-of-the-box GUI, NiceLabel Free or Bartender Free deliver professional results without enterprise licensing.

In machine shops, labeling is more than paperwork — it’s traceability, compliance, and speed. Open-source and free labeling tools now make it possible to connect barcodes directly to part travelers, tool life data, or maintenance workflows.

Whether you print on a $100 DYMO or a networked Zebra, these tools help keep your shop floor organized, traceable, and ready for audits — all without adding new license costs to your operation.

About MDCplus

Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.