Label Studio Creator
My Account

Support & Documentation

Installation guides, tutorials and frequently asked questions.

Installation

🍎macOS (12 Monterey or later)

  1. Download the .dmg file from the Download page.
  2. Open the DMG and drag Label Studio Creator.app to your Applications folder.
  3. First launch: right-click the app → Open to bypass Gatekeeper (unsigned build).
  4. The app will ask you to activate a license on first use. You can skip this to use the free trial (watermark on exports).

🪟Windows (10 / 11, 64-bit)

  1. Download the .exe installer from the Download page.
  2. Run the installer as administrator and follow the wizard.
  3. Label Studio Creator will be added to your Start menu.
  4. .rb3l files will automatically open with Label Studio Creator.

🐧Linux (Debian / Ubuntu / RPM)

  1. Download the .deb (Debian/Ubuntu) or .rpm (Fedora/RHEL) package.
  2. Install with: sudo dpkg -i label-studio-creator_*.deb
  3. Or for RPM: sudo rpm -i label-studio-creator-*.rpm
  4. Launch from the application menu or run rb3l-label-studio in a terminal.

Getting started

Create your first label

  1. Go to File → New… and choose a label template (A4 sheets, continuous tape, Zebra, etc.).
  2. Add objects from the Objects toolbar: text, images, lines, barcodes.
  3. Drag and resize objects directly on the canvas.
  4. Save your label as a .rb3l file with File → Save.

Using templates

  1. Open the New Label dialog and browse the built-in template library.
  2. Templates are organised by manufacturer (Avery, Zebra, DYMO…) and media type.
  3. You can save your own templates in File → Save as template…

Features guide

Barcodes Barcode plugin

  1. Click Objects → Insert Barcode… to open the barcode editor.
  2. Supported formats: EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 128, Code 39, QR Code, DataMatrix, PDF417, ITF-14 and more.
  3. The barcode value can be a fixed string or a variable field (e.g. ${BARCODE}) linked to a data source.
  4. Requires the Barcode plugin to be included in your license plan.

Data merge (variable data) Datasource plugin

  1. Open the Merge panel on the right side of the editor.
  2. Select a data source format: CSV, Excel (.xlsx), JSON, SQLite, ODBC, REST/JSON API, or XML.
  3. Map column names to label fields using ${FIELD_NAME} syntax.
  4. Preview individual records with the Previous / Next controls.
  5. When printing, Label Studio Creator will generate one label per row (selected rows only).

Export

  • PDF export — File → Export PDF… — requires export-pdf plugin.
  • TIFF / PNG export — File → Export TIFF… — requires export-tiff plugin.
  • SVG — scalable vector, editable in any vector editor
  • ZPL export — File → Export ZPL… — outputs Zebra Programming Language for direct printer streaming. Requires export-zpl plugin.
  • EPL2 — direct thermal Zebra legacy printers
  • TSPL — TSC and TSPL-compatible thermal label printers
  • CPCL — Zebra mobile and CPCL-compatible printers
  • SATO SBPL — SATO and SBPL-compatible thermal printers
  • RIP Package — File → Export RIP Package… — bundles PDF + ICC profiles + print settings for RIP software. Requires export-rip and export-pdf plugins.
  • Separation Proofs — spot/Pantone channel masks (PNG/TIFF + JSON manifest)
  • White Plate Proof — white ink and underprint plate (PNG/TIFF + manifest)
  • CMYK Plate Proofs — C/M/Y/K grayscale plates with ICC colour management
  • Cut Contour — HPGL / G-code cutting paths for Graphtec, Summa and CNC table cutters

Import

  • SVG vector files placed as scalable objects
  • PDF pages rasterised at up to 600 DPI

Prepress & validation

  • Automated preflight: bleed, font size, quiet zones, missing links
  • Real-time GS1 barcode validation (GTIN, EAN, SSCC, check digits)

Direct print

  • macOS: native CUPS/lp backend (⌘P), AirPrint + USB — includes OKI Pro and Epson ColorWorks
  • Windows: native Windows print dialog, all installed printer drivers
  • Linux: CUPS/lp backend, all registered printers including network and USB

Automation Automation plugin

  1. Open Tools → Automation… to configure automated workflows.
  2. Available triggers: hot folder watch, REST API endpoint, CSV watcher, webhook.
  3. Actions: auto-print, export to file, run external command, send HTTP request.
  4. Requires the Automation plugin.

Plugins guide

Each plugin extends Label Studio Creator with additional capabilities. Plugins are unlocked automatically when you activate a license that includes them.

Barcode plugin All plans

Generate 1D and 2D barcodes directly in your labels. Supports all major industrial and retail barcode standards.

How to use

  1. In the editor, click Objects → Insert Barcode…
  2. Choose a barcode format from the dropdown (EAN, Code 128, QR Code, DataMatrix…)
  3. Enter a fixed value, or use a variable field: ${COLUMN} to pull data from a merge source.
  4. Adjust size, quiet zones, and human-readable text display in the properties panel.
  5. Checksums (EAN-13, UPC, ITF-14) are calculated automatically.

plug_barcode_extra_label

plug_barcode_extra_body

💡 Tip: For GS1-128 labels, use the GS1-128 format and enter your Application Identifiers in the value field (e.g. (01)12345678901231(17)261231).

Datasource — CSV / TXT All plans

Load variable data from CSV or tab-delimited TXT files. One label per row; column headers map to ${FIELD} variables.

How to use

  1. Open the Merge panel and select CSV / TXT as the format.
  2. Click Browse… and select your file. The plugin auto-detects delimiter (comma, semicolon, tab).
  3. Insert ${COLUMN_NAME} fields in your label to map each column.
💡 Save your spreadsheet as UTF-8 CSV to avoid encoding issues with accented characters.

Datasource — Excel All plans

Connect to Excel workbooks (.xlsx / .xls). Supports multi-sheet files — choose which sheet to use as the data source.

How to use

  1. Open the Merge panel and select Excel as the format.
  2. Click Browse…, select your .xlsx file, then pick the target sheet from the dropdown.
  3. Column headers (row 1) become the variable names accessible as ${HEADER} in the label.
💡 Keep header names short and without spaces — use underscores instead (e.g. PRODUCT_CODE).

Datasource — JSON All plans

Load label data from a JSON array. Each element generates one label. Supports flat and nested structures via dot notation.

How to use

  1. Open the Merge panel and select JSON as the format.
  2. Click Browse… and select your .json file.
  3. Map JSON keys to label fields using ${key} — nested keys use dot notation: ${order.product}.
💡 The root element must be a JSON array [...] for multi-label merge.

Datasource — ODBC / SQL All plans

Connect to any ODBC-compatible database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Access…). Enter a SELECT query to pull records as label data.

How to use

  1. Install and configure your ODBC driver and DSN via your OS ODBC Manager.
  2. In the Merge panel, select ODBC and enter your DSN or connection string.
  3. Type your SQL query. Each row of the result set generates one label.
💡 On macOS use iODBC Manager; on Windows use the built-in ODBC Data Source Administrator.

Datasource — REST API All plans

Fetch label data in real time from any HTTP/REST endpoint. Supports GET and POST with JSON or XML responses.

How to use

  1. In the Merge panel, select REST API and enter the endpoint URL.
  2. Set method (GET/POST), optional headers (e.g. Authorization), and a body for POST requests.
  3. The JSON or XML response is parsed automatically — map keys to label fields with ${key}.
💡 Use a GET endpoint that returns a JSON array for multi-record label printing.

Datasource — SQLite All plans

Query a local SQLite database file directly. Enter a SELECT statement to define which records generate labels.

How to use

  1. In the Merge panel, select SQLite and browse to your .sqlite file.
  2. Enter a SQL SELECT query. Each result row produces one label.
  3. Map column names to label fields with ${column_name}.
💡 SQLite is ideal for offline production — no network or server required.

Datasource — XML All plans

Load variable data from XML files. Set the repeating record element and map child elements to label fields.

How to use

  1. In the Merge panel, select XML and browse to your file.
  2. Set the Record element — the XML tag that repeats per label (e.g. <product>).
  3. Map child element names to label fields using ${element}.
💡 XML is commonly used for GS1 order data and supply chain integrations.

Export PDF plugin All plans

Print labels to any system printer and export to PDF. Powers the main Print dialog and the RIP Package export.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export PDF…
  2. Choose page layout: single label per page, or multiple labels (sheet layout).
  3. If a merge source is loaded, select All records (one label per record) or Current record only.

plug_pdf_extra_label

plug_pdf_extra_body

💡 Tip: PDF output is PDF/X-4 compatible and embeds all fonts. Use Export RIP Package instead if your RIP software requires ICC colour management.

Export TIFF / PNG plugin All plans

Render labels to high-resolution raster images (TIFF or PNG). Useful for archiving, web display, or feeding images into third-party print workflows.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export TIFF…
  2. Select output format: TIFF (multi-page) or PNG (one file per page).
  3. Set resolution: 72–1200 dpi. For print use, 300 dpi minimum is recommended.
💡 Tip: Use CMYK mode at 600 dpi for press-ready artwork. PNG is better for web previews or when transparency is required.

Export ZPL plugin All plans

Generate Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) code for direct streaming to Zebra label printers. Ideal for industrial label printing without a printer driver.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export ZPL…
  2. Select your target printer resolution: 203 dpi, 300 dpi, or 600 dpi.
  3. Choose to save as a .zpl file, or send directly to a printer by IP address (TCP port 9100).
💡 Tip: To send ZPL directly from the command line: cat label.zpl | nc 192.168.1.100 9100. Variable fields are embedded as ZPL ^FD commands.

Export RIP Package plugin All plans

Bundle a print-ready PDF with ICC colour profiles and job ticket settings for RIP Takasaki and compatible RIP software. Required for CMYK+White printing on OKI Pro and Epson ColorWorks printers.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export RIP Package…
  2. Select your printer profile (OKI Pro series, Epson ColorWorks, or custom ICC).
  3. Enable White channel if your printer supports white ink (OKI Pro1040, Pro1050, Pro9541, Pro9542, Pro8432).
💡 Tip: Requires the Export PDF plugin. The RIP package is a ZIP archive — rename it to .zip to inspect its contents.

Automation — Hot Folder All plans

Monitor a folder for incoming data files. When a file drops in, labels print automatically — zero clicks required.

How to use

  1. Open Automation → Hot Folder… and set the watched folder path.
  2. Select the label template and target printer to use when a file arrives.
  3. Drop a data file into the folder — labels print immediately and the file moves to an archive subfolder.
💡 Point your ERP or production system export directory to the hot folder for fully automated printing.

Automation — Command Line (CLI) All plans

Print labels from shell scripts, cron jobs, or any automation pipeline using the rb3l-print CLI tool bundled with the app.

How to use

  1. Locate the CLI: Label Studio Creator.app/Contents/MacOS/rb3l-print on macOS, or add it to your PATH on Windows/Linux.
  2. Run: rb3l-print --label template.rb3l --data records.csv --printer "My Printer"
  3. Use --qty N for copies, --dry-run to validate without printing.
💡 Combine with cron or Windows Task Scheduler for scheduled label printing.

Automation — REST API Server All plans

Starts a local HTTP server that exposes a REST endpoint. External apps, ERPs, or web services POST JSON to trigger label printing.

How to use

  1. Enable under Automation → REST API… and choose a port (default: 8765).
  2. Send: POST http://localhost:8765/print with a JSON body specifying label, data, and printer.
  3. The API returns a JSON response with job status and any errors.
💡 Protect the endpoint with the API key option if the machine is on a shared network.

Automation — CSV Watcher All plans

Monitor a CSV file for appended rows. Each new row automatically triggers label printing — ideal for PLC or SCADA integration.

How to use

  1. Open Automation → CSV Watcher… and point it to your production CSV file.
  2. Set the polling interval (1–60 s), label template, and target printer.
  3. When new rows are appended, labels print automatically for each new record.
💡 Works well with PLCs or SCADA systems that write production data to a shared CSV.

Automation — Webhook All plans

Receive HTTP webhook events (POST JSON) from Shopify, WooCommerce, or any external platform to trigger label printing on demand.

How to use

  1. Enable under Automation → Webhook… and note the local endpoint URL.
  2. Configure your platform to send order webhooks to this URL.
  3. Map the webhook JSON fields to label variables — labels print automatically when an event arrives.
💡 Use ngrok or a reverse proxy to expose the endpoint if the machine is behind a firewall.

Printer calibration plugin All plans

Fine-tune colour output for specific printer and media combinations. Import ICC profiles, adjust colour channels, and create soft proofs before printing.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → Printer Calibration…
  2. Select your printer and media type from the list.
  3. Click Import ICC profile… to load a manufacturer-supplied or custom ICC profile.
  4. Use the Colour adjustment sliders (brightness, contrast, saturation, per-channel curves) to fine-tune output.
  5. Click Soft proof to preview on screen how the label will look printed with the selected profile.
  6. Save as a named calibration preset — it will be available in the Print and RIP Export dialogs.
💡 Tip: For OKI Pro series printers, use the ICC profiles provided on the OKI support website for your specific media type (gloss, matte, synthetic).

SVG Export All plans

Export labels as resolution-independent vector SVG — ideal for digital workflows, web preview and laser cutting.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export SVG…
  2. Choose export options: embedded fonts, artboard size, unit (mm/px/pt).
  3. Click Export. Spot colours and gradients are preserved as SVG named elements.
💡 SVG output is fully editable in Illustrator, Inkscape or any vector editor.

EPL2 Export All plans

Generate Eltron Programming Language 2 (EPL2) output for direct thermal Zebra legacy printers.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export EPL2…
  2. Select target DPI (203 or 300) and darkness (0–15).
  3. Click Export. Send the .epl file directly to the printer via USB/serial or network.
💡 Compatible with Zebra LP/TLP 2844, GC420, and most legacy EPL2 printers.

Import SVG All plans

Import SVG vector artwork directly into the label editor. Preserves paths, groups, fills, strokes and text.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Import → SVG… and select your file.
  2. The SVG is placed as a vector layer on the canvas — resize and position freely.
  3. Spot colours defined with fill="spot:NAME" are automatically mapped to the spot colour palette.
💡 Use named SVG layers to separate static artwork from variable data zones.

Import PDF All plans

Import a PDF page as a vector artwork layer. Ideal for placing existing label designs or client-supplied artwork.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Import → PDF… and select your file.
  2. For multi-page PDFs, choose which page to import.
  3. The PDF is embedded as a vector layer — add variable fields and barcodes on top.
💡 PDF/X-4 files with embedded ICC profiles are fully supported and preserve colour intent.

Print Backend (macOS) All plans

Native macOS print backend using CUPS/lp for direct printing to any AirPrint or USB printer without leaving Label Studio Creator.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Print… (or ⌘P).
  2. Select your printer from the list. All CUPS-registered printers and AirPrint devices are detected automatically.
  3. Set quantity, collation and colour mode, then click Print.
💡 For industrial workflows, combine with the Automation plugin to auto-print on hot-folder triggers.

Prepress Validation All plans

Automated preflight checks: bleed, minimum font size, barcode quiet zones, colour space consistency and missing links — before sending to print or RIP.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → Prepress Validation…
  2. The checker runs instantly and flags issues with severity: Error (blocks export) or Warning (advisory).
  3. Checks include: bleed margins, minimum font size (default 6 pt), barcode quiet zones, out-of-gamut spot colours, empty variable fields.
  4. Click any issue in the list to jump directly to the offending object on the canvas.
💡 Enable "Auto-validate on export" in Preferences to run prepress checks automatically before every PDF or RIP export.

Barcode Validation All plans

GS1-compliant barcode validation engine: check digits, AI structure, GTIN/EAN/UPC/SSCC formats, date codes, and quiet-zone compliance.

How to use

  1. Validation runs in real time as you type in the barcode data field — a green tick or red warning appears instantly.
  2. Go to Tools → Barcode Validation… for a full report across all barcodes on the label.
  3. Checks: GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs), check digits (Luhn, GS1, ISBN), SSCC-18 structure, mandatory quiet zones.
💡 Use with Prepress Validation for a complete print-ready quality gate before sending labels to production.

TSPL Export All plans

Exports label documents to TSPL/TSPL2 raster BITMAP commands for TSC and TSPL-compatible thermal label printers.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export TSPL…
  2. Select target DPI (203, 300 or 600) and print speed.
  3. Click Export. Send the .tspl file via USB or network to the printer.
💡 Compatible with TSC TTP, TE, DA series and most TSPL/TSPL2 printers.

CPCL Export All plans

Exports label documents to CPCL raster commands for Zebra mobile and CPCL-compatible thermal label printers.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export CPCL…
  2. Select target DPI and page orientation.
  3. Click Export. Send the .cpcl file to the printer via Bluetooth or USB.
💡 Compatible with Zebra ZQ, QLn, iMZ mobile printers and Honeywell mobile label printers.

SATO SBPL Export All plans

Exports label documents to SATO SBPL raster graphic commands for SATO and SBPL-compatible thermal label printers.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export SBPL…
  2. Select target DPI (203 or 305) and media type.
  3. Click Export. Send the .sbpl file to the SATO printer via USB, serial or LAN.
💡 Compatible with SATO CL, CT, LM series and SBPL-compatible printers.

Separation Proof Export All plans

Exports spot/Pantone separation proof masks as grayscale PNG or TIFF files with a JSON manifest for RIP preflight.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export Separation Proofs…
  2. Select output format (PNG or TIFF) and resolution (300–1200 DPI).
  3. Click Export. One grayscale file per spot/Pantone channel is generated, plus manifest.json.
  4. The manifest lists each channel name, its file path, and whether it is a spot or Pantone colour.
💡 Use the manifest with your RIP software to verify colour separations before committing to a production run.

White Plate Proof Export All plans

Exports the white ink and underprint plate as a grayscale PNG or TIFF proof with a JSON manifest for RIP preflight.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export White Plate Proof…
  2. Select output format (PNG or TIFF) and resolution.
  3. Click Export. The white plate mask and a manifest.json are generated.
💡 Verify white ink coverage and underprint placement before sending to the RIP. Works with OKI Pro series and Epson ColorWorks with white ink.

CMYK Plate Proof Export All plans

Exports C, M, Y, K grayscale plate proofs using ICC/LittleCMS colour management when ICC profiles are provided.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Export → Export CMYK Plate Proofs…
  2. Select ICC profile for colour-managed conversion or use direct CMYK values.
  3. Select resolution (300–1200 DPI) and click Export. Four grayscale PNG/TIFF files are generated — one per channel.
💡 Use plate proofs to validate CMYK separations before sending to a commercial print house or RIP.

CUPS Print Backend All plans

Linux/macOS CUPS print backend for submitting PDF, TIFF and PNG jobs through lp/lpstat. Works with network printers and RIP Takasaki label server.

How to use

  1. Go to File → Print… and select a CUPS printer from the list.
  2. All printers registered in CUPS (USB, network, AirPrint) are automatically discovered.
  3. Set quantity and colour mode, then click Print. Jobs are submitted via lp and tracked with lpstat.
💡 On RIP Takasaki label servers, the CUPS backend submits jobs directly to the connected thermal printer without leaving the server workflow.

Epson ColorWorks Backend All plans

Print backend for Epson ColorWorks printers (C3500, C6000, C7500, C831) through the official operating-system driver and CUPS/lp for colour label production.

How to use

  1. Install the Epson ColorWorks driver for your model (C3500, C6000, C7500, or C831).
  2. Go to File → Print… and select your Epson ColorWorks from the printer list.
  3. Select colour mode and media profile, then click Print. Jobs are routed through the official Epson CUPS driver.
💡 For CMYK+White production, use the RIP Package Export plugin instead. This backend is for standard CMYK and colour label printing.

Color/RIP Audit All plans

Audits ICC/LittleCMS availability, optional ICC profiles, spot separations, white ink and underprint metadata before RIP package output.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → Color/RIP Audit…
  2. The audit checks: LittleCMS engine availability, loaded ICC profiles, spot/Pantone colour assignments, white ink metadata and underprint settings.
  3. Issues are listed with severity — Error (blocks RIP export) or Warning (advisory).
💡 Run before every RIP export to ensure colour metadata is complete and consistent.

Ink Coverage Audit All plans

Audits CMYK total area coverage (TAC), white plate coverage and spot/Pantone coverage for RIP preflight and ink cost estimation.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → Ink Coverage Audit…
  2. The audit computes per-channel ink coverage percentages: C, M, Y, K, White, and each spot colour.
  3. Total Area Coverage (TAC) is reported and flagged if it exceeds the configured limit (default 320%).
💡 Use ink coverage data to estimate media cost per label and to validate that TAC stays within the press/thermal printer specifications.

Cut Contour Export plugin All plans

Export label sheet cut contours for plotter cutting and finishing workflows — HPGL, G-code, or SVG cutline format. Compatible with Graphtec, Summa, and CNC table cutters.

How to use

  1. Design your label with a cut contour layer named Cut or CutContour.
  2. Go to File → Export Cut Contour…
  3. Select output format: HPGL (Graphtec, Summa pen plotters), G-code (CNC table cutters), or SVG cutline.
💡 Tip: Compatible with Graphtec FC, CE and CAMM series, Summa S and D series, and most HPGL-capable cutters.

E-commerce Connectors plugin All plans

Route Shopify and WooCommerce orders automatically into proof approval or production-ready print queues. SKU-to-template mapping — no manual steps.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → E-commerce Connectors… and connect your Shopify or WooCommerce store.
  2. Map each product SKU to a label template file.
  3. Set the default routing: Proof approval (BAT before print) or Production ready (auto-print).
  4. New orders are received automatically and queued — no manual intervention required.
💡 Tip: Supports Shopify Webhooks and WooCommerce REST API. Orders with unknown SKUs are routed to manual review.

Cloud Proof Approval plugin All plans

Send a digital proof to your customer for remote approval before printing. Draft, Sent, Approved, Rejected, and Expired queues with full audit trail.

How to use

  1. After label design, click Proof → Send for Approval…
  2. Enter the customer email — a secure proof link is sent automatically.
  3. Track status in the Proof Queue: Draft → Sent → Approved or Rejected.
  4. Approved proofs are released to the production queue automatically.
💡 Tip: All approvals are timestamped and logged. Rejected proofs include the customer comment.

Production Inventory plugin All plans

Track roll and media consumption for short-run label production. Estimates consumed length per job and raises reorder alerts when stock is low.

How to use

  1. Open Tools → Inventory… to register your media rolls and stock levels.
  2. Each print job automatically deducts the consumed media length.
  3. Set reorder thresholds per media type — alerts appear when stock drops below the limit.
💡 Tip: Includes per-label production costing: cost calculated from media price and roll length consumed.

OKI Calibration Tool plugin All plans

Guided calibration workflows for OKI Pro printers: print position calibration, ink density targets, and white ink spread/choke adjustment.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → OKI Calibration…
  2. Print the position calibration target and enter the offset values measured on your printout.
  3. Use the density calibration chart to adjust ink density per channel.
  4. The white spread/choke slider adjusts white underprint expansion for better opacity on transparent media.
💡 Tip: Requires the OKI Printer Profiles plugin. Run calibration when changing media type or after observing density drift.

Template & Asset Library plugin All plans

A collection of industry-ready label templates and reusable object catalog. Browse, preview, and insert directly into the editor.

How to use

  1. Open File → New from Template… or Objects → Asset Library…
  2. Filter by industry: food & beverage, logistics, retail, pharmaceutical…
  3. Select a template and click Open — pre-configured with correct dimensions, bleed, and safe zones.
💡 Tip: All templates are print-ready for OKI Pro and Epson ColorWorks common label stocks.

Production Queue Audit All plans

Audits Label Server and hotfolder production queues: stale processing jobs, error queues, retry/reprint folders and JSONL production logs.

How to use

  1. Go to Tools → Production Queue Audit… or run from Label Server mode.
  2. The audit scans automation incoming/processing/done/error queues and print-spool queues.
  3. Stale jobs (stuck in processing beyond timeout) are flagged. Error queue contents are listed with timestamps and job IDs.
  4. Click Retry to move a failed job back to incoming, or Cancel to archive it to error with a reason.
💡 Combine with Label Server --watch-hotfolders for continuous queue monitoring in production.

Print Backend (Windows) All plans

Native Windows GDI/WPF print backend. Enables direct printing to any Windows-installed printer — no CUPS or third-party spooler required.

How to use

  1. On Windows the backend activates automatically. All printers installed in Windows appear in File → Print….
  2. Select your printer and page size. Driver settings (tray, duplex, quality) are accessible via Printer Properties.
  3. For Zebra or Honeywell printers, install the manufacturer driver to unlock label-specific settings (DPI, darkness, media).
💡 Windows 10/11 include built-in ZPL drivers for Zebra printers via Windows Update.

Epson ColorWorks Printer All plans

Direct hardware control for Epson ColorWorks C-series inkjet label printers. Enables CMYK ink management and media-specific colour profiles.

How to use

  1. Connect your Epson ColorWorks via USB or network and install the Epson driver.
  2. In Preferences → Printers, select Epson ColorWorks mode to unlock ink and media controls.
  3. Load the ICC profile for your printer/media combination from the colour profile panel.
💡 Supported models: Epson ColorWorks C7500, C6000, C3500 series.

External RIP Integration All plans

Hand off labels to third-party RIP software (Wasatch, Caldera, ErgoSoft, ONYX…) via PDF/X-4 or PostScript with embedded ICC profiles and spot colour channels.

How to use

  1. Configure the RIP hotfolder path under Preferences → External RIP….
  2. Choose output format: PDF/X-4 (recommended) or PostScript.
  3. Print to the External RIP destination — the file is saved to the RIP hotfolder and processed automatically.
💡 Spot colours (White, Varnish, Cut contour) are preserved as named channels in the PDF for RIP-side handling.

Plugin SDK — HelloWorld All plans

A minimal example plugin demonstrating the Plugin SDK API. Use it as a starting point to build custom plugins for Label Studio Creator.

How to use

  1. Find the source in plugins/helloworld/ in the SDK repository.
  2. Build with CMake: cmake --build . --target helloworld.
  3. Load the built .plugin bundle via Help → Developer → Load Plugin….
💡 See the Plugin SDK documentation at sdk.rb3l.com for the full API reference.

License & activation

Activate your license

  1. Go to Help → License… in the application menu.
  2. Enter your license key (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX).
  3. Click Activate. The app will contact the license server to validate and download your enabled plugins.
  4. On success, the licensed features unlock immediately — no restart needed.

What happens when the license expires?

  • The application continues to work normally for editing.
  • The app enters trial mode: all features remain usable but a "Label Studio Creator — TRIAL" watermark appears on every export and print output.
  • Your label files and data are never deleted — renewing your license removes the watermark instantly.
  • To restore full access, renew your license in your customer account.

Multiple seats & computers

  • Each license key includes a fixed number of seats (activations).
  • You can activate on multiple machines up to your seat limit.
  • To free a seat (e.g. after replacing a computer), go to My Account → Manage seats and revoke the old activation.

FAQ

Can I open .glabels files in Label Studio Creator?›
Yes. Label Studio Creator reads gLabels XML format. Use File → Open… and select your .glabels file. It will be saved as .rb3l when you save.
Why is there a watermark on my exports?›
The watermark "Label Studio Creator — TRIAL" appears when no active license is detected. Activate a license via Help → License… to remove it.
How do I install or update plugins?›
Plugins are managed automatically. When you activate a valid license, the app downloads and enables the plugins included in your plan. No manual installation is needed.
Can I use Label Studio Creator offline?›
Yes. The app works fully offline. The license is validated on first activation and then via a periodic heartbeat (every 6 hours) when an internet connection is available. Short offline periods do not affect functionality.
What is the difference between the Studio and Enterprise plans?›
Both plans include all 46 plugins. The only difference is the number of seats: Studio — 1 workstation · Enterprise — up to 5 workstations. See the pricing page.
What happens when my license expires?›
When your license expires, the app reverts to trial mode — a “Label Studio Creator — TRIAL” watermark appears on all exports. Your label files and data are never lost. Renew your license from your customer account to restore full functionality instantly.
I lost my license key. How do I recover it?›
Log in to your customer account. All your license keys are listed in your dashboard.
Is Label Studio Creator open source?›
The core application is open source (GPL v3) and available on GitHub. The commercial plugins are proprietary and require a valid license.
Can I use Label Studio Creator on multiple computers?›
It depends on your plan. The Studio plan allows 1 active workstation. The Enterprise plan allows up to 5 simultaneous workstations. Each activated machine occupies one seat. To move to a new machine, revoke the old seat from your customer account — the seat is freed immediately.

Contact & support

Email support

For technical issues, billing questions or feature requests, send us an email:

Send an email

Bug reports & feature requests

Open a GitHub issue for bugs, unexpected behaviour or feature suggestions.

Open an issue on GitHub

Manage your license

View your licenses, seats and billing history in your customer account.

Go to My Account