Thermal labels come in two physical formats: rolls and fanfold stacks. Both feed the same printers and print identically, but they suit different setups and volumes, and the choice comes down to how your labels are stored, loaded and used day to day.
What fanfold labels are
Fanfold labels are supplied in a zig-zag folded stack rather than wound on a core, and they feed into a printer from an external stack, often through a rear slot. Because there's no roll and no core, they can be cheaper per label and don't need a roll holder, which is why some high-volume operations prefer them.
What roll labels are
Roll labels are wound on a core and load inside or behind the printer on a spindle. They're the standard for most desktop thermal printers and are tidier and easier to swap than fanfold stacks, which makes them the default choice for the majority of small and medium dispatch setups.
Printer compatibility
Not every printer accepts fanfold stock, many desktop models are roll-only, while most industrial printers handle both. Before buying fanfold, confirm your printer has a rear feed slot or an external media path, because a fanfold stack won't fit through a closed roll compartment. Our printer guide covers the relevant specs.
Cost and volume considerations
Fanfold labels can be marginally cheaper per label because there's no core and less packaging, and the saving adds up at very high volume. For most sellers, the difference is small, and roll labels' convenience outweighs the few pence saved, but genuine high-volume operations often run fanfold for exactly that reason.
Handling and storage
Rolls are self-contained and easy to store and swap, while fanfold stacks are bulkier and can get knocked out of alignment if stored badly. If your dispatch bench is tight on space, rolls are usually the cleaner option; if you're running continuous high-volume printing, fanfold's less frequent reloading is the appeal.
Does the label itself differ?
No. A fanfold label and a roll label are the same paper, adhesive and size, just packaged differently. The print quality and scannability are identical, which means the decision is purely operational, not about output quality.
Making the choice
For the typical e-commerce operation printing dozens to hundreds of labels a day, roll labels on a desktop 4x6 printer are the simplest and most reliable choice. Fanfold earns its place only at sustained high volume or when the per-label cost saving justifies the handling, and either way, the 100 × 150mm size stays the standard.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between fanfold and roll labels? They're the same label paper in different packaging: rolls wind on a core, fanfold stacks fold zig-zag. Print quality is identical.
Are fanfold labels cheaper? They can be marginally cheaper per label because there's no core, and the saving matters mainly at high volume.
Can any printer use fanfold labels? No, many desktop printers are roll-only. Check your printer has a rear feed slot or external media path before buying fanfold.
The roll format most dispatch desks use
Our 100 × 150mm direct thermal rolls load in seconds and keep your dispatch bench tidy, whatever your daily volume.
Shop 4×6 Labels