A barcode printer is a part of computer segment for printing barcode labels or tags, which is attached on physical objects like manufacturing products, tickets, etc. Barcode printers are generally used to label cartons in the stage before transportation. A barcode printer is more accurate, quick and of high quality in printing of barcode labels, unlike a common printer, which do not provide barcode label printing.

Present day barcode printers commonly use two different printing software technologies. In that, first one is Direct Thermal printers, they use chemical reaction in printing of barcode label. Second is Thermal Transfer printers, which uses heat that melts a waxy or resin substance on a ribbon.

Direct thermal printers are available in low price in shops, but it has some minor disadvantages like, they print only in high temperatures and cannot print in equivalent heat.

Thermal transfer printers can produce very durable printed products, which does not allow for reading of information without authentic channel permission. It also produces untampered, unreadable barcode labels. A thermal barcode printer can print on labels, plastic tags, papers and many other materials, depending on the design of the product.

Basically barcode printers are designed based on different market needs. Industrial or manufacture sector can use barcode printers, which have large paper capacities, operate faster and have a longer service life. But, oppositely retail and office environments industries use desktop barcode printers for their requirements.

Some times barcode printer is controlled manually or by computer connection, depending on working process.