Why is my label printing too small or too large?

Answer

The printer driver's default paper (page) size must match your label dimensions.

If you've read through the difference between USB Thermal Printers and System Printers, you know that there are two different ways Label LIVE can print.

This question is for users using a system printer driver.

Windows System Printer Driver Settings

Label LIVE offers a "Custom Settings" button on Windows.

Select your printer and hover over the printer info icon
Click Custom Settings
Change the paper size (see below for orientation)
Click OK to save the changes

These settings are saved per design document (lsc). If you change printers you will need to repeat this process for the new printer.

Note: After saving, clicking Custom Settings again will not show you the previously saved custom settings. Each press will generate a "blank" configuration that can be saved. This is a limitation of windows printer drivers. Click cancel to preserve your existing settings.

If all label designs use the same label size, you can change the default within the printer driver itself in Windows Settings.

Some printers require checking "Compatibility Mode" on the Print tab.

Troubleshooting Rotated Orientation ➡

If your label orientation is rotated (points to the right on the Label tab), try swapping the page width/height in the printer settings.

Here's an example of a rotated label orientation.

Printing this 3x1.5" design produces a PDF that is 1.5" wide and 3" high.

The solution is to set the printer settings width and height to match.

Yes... Every Windows driver seems to be different.

If Custom Settings didn't work for you, please see our other article on printing two different sizes to the same printer.

How do I print two different label sizes on the same windows printer?

Create a second print-queue and set each queue's page/media size defaults.

macOS System Printer Driver Settings

In System Preferences (or Settings) choose Printers and Scanners. Select your printer and choose the Default paper size.

Other issues?

Check out our other answers on skipping labels and printer calibration.

How do I calibrate my thermal printer?

Each push of the printer's button should eject exactly ONE label. On most thermal printers you hold down the button for a certain amount of time and then let go.

Why is my printer skipping labels?

Ensure your printer is calibrated and the label size matches the label.