What hardware do I need?
A quick guide to some questions for initial hardware purchase!
Supported Printers for DeliLabel & SwiftLabel
📁 Category: Hardware > Printers
Overview
Not all label printers are compatible with our apps. This article outlines which printers are officially supported, which are not, and what to do if you have a printer that is not on the list.
Officially Supported Printers
| Printer Model | DeliLabel | SwiftLabel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra ZD421 (300dpi, BT/Wi-Fi/USB) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Our "flagship" recommended printer |
|
🔔 Ask us before purchasing other models, and their compatibility! |
✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
- For direct USB Printing, Android Tablet required - For operation without Android Tablet, WiFi adapter is required (purchase adapter here) |
| Bixolon XD5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | This printer is no longer actively supported, but may continue to work for some time, depending on other hardware and future Apple updates. |
For setup instructions, see: Zebra ZD420/421 Setup | Bixolon XD5 Setup
Printers That Are NOT Supported
The following types of printers are not compatible with our apps:
- Printers supplied directly by Square — Square-branded hardware uses proprietary communication protocols that are not compatible with DeliLabel or SwiftLabel at this time. We understand this is frustrating and are aware of the limitation.
- Star Micronics receipt/label printers (general lineup) — While we use Star Micronics scales, their printer lineup is not currently supported.
- Any other third-party label printer not listed above — unless confirmed by our support team.
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer — What's the Difference?
| Feature | Direct Thermal | Thermal Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Heat-sensitive paper darkens from print head | Ribbon transfers ink onto label |
| Label lifespan | Shorter — can fade with heat, light, UV | Longer — more durable |
| Best for | Short shelf-life products, indoor use | Products with longer shelf life or outdoor exposure |
| Cost | Lower upfront (no ribbon needed) | Higher upfront (requires ribbon) |
For most deli and food retail use cases, direct thermal is sufficient. If your products are stored in freezers or will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods, thermal transfer may be worth considering.
Label Sizes & Supplies
We recommend purchasing labels directly through us to ensure compatibility and high quality. Common supported sizes include 1"x1", 3"x2" (our most popular), 3"x3", oval (1.5"x.75") and 3"x1".
Purchasing from third-party sources like Amazon is possible, but compatibility is not guaranteed and we may not be able to troubleshoot issues related to third-party label stock.
Questions About Your Printer?
Contact us at support@marketsquaretech.com and let us know your printer model. We'll let you know if it's compatible or help you find a supported alternative.