Top 10 Best Packaging Label Design Software of 2026

BarTender by Seagull Scientific is the premier label design, printing, and automation software tailored for packaging industries, enabling the creation of compliant labels, barcodes, RFID tags, and serialized markings. It supports complex variable data printing, GS1 standards, and high-volume production with drag-and-drop design tools and wizards. The software scales from single-user setups to enterprise-wide deployments with seamless integration into ERP systems like SAP and Oracle.

NiceLabel (now part of Loftware) is a powerful enterprise-grade label design and management software specialized for packaging labels, enabling users to create compliant labels with barcodes, variable data, RFID, and graphics. It offers intuitive design tools alongside automation for printing workflows and seamless integration with ERP, MES, and database systems. Ideal for industries like pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and logistics, it ensures GS1, UDI, and other regulatory compliance while supporting high-volume production.

TEKLYNX offers professional-grade label design and printing software solutions, including CODESOFT, LABELVIEW, and TEKLYNX CENTRAL, optimized for creating compliant packaging labels with barcodes, RFID, and variable data. It excels in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and logistics by ensuring adherence to standards such as GS1, FDA UDI, and GHS. The software supports extensive printer compatibility, database integration, and scalable deployment from standalone to enterprise-level management.

Esko Studio is a cloud-based packaging artwork editor designed specifically for creating, editing, and approving labels and packaging designs in a web browser. It excels in handling complex structural files, dynamic content relinking, and prepress-ready outputs with precise color management and dieline support. Integrated with Esko's broader ecosystem, it streamlines workflows from design to production for professional packaging teams.

LabelVIEW is a robust Windows-based label design and printing software from TLC Labels, specialized for creating professional packaging labels with support for barcodes, variable data, and graphics. It excels in handling complex label layouts, database connectivity, and compliance standards like GS1 for industries such as food, pharma, and logistics. The software enables precise control over serialization, nesting, and printing to thermal and laser printers, making it suitable for production environments.

Adobe Illustrator is a leading vector graphics editor used worldwide for creating precise, scalable artwork ideal for packaging labels. It excels in designing die-lines, bleeds, intricate illustrations, and typography with spot color support like Pantone, ensuring print-ready files. While not exclusively for packaging, its tools enable professional label layouts with artboards for multi-version designs and seamless integration with Adobe production software.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a professional vector graphics editor excels in creating precise, print-ready packaging labels with advanced illustration tools, color management, and layout capabilities. It supports essential features like bleeds, die lines, spot colors, and barcode generation, making it suitable for label design workflows. While versatile for general graphic design, it adapts well to packaging needs without the specialization of dedicated software.

Avery Design & Print is a free, web-based software tool from Avery.com designed for creating custom labels, tags, and packaging designs using thousands of pre-sized templates for Avery products. It features a simple drag-and-drop interface for adding text, images, shapes, barcodes, and QR codes, with mail merge capabilities for variable data printing. Primarily aimed at home and small business users, it ensures precise alignment when printing on Avery label sheets for professional results.

Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design platform that offers templates, drag-and-drop tools, and a vast library of elements for creating packaging labels for bottles, boxes, jars, and more. It supports custom sizes, shapes, and print-ready exports, making it accessible for non-designers to produce visually appealing labels quickly. AI-powered features like Magic Design enhance creativity, while collaboration tools allow team input. However, it lacks specialized packaging tools like die-line integration or advanced print compliance.

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that excels in creating scalable designs like packaging labels, logos, and illustrations using tools for paths, shapes, text, and precise measurements. It supports essential print features such as CMYK export, bleeds, and high-resolution PDFs, making it viable for label design workflows. While powerful for 2D vector work, it requires manual setup for packaging-specific elements like die-lines and lacks native 3D previews or automated folding simulations.