Convert an N11 shipping label to a 100×150 mm thermal label

An N11 shipping label is downloaded as an A4 PDF from the orders in the seller panel. The label template uses the marketplace's common layout: the barcode and address block sit in a corner of the page or in its top half. Because roll thermal printers work with a 100×150 mm label, this A4 page has to be cropped; otherwise the printer shrinks the content and the barcode becomes unreadable.

KargoLabel crops the area that holds the N11 label and places it on a 100×150 mm canvas. Because the PDF is not converted back to an image, the barcode lines and text are not regenerated; they are cropped and moved.

Why does the N11 label come as A4?

Marketplaces produce labels for A4 so they can be printed from a browser; that way you can also get output on the ordinary printer at home or in the office. But once daily shipment volume grows, the cost of A4 paper and toner adds up with the hassle of cutting and taping. A thermal label, on the other hand, is self-adhesive and goes onto the package in one move.

The only condition for using an N11 label on a thermal printer is the right size: 100×150 mm output carries the label's barcode + address + tracking number areas comfortably.

Deciding on crop and size

In the N11 template the label usually sits in the top-left corner or the top half. After downloading the PDF, open it in a viewer and look at where the barcode is: if it is in the corner, the "Top-left corner" option gives the right result; if it is in the top half, use "Top half". If the label is spread across the whole page, choose "Full page".

For size, the default is 100×150 mm. If it needs to take up less space on small packages, 80×120 mm can be selected; however, 100×150 mm is recommended so that the text does not get cramped on long recipient addresses.

Settings that save time on bulk shipments

When you download N11 orders in bulk, a single PDF can hold dozens of pages. The tool processes each page as a separate label and returns the output as a multi-page PDF; on a roll printer the pages print one after another.

If you use it often, save the default size and crop area to your account and turn on automatic download. That way the daily flow comes down to three steps: "upload, convert, print".

Common differences in the N11 template

• In some N11 templates the shipment barcode sits in the top-left corner, in others in the top half; open the PDF to confirm the crop area.
• If the shipping and return labels come in the same PDF, both are converted with the same setting; check the page count before printing.
• Choose the crop area with a little margin, not right at the edge of the barcode; the surrounding space affects readability.

Choosing a label roll and paper

Thermal labels are usually sold in rolls 100 mm wide. When the length is 150 mm, the number of labels per roll is lower than with 80×120 mm; if your daily shipment volume is high, factor the roll cost in from the start. The roll's inner diameter can be 25 mm or 40 mm; choose the one that fits the printer's spindle.

If the label surface is uncoated thermal paper, the print is more sensitive to friction and moisture; coated (top-coated) labels are more durable in long storage. Also check the largest roll outer diameter the printer supports: wide rolls do not fit the slot on some desktop models.

• Width 100 mm; length 150 mm (or 120 mm by preference).
• The outer diameter must fit the printer's roll slot.
• Under heavy use, a coated label gives a longer-lasting result.

Open the tool →