Bar code label printers are special, small sized printers that are capable of printing bar code labels. They are used in businesses wherever inventories are required to be recorded such as in retail and departmental stores, ID card offices, warehouses, etc. General purpose printers can be used to print bar code printers. There are also thermal bar code printers specially for printing bar code labels.

General purpose printers are in fact normal printers. They are capable of printing bar codes on white sticker papers. Laser printers are much better than inkjet printers, as they give more clarity and a faster printing rate. General purpose printers are very slow at printing