Comparison: Label Software
Looking for a BarTender alternative?
Kroko Autoprint does the same label job with a fraction of the clicks — without heavy configuration or a separate integration project.
BarTender is a mature and versatile label software, but everyday routine work often requires many steps: separate editors, data source definitions, and print settings time after time. Kroko Autoprint is built the other way around: the label template is created once, and printing happens directly from the data with a few clicks, even when the printer is not the designer.
Clicks in four comparable tasks
26
Kroko Autoprint
71
BarTender
63 %
Fewer clicks
Many printing programs are complex to use, and one measure of ease of use can be considered to be how many mouse clicks must be performed in the program to achieve a certain result. Measurement was performed in an internal test: the same task was performed with both programs using default settings, and clicks were counted from a ready-made label template up to printing.
Click comparison by task
The figures show how many clicks are required to perform the task. Lower is better.
| Task | Kroko Autoprint | BarTender |
|---|---|---|
| 3-line label, centred | 2clicks | 15clicks |
| Import data from new CSV file and print (label template already exists) | 7clicks | 14clicks |
| Printing two different labels from the same data (multi-page templates) | 7clicks | 14clicks |
| Two user-selected different labels from the same data | 10clicks | 28clicks |
| Multi-page templates with different page sizes | 7clicks | Not possible without special material |
Features side by side
Both programs handle barcodes, database connections, and industrial printers. The differences arise in how smoothly data can be adapted to a printable format.
| Feature | Kroko Autoprint | BarTender |
|---|---|---|
| Imported data can be edited directly in the program | Yes | No |
| Merging records | Yes | Yes |
| Timestamps | Yes | Yes |
| Combining timestamps with other records | Yes | Yes |
| Data filtering | Yes | Yes |
| DataMatrix and other 2D codes | Yes | Yes |
| Separate print view without editor | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-page templates with different page sizes | Yes | No |
Why consider switching label software
Fewer steps in everyday work
Routine tasks — import data, select template, print — are handled with a few clicks, so printing doesn't rely on a single expert.
Data adapts without a separate tool
Imported data can be edited, filtered, and combined directly in Kroko Autoprint before printing. No intermediate Excel steps are needed.
Multi-page templates with different page sizes
Multiple labels of different sizes can be generated from the same data in one run, without special materials.
Clear print view
The production user only sees the print view — no editor where the template could be accidentally broken.
Integrates with existing systems
Excel, CSV, DXF, ERP, WMS, or cloud — data is read from where it already exists.
Support from the same supplier
Software, printers, and materials come from one place, so there's no bouncing between suppliers in problem situations.
How the switch proceeds
1. Assessment
We review existing labels, data sources, and printers — typically a 30-minute meeting is enough.
2. Templates and test run
We build key label templates in Kroko Autoprint and run test prints with your own data.
3. Implementation
Installation, brief induction, and support. The old environment can run in parallel until everything is working.
When BarTender is a good choice
BarTender is a widely used and comprehensive software, well-suited for environments with a long-established BarTender integration, a dedicated super user maintaining templates, and a need for very extensive global management. However, if label printing is part of daily production and you want any employee to be able to print the correct label without training, Kroko Autoprint is a lighter and faster way to achieve the same goal.
BarTender is a trademark of Seagull Scientific, Inc. Kroko Print Solutions Oy is not affiliated with Seagull Scientific. The comparison is based on our own tests and publicly available information.
Frequently asked questions about switching
See the difference with your own label
Book a 20-minute demo, and we’ll show you the same label job with Kroko Autoprint — using your own data and labels.