Connect2Cart gives you two ways to print shipping labels:
- Standard Browser Printing (PDF)
- Printer Bridge Printing (Recommended)
Both methods allow you to purchase and print shipping labels. However, the Printer Bridge provides a much faster and more seamless experience, especially for businesses shipping multiple orders each day.
Printing Methods
Standard Browser Printing (PDF)
Browser printing uses standard PDF shipping labels.
After purchasing a shipping label, your web browser downloads or opens a PDF file. You then print the label using your computer’s normal print dialog.
This option works on virtually any computer without additional software.
Advantages
- No additional software required
- Works with any standard printer
- Ideal for occasional shipping
Considerations
- Requires interacting with the browser and print dialog for every label
- May require a PDF viewer or browser PDF plugin
- Slower for high-volume shipping
Printer Bridge (Recommended)
Printer Bridge is Connect2Cart’s desktop companion application.
Instead of downloading PDFs, the Printer Bridge communicates directly with your local printers. When you purchase a shipping label, Connect2Cart automatically sends the print job to the Printer Bridge, which immediately prints the label.
No browser dialogs.
No PDF windows.
No print confirmation screens.
Simply purchase the label and it prints automatically.
This process is commonly referred to as unattended or unassisted printing.
Why Use Printer Bridge?
Printer Bridge is recommended for all Connect2Cart users because it provides:
- Automatic label printing
- Faster shipping workflow
- Support for thermal label printers
- Support for standard desktop printers
- Reduced user interaction
- Fewer printing mistakes
For businesses shipping dozens or hundreds of orders each day, Printer Bridge significantly speeds up the shipping process.
PDF vs. ZPL Labels
Connect2Cart supports two label formats.
PDF Labels
PDF labels are standard printable documents.
They work with:
- Inkjet printers
- Laser printers
- Standard office printers
PDF labels can be printed either through your browser or through the Printer Bridge.
ZPL Labels
ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) labels are designed specifically for thermal label printers.
Benefits include:
- Faster printing
- Crisp barcode quality
- No PDF rendering
- Optimized for 4 × 6 shipping labels
ZPL labels require the Printer Bridge application.
Because web browsers cannot communicate directly with thermal printers, ZPL labels cannot be printed without the Printer Bridge.
Installing Printer Bridge
Printer Bridge only needs to be installed once on each computer that will print shipping labels.
To install Printer Bridge:
- Open Users from the left navigation menu.
- Edit your user account.
- Locate the Hardware section.
- Click Download Print Bridge App.
- Run the installer.
- Follow the installation wizard.
- Launch the Printer Bridge application.
Once running, the Printer Bridge automatically connects to Connect2Cart.
Selecting Your Default Printer
After Printer Bridge is installed:
- Open Users.
- Edit your user account.
- Verify that Printer Bridge is running.
- Select your preferred printer from the Default Printer list.
- Click Save.
Your selected printer becomes the default printer used for future shipping labels.
If additional printers are installed later, click the Refresh button to reload the available printer list.
Verifying Printer Bridge Is Running
When Printer Bridge is connected successfully, your user settings display a confirmation message indicating that Printer Bridge is running.
If this message does not appear:
- Verify the application is open.
- Confirm it is installed on the current computer.
- Refresh the printer list.
- Restart the Printer Bridge if necessary.
Printing a Shipping Label
Once Printer Bridge has been configured:
- Open an order.
- Configure the shipment.
- Select a shipping service.
- Click Create & Print Label.
If Printer Bridge is enabled, the label is sent directly to your selected printer.
No additional print dialogs are displayed.
Which Printing Method Should I Use?
| If you… | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Ship only occasionally | Browser PDF Printing |
| Use a standard office printer | Printer Bridge (PDF) |
| Use a thermal label printer | Printer Bridge (ZPL) |
| Ship many packages each day | Printer Bridge |
| Want labels to print automatically | Printer Bridge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Printer Bridge?
No. You can print PDF labels directly from your browser.
However, Printer Bridge provides a much faster and smoother printing experience.
Does Printer Bridge work with regular printers?
Yes. Printer Bridge supports both standard printers and thermal label printers.
Does Printer Bridge have to stay running?
Yes. The application must be running in order for Connect2Cart to send print jobs directly to your computer.
Can I print ZPL labels without Printer Bridge?
No. ZPL labels require Printer Bridge because web browsers cannot print ZPL directly.
Can multiple users have Printer Bridge installed?
Yes. Each user can install Printer Bridge on their own workstation and configure their own default printer.
Best Practices
- Install Printer Bridge on every shipping workstation.
- Use ZPL labels with thermal printers whenever possible.
- Verify your default printer before beginning your shipping day.
- Leave Printer Bridge running while processing shipments.
- Use unattended printing to maximize shipping speed and reduce unnecessary clicks.