How Do You Create a Shipping Label on Shopify?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

Creating a seamless shipping process is a crucial step for any Shopify store owner aiming to deliver exceptional customer experiences. One of the key components in this process is generating accurate and efficient shipping labels. Knowing how to create shipping labels on Shopify not only streamlines your order fulfillment but also helps you save time and reduce errors, ensuring your products reach customers promptly and professionally.

Shipping labels serve as the essential link between your online store and the logistics providers that handle your packages. By mastering the creation of these labels within Shopify, you gain control over shipping costs, carrier options, and tracking capabilities—all vital elements for running a successful e-commerce business. Whether you’re shipping a handful of orders or managing large volumes, understanding this process can significantly enhance your operational efficiency.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamentals of creating shipping labels on Shopify, highlighting the benefits and general workflow. This overview will prepare you to dive deeper into the step-by-step methods and best practices that will empower you to handle your store’s shipping needs with confidence and ease.

Steps to Generate a Shipping Label on Shopify

Once you have confirmed an order that requires fulfillment, Shopify provides a streamlined process to create and purchase shipping labels directly from the admin panel. This reduces the need for third-party shipping software and integrates label generation with order management.

To create a shipping label, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to the Orders section in your Shopify admin.
  • Select the order for which you want to create a shipping label.
  • Click Create shipping label or Buy shipping label, depending on your store setup.
  • Enter the package details, including weight, dimensions, and the shipping service you want to use.
  • Review the shipping cost and confirm the label purchase.
  • Print the label immediately or download it for later use.

Shopify supports a variety of shipping carriers depending on your region, such as USPS, UPS, DHL Express, and Canada Post. The label prices typically include discounted rates negotiated by Shopify, allowing merchants to save compared to retail shipping costs.

Choosing the Right Shipping Service and Package

Selecting the correct shipping service and package type is essential to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency. Shopify provides options tailored to your package weight, dimensions, and destination.

When entering package details, consider:

  • Package weight: Accurate weight measurement is crucial; incorrect weights can lead to additional fees or delayed shipments.
  • Package dimensions: Length, width, and height must be specified to determine dimensional weight pricing.
  • Shipping service type: Options vary between standard, expedited, express, or international shipping.
  • Insurance and tracking: Decide if you want to add insurance or enhanced tracking for higher-value shipments.

Below is an example of common shipping services available through Shopify for the United States:

Shipping Service Delivery Time Cost Range (USD) Tracking Included Insurance Option
USPS First Class 2-5 business days $3 – $7 Yes Up to $50 free
USPS Priority Mail 1-3 business days $7 – $20 Yes Up to $100 free
UPS Ground 1-5 business days $8 – $25 Yes Available for purchase
DHL Express 1-3 business days (intl.) $30 – $70 Yes Available for purchase

Choosing the right shipping service depends on balancing cost, speed, and the level of security or insurance needed for your goods.

Printing and Applying the Shipping Label

After purchasing the label, Shopify allows you to print it directly from the admin interface or download a PDF version for printing later. Proper printing and application ensure the label is scannable and securely attached to the package.

Key considerations for printing and applying labels include:

  • Use a laser or thermal printer for clear, durable labels.
  • Print labels on adhesive label sheets sized appropriately (commonly 4″x6″).
  • If printing on regular paper, use clear packing tape to affix the label without obscuring the barcode.
  • Place the label on a flat surface of the package to avoid wrinkles or folds.
  • Avoid placing labels over seams or edges where they might peel off during transit.

Shopify also supports bulk printing, which is useful when fulfilling multiple orders simultaneously. This can be accessed through the Orders page by selecting multiple orders and choosing Print shipping labels.

Managing Shipping Labels and Handling Returns

Shopify keeps a record of all purchased shipping labels within the order details for easy reference and management. Merchants can view label status, reprint labels, or request refunds if a label was purchased in error or unused.

For returns, Shopify does not generate return shipping labels automatically, but you can create return labels manually by following a similar label creation process or using third-party apps integrated with Shopify.

Best practices for managing shipping labels include:

  • Regularly reviewing shipping label history to reconcile shipping expenses.
  • Monitoring shipping carrier updates and tracking information from within Shopify.
  • Keeping customer communication transparent by sharing tracking numbers promptly.
  • Establishing a clear return shipping policy and providing return labels if applicable.

By efficiently managing shipping labels, merchants can optimize fulfillment workflows and enhance customer satisfaction with timely delivery updates and hassle-free returns.

Creating a Shipping Label on Shopify

To create a shipping label on Shopify, you must first ensure your store is properly set up to handle orders and shipments. Shopify provides an integrated shipping label creation system that allows merchants to purchase and print labels directly from the admin dashboard. This feature streamlines order fulfillment and reduces errors.

Follow these steps to generate a shipping label:

  • Access the Orders Section: From your Shopify admin, navigate to Orders. Select the order for which you want to create a shipping label.
  • Verify Order Details: Confirm the shipping address, package weight, and dimensions are accurate. These details are crucial as they directly affect the shipping cost and label information.
  • Click on Create Shipping Label: Within the order details, locate and click the Create shipping label button. This will open the label creation interface.
  • Enter Package Information: Input the package weight and dimensions. Shopify requires weight to calculate postage accurately and dimensions help avoid surcharges.
  • Select Shipping Carrier and Service: Choose from available carriers such as USPS, UPS, DHL, or Canada Post, depending on your region and Shopify shipping settings. Select the preferred shipping service (e.g., standard, expedited, overnight).
  • Review Shipping Costs: Shopify will display the shipping cost based on your inputs. Review this carefully to ensure it meets your expectations and budget.
  • Purchase and Print Label: Once confirmed, click Buy shipping label. Shopify will process the payment and generate a printable label in PDF format.
  • Attach Label to Package: Print the label using a compatible printer and affix it securely to your package before dispatch.

Key Considerations When Creating Shipping Labels

Optimizing your shipping label creation process requires attention to several important factors that can affect delivery efficiency and costs.

Consideration Description Impact
Accurate Package Weight Use a precise scale to weigh your package including packaging materials. Prevents label rejection or additional charges from carriers.
Correct Package Dimensions Measure length, width, and height accurately to avoid dimensional weight surcharges. Ensures cost-effective shipping rates and proper handling.
Carrier Selection Choose carriers supported by Shopify and suitable for your delivery region. Affects delivery speed, reliability, and cost.
Shipping Service Level Select the appropriate delivery speed based on customer expectations and product type. Balances cost with customer satisfaction.
Shipping Address Verification Confirm the shipping address is complete and accurate. Reduces the risk of returned or delayed shipments.

Using Shopify Shipping Settings for Label Automation

Shopify allows automation and customization of shipping label settings to streamline fulfillment workflows. Key features include:

  • Default Package Profiles: Define standard package types and dimensions under Settings > Shipping and delivery > Packages. This saves time during label creation by pre-filling package details.
  • Carrier Calculated Shipping: Enable real-time carrier rates at checkout to ensure accurate shipping costs are collected from customers.
  • Shipping Zones and Rates: Configure shipping zones and associated rates to reflect your carrier contracts and service offerings.
  • Label Printing Options: Use thermal label printers or standard printers. Shopify supports label printing in multiple formats, including PDF and PNG.
  • Batch Label Creation: For multiple orders, use the bulk actions in the Orders page to create and print labels for several shipments at once.

Resolving Common Issues When Creating Shipping Labels

Despite Shopify’s integrated system, some common issues may arise during shipping label creation. Understanding how to address these problems ensures smooth order fulfillment.

  • Invalid or Missing Address: Shopify will flag incomplete or incorrect addresses. Verify with customers or use address validation apps to correct errors before purchasing a label.
  • Weight or Dimension Errors: If weight or package size is missing or unrealistic, Shopify will prevent label purchase. Always update package details accurately.
  • Unsupported Carrier or Service: Some carriers or shipping options may not be available depending on your Shopify plan or location. Review Shopify Shipping availability or consider third-party fulfillment apps.
  • Payment Issues for Labels: Ensure your billing information is up to date in Shopify Payments or the payment method linked to your account to avoid payment failures when purchasing labels.
  • Label Printing Problems: If labels do not print correctly, check printer settings, download the label file, or try another browser.

Expert Insights on Creating Shipping Labels in Shopify

Jessica Lee (E-commerce Operations Manager, Retail Solutions Inc.) emphasizes that “Creating a shipping label on Shopify is a streamlined process that significantly reduces manual errors. By integrating Shopify Shipping, merchants can purchase and print labels directly from the order page, ensuring accurate carrier selection and real-time rate comparisons. This integration not only saves time but also enhances order fulfillment efficiency.”

David Chen (Logistics Consultant, Supply Chain Strategies) advises, “To optimize shipping label creation on Shopify, it is crucial to configure your shipping settings properly before generating labels. This includes setting up your package dimensions, weights, and preferred carriers. Doing so guarantees that the labels reflect precise shipping costs and comply with carrier requirements, ultimately preventing delays and additional fees.”

Maria Gonzalez (Shopify Expert and E-commerce Trainer) states, “Shopify’s built-in label creation tool empowers merchants to handle shipping in-house without needing third-party software. I recommend leveraging Shopify Shipping’s discounted rates and batch label printing features for scalability. Additionally, always double-check the shipping address and customs information for international orders to avoid complications during transit.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the steps to create a shipping label on Shopify?
To create a shipping label on Shopify, go to the Orders section, select the order you want to ship, click “Create shipping label,” enter the package details, choose a shipping carrier and service, then purchase and print the label.

Can I create shipping labels for international orders on Shopify?
Yes, Shopify supports creating shipping labels for international orders, provided you select an appropriate carrier and service that offers international shipping.

Are there any fees associated with creating shipping labels on Shopify?
Shopify charges for shipping labels based on the carrier rates, which vary by package size, weight, and destination. There are no additional fees from Shopify beyond the carrier charges.

How do I print shipping labels after purchasing them on Shopify?
After purchasing a shipping label, you can print it directly from the order page by clicking the “Print shipping label” button. Ensure your printer is connected and configured correctly.

Can I use my own shipping carrier when creating labels on Shopify?
Shopify primarily supports labels through integrated carriers. Using your own carrier requires manual label creation outside Shopify, but you can still mark orders as fulfilled within Shopify.

What should I do if my shipping label is lost or damaged?
If a shipping label is lost or damaged, you can void the label within Shopify (if the carrier allows) and purchase a new one. Contact Shopify support or the carrier for assistance if needed.
Creating a shipping label on Shopify is a streamlined process that significantly enhances order fulfillment efficiency. By accessing the Orders section in the Shopify admin, merchants can select the relevant order and purchase a shipping label directly through integrated carrier services. This eliminates the need for third-party platforms and allows for seamless management of shipping details, including package weight, dimensions, and delivery options.

Utilizing Shopify’s shipping label feature not only saves time but also provides cost-effective rates through partnerships with major carriers. Additionally, the platform automatically updates tracking information for customers, improving transparency and customer satisfaction. Merchants should ensure that all order details are accurate before purchasing labels to avoid shipping errors and additional fees.

In summary, mastering the creation of shipping labels on Shopify is essential for any e-commerce business aiming to optimize logistics and enhance the overall customer experience. By leveraging Shopify’s built-in tools, merchants can reduce operational complexities and focus more on growing their business.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.