---
title: File Types for Labels and Documents
description: This guide explains the recommended file types for labels, their benefits and limitations, and how to resolve common issues. You'll also learn how to specify the label format in your API requests to p
---

[Skip to content](https://knowledge.ehub.com/file-types-for-labels-and-documents-1#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

![eHub-Logo-FullColor-May-15-2024-07-27-43-6708-PM.png\]](https://knowledge.ehub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eHub-Logo-FullColor-May-15-2024-07-27-43-6708-PM.png?height=40&name=eHub-Logo-FullColor-May-15-2024-07-27-43-6708-PM.png)

- [Default HubSpot Blog](https://essentialhub-6313960.hs-sites.com/)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Default HubSpot Blog](https://essentialhub-6313960.hs-sites.com/)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- Go to ehub.com

 Go to ehub.com

 Welcome to eHub Support! How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Help Center](https://knowledge.ehub.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Ship](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en)
3. [Labels, Documents & Manifests](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#labels-documents-manifests)

# File Types for Labels and Documents

This guide explains the recommended file types for labels, their benefits and limitations, and how to resolve common issues. You'll also learn how to specify the label format in your API requests to prevent errors.

[How to Specify Label Type in a Request](https://knowledge.ehub.com/file-types-for-labels-and-documents-1#label-type)  
[Label Format Types](https://knowledge.ehub.com/file-types-for-labels-and-documents-1#format)  
[Common Label Errors and Solutions](https://knowledge.ehub.com/file-types-for-labels-and-documents-1#errors)

---

### **How to Specify Label Type in a Request**

By default, labels are generated in PNG format, which may not be ideal for printing. To specify a different format, follow these steps.

#### **Steps to Specify Label Format**

**1. Locate the label\_format Parameter**

In your API request body, find the label\_format field.  
Example of a request body section:

{

  "service\_id": 1172,

  "ship\_date": "",

  "label\_format": "png",

  "label\_size": "4x6",

  "label\_text1": "",

  "label\_text2": "",

  "inline\_image": false,

  "label\_scale": null

}

**2. Modify the label\_format Value**

Change  the value to your desired format:

- - Supported values: png, pdf, zpl, jpeg
    - Use lowercase for accuracy

**3. Check Carrier Compatibility**

Not all carriers support every label format. If an issue arises, check the carrier’s documentation or contact support. For more details, visit the [API documentation](https://docs.ehub.com/shipments/create-and-ship-a-shipment) under the **Shipments** section.

 

---

### **Label Format Types**

Each label format has unique strengths. Below is an overview of when to use each one.

#### **PDF**

**Best for:** High-quality, print-ready labels

**Pros:**

- - Consistent formatting across devices and printers
    - Ideal for multi-label sheets or reviewing labels before printing

**Cons:**

- - Requires compatible software such as Adobe Reader, though widely supported

**Recommendation:** Use PDF for most printable labels due to its reliability and compatibility.

#### **ZPL**

**Best for:** High-speed, high-volume thermal printing with Zebra printers

**Pros:**

- - Optimized for thermal printers, ensuring fast and clear printing
    - Uses text-based commands for efficient label creation

**Cons:**

- - Limited to printers compatible with ZPL, such as Zebra thermal printers

**Recommendation:** Best for high-volume shipping operations using thermal printers.

#### **JPEG**

**Best for:** Labels that contain photographic images

**Pros:**

- - Efficient for photo-based images

**Cons:**

- - Compression may reduce barcode clarity
    - Does not support transparency

**Recommendation:** Avoid JPEG for barcode labels, as compression can impact barcode readability.

#### **PNG**

**Best for:** Digital display of labels, not high-volume printing

**Pros:**

- - Preserves image detail and supports transparency
    - Useful for web-based label previews

**Cons:**

- - Less efficient for physical label printing than PDF
    - Cannot separate multi-page labels, leading to overlapping content

**Recommendation:** Use PNG for digital previews. For printing, PDF or ZPL is preferred.

#### **Default Format Warning**

PNG is the default format, but it has several drawbacks for printed labels:

- - **Blurry or Incorrectly Sized Labels** 
          - PNG is pixel-based, so scaling issues can lead to blurry images or incorrect label sizing.
    - **Overlapping Content on Multi-Page Labels** 
          - For international shipments, customs forms may require multiple pages. PNG cannot handle this well, compressing content into a single, unreadable label.
    - **Limited Page Management** 
          - Unlike PDF or ZPL, PNG does not support multi-page separation, making it harder to print complex labels.

For printed labels, use PDF or ZPL to ensure clarity, correct sizing, and proper formatting.

 

---

### **Common Label Errors and Solutions**

#### **Multi-Page Label Overlap**

**Issue:**

- - Customs forms for international shipments require multiple pages. In PNG format, content may compress into a single page, making labels unreadable.

**Solution:**

- - Switch to PDF or ZPL format for proper page separation.

#### **Blurry or Incorrectly Sized Labels**

**Issue:**

- - Labels print partially off the label area, appear blurry, or have incorrect scaling.

**Solution:**

- - Use PDF or ZPL format.
    - Check printer settings to match the required label size.

#### **Key Takeaways**

- - **PDF** – Best for high-quality, printable labels with consistent formatting.
    - **ZPL** – Ideal for fast, efficient thermal printing in high-volume environments.
    - **JPEG** – Use selectively for photographic images, but avoid for barcodes.
    - **PNG** – Best for online or digital use. For printing, PDF or ZPL are more reliable.

- [Ship](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Getting Started & Onboarding](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#getting-started-onboarding)
    - [Store Integrations](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#store-integrations)
    - [Order Management](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#order-management)
    - [Labels, Documents & Manifests](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#labels-documents-manifests)
    - [Shipping & Fulfillment](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#shipping-fulfillment)
    - [Inventory](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#inventory)
    - [Reports & Tracking](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#reports-tracking)
    - [Settings & Configuration](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#settings-configuration)
    - [Hardware & Printing](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#hardware-printing)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.ehub.com/ship?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
- [API](https://knowledge.ehub.com/api?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview & Setup](https://knowledge.ehub.com/api?hsLang=en#overview-setup)
    - [Reports & Data](https://knowledge.ehub.com/api?hsLang=en#reports-data)
    - [Error Handling](https://knowledge.ehub.com/api?hsLang=en#error-handling)
    - [Manifests & UI Tools](https://knowledge.ehub.com/api?hsLang=en#manifests-ui-tools)
- [Finance](https://knowledge.ehub.com/finance?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [eHub Billing](https://knowledge.ehub.com/finance?hsLang=en#ehub-billing)
    - [eHub Wallet](https://knowledge.ehub.com/finance?hsLang=en#ehub-wallet)
- [Analytics](https://knowledge.ehub.com/analytics?hsLang=en)
- [Network](https://knowledge.ehub.com/network?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview & Benefits](https://knowledge.ehub.com/network?hsLang=en#overview-benefits)
    - [Brand Portal](https://knowledge.ehub.com/network?hsLang=en#brand-portal)
    - [3PL Portal](https://knowledge.ehub.com/network?hsLang=en#3pl-portal)

- [Default HubSpot Blog](https://essentialhub-6313960.hs-sites.com/)

[![Chill listening crop-3](https://knowledge.ehub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eHub-Logo-FullColor-May-15-2024-07-27-43-6708-PM.png?width=87&height=24&name=eHub-Logo-FullColor-May-15-2024-07-27-43-6708-PM.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://ehub.com)

Help Center

Copyright © 2026, eHub