Label modeling, fairly easily done

I needed a tool to design labels. Color, size, text, font. I am an engineer, not a graphic designer. Not a CAD operator either. So I used the Microsoft Visio program on my computer.

Fairly easy to design the labels and print paper copies for internal review. And print .pdf copies to e-mail to any location.

Actual labels to go on machinery will be printed on a dedicated printer on suitable media. For design purposes, Visio is not bad, as long as you can adjust your thinking to conform to Microsoft expectations.

I use a Brady Power Mark label maker. It's easy to figure out, and can print any tag you want to design, it all depends on the ribbon you buy for your color scheme. I make my labels with 4" vinyl label material using a black/orange ribbon.

Labels

We have the Brady machine as well. Without having the Brady printer, I needed a way to "sketch" labels and print and email them for content and arrangement discussions.

I used Visio, so I could print to plain paper, any size, not to the more costly label material. And I could easily create .pdfs to attach to email and send out for review. Does the Brady software allow prints to .pdf or other printers?

Visio is not used to print the actual labels that will be applied to equipment. But Visio lets me model the labels, in the manner of an approval drawing used to review a design before committing to production.