BarTender provides label design, management and printing in on-premises and cloud deployment models. This guide compares the available editions and plans, outlining the shared label-production capabilities and the additional tools available for data-driven printing, integrations, governance and global operations.
BarTender deployment options
Deployment model overview
| Deployment model | Available editions or plans | Documented deployment focus |
|---|---|---|
| On-premises | Starter, Professional, Automation, Enterprise | Local control of server configuration and change management, support for data-residency and data-access frameworks, and reduced exposure to poor internet connectivity. |
| Cloud | Essentials, Automation, Enterprise | Fast deployment without additional IT infrastructure, automatic feature and security updates, remote multi-location printing, and cloud-native integrations. |
Within each deployment model, a higher edition or plan includes the capabilities of the preceding level.
Core BarTender capabilities
The following capabilities are listed across all four on-premises editions and all three cloud plans.
Capabilities available across all editions and plans
| Capability | Availability |
|---|---|
| WYSIWYG label designer | All on-premises editions and cloud plans |
| Broad printer support | All on-premises editions and cloud plans |
| Extensive barcode support | All on-premises editions and cloud plans |
| Pre-defined label stock | All on-premises editions and cloud plans |
| Online library with 400+ pre-built label templates | All on-premises editions and cloud plans |
| Local data | All on-premises editions and cloud plans |
BarTender also lists support for more than 11,000 printers used for labeling, marking and coding, plus more than 100 linear and 2D barcode symbologies and standards.
On-premises editions
On-premises BarTender is available in four editions for organisations that want locally deployed labeling with progressively broader data, automation, management and continuity capabilities.
On-premises edition focus
| Edition | Primary focus | Documented capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Design and print labels in minutes | Simple barcode label design, dynamic templates, broad printer support, template library access, and printing to unlimited printers from a single user and PC. |
| Professional | Data-driven labeling with pre-configured dynamic tools | On-demand, data-driven printing forms; connections to 20+ pre-configured databases or file types; customizable data-entry forms; RFID encoding; and print recovery for lost or damaged labels. |
| Automation | Flexible, automated labeling workflows | REST APIs, File Drop and no-code integration builders; 70+ trigger actions for repetitive processes; and integration with business systems and applications including ERP, WMS and MES. |
| Enterprise | Team accountability and enterprise-scale control | Version tracking for label documents, enterprise-level security and permissions, complete audit trails and logs, comprehensive traceability, and 99.99% high availability with enhanced reliability. |
On-premises automation and management functions
| Function | Documented purpose |
|---|---|
| Dynamic data-driven templates | Use dynamic templates to simplify template management. |
| Data-entry and on-demand printing forms | Guide label entry and support on-demand printing workflows. |
| RFID | Encode RFID tags through the same labeling environment used for barcode labels. |
| REST API and File Drop | Create flexible integrations with external systems and applications. |
| .NET SDK | Available as an integration option. |
| Process automation | Automate repetitive processes with trigger actions. |
| Centralized labeling management | Create a central source of truth for label and document management. |
| Content and workflow management | Track label documents from start to finish with version control. |
| Enterprise security and logging | Help prevent unauthorised print runs while managing audit trails and logs. |
| Business continuity | Support high availability and enhanced reliability. |
BarTender Cloud plans
BarTender Cloud is offered in three plans for teams that need browser-based label design and printing without deploying additional IT infrastructure.
Cloud plan focus
| Cloud plan | Primary focus | Documented capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Start printing without additional IT resources | Cloud-based label design, printing from a mobile device or browser, and quick setup with minimal software installation. |
| Automation | Streamline printing and teams without complexity | Connections to cloud databases and local files, REST API or File Drop integrations, document version control, dedicated spaces for users and teams, and direct cloud printing to Zebra printers. |
| Enterprise | Strengthen control of global operations | Pre-configured SSO options and a pre-built connector for direct printing from an ERP or business system; one connector is included with the plan. |
Cloud printing and integration functions
- Driverless remote printing and anywhere, anytime printing are included cloud capabilities.
- Direct cloud printing is available for Zebra printers.
- Cloud plans can use REST APIs and File Drop for flexible integrations.
- The Enterprise cloud plan lists private and semi-private cloud options, plus a dedicated sandbox environment for testing before deployment, as future capabilities.
Selecting a BarTender deployment and plan
Choose on-premises deployment when local server control, data residency requirements or resilience to unreliable internet connectivity are priorities. Choose cloud deployment where rapid rollout, automatic updates, remote printing and cloud-native integrations better suit the operating model.
For basic label creation and printing, start with the entry-level option in the preferred deployment model. Move to Professional or Cloud Automation when data connections, controlled data entry, RFID, versioning or integrations are required. Automation-focused workflows can be supported with BarTender Automation options, including BarTender Automation Printer Annual. Enterprise-level requirements such as detailed auditing, security controls, traceability, high availability, SSO or ERP printing connectors should be assessed against the relevant Enterprise edition or plan.