Topic 03 · Updated November 2026
Tapes and labels
Identify the refill your printer takes and choose the right width, material and adhesive for the job.
Find the right cassette or roll family
24 practical guides
What do you need to do?
Read the exact printer model first. Use its refill family to narrow the choice, then compare width, feed format, material and adhesive.
Read the model before choosing a refill
A brand name and width are not enough. Cassettes can have different shapes; rolls can need a particular holder, backing or recognition system. Find the full model on the machine and use the corresponding guide below.
| Your machine | Refill family | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Brother PT-H110 | Brother TZe | Supported widths up to 12 mm and the complete cassette code |
| DYMO LetraTag LT-100H | 12 mm LetraTag | Supported paper, plastic or other material for the job |
| Brother QL-1110NWBc | Brother DK | Exact roll code, holder and the dimensions the file needs |
Brother PT-H110 media list · DYMO LetraTag information · Brother QL-1110NWBc specifications
Compare cost in usable units: length for continuous tape and the number of usable labels for pre-cut stock. Allow for feed margins, setup prints and the pack size you will actually use.
8 guides
Match the refill to the printer model
Start here for the supported cassette, roll family and model-specific limits.
- Brother TZe tape compatibilityCheck the P-touch model, cassette code and supported widths.→
- DYMO LetraTag tape compatibilityMatch paper, plastic and other supported LetraTag cassettes.→
- DYMO D1 tape compatibilityDistinguish D1 sizes and machine-specific support.→
- Brother DK roll compatibilityMatch a Brother QL model to its DK holder and media code.→
- LabelWriter 450 vs 550 rollsCheck the recognition requirements of the exact LabelWriter generation.→
- NIIMBOT rolls by modelSeparate D-series and B-series rolls and check the specific model.→
- DYMO embossing tape compatibilityMatch the tape width and type to a manual embosser.→
- Brother TZe vs M tapesDistinguish two cassette families even where widths look similar.→
7 guides
Choose the width, feed and print format
Physical fit, sensing and printable area all matter.
- Tape widths from 3.5 to 36 mmCompare printable heights, supported TZe widths and cassette families with manufacturer-backed tables.→
- Brother TZe-231 vs TZe-221Compare 12 mm and 9 mm black-on-white TZe options.→
- Brother DK die-cut vs continuousChoose pre-cut labels or a supported continuous roll.→
- 4 × 6 thermal labelsCheck actual dimensions and the printer’s accepted stock.→
- Fanfold vs roll labelsCompare the holder, feed path and space behind the printer.→
- Gap vs black-mark labelsMatch the sensor setting to the backing format.→
- Direct thermal vs thermal transferUnderstand which print method and supplies the machine requires.→
7 guides
Choose material for the surface and conditions
Use the tape maker’s application guidance and check a small sample first.
- Paper, plastic or laminated tape?Compare indoor paper use with plastic and laminated media.→
- Brother TZe standard vs strong adhesiveCompare standard and strong adhesive within the supported TZe family.→
- Labels for freezer containersCheck the material, application conditions and cleaning routine.→
- Iron-on labels for clothesCheck the garment, application method and compatible cassette.→
- Labels on curved surfacesMatch flexible material and the available contact area.→
- Removable vs permanent labelsChoose around replacement, cleaning and residue requirements.→
- Outdoor labels for plant potsCheck the surface, exposure and documented tape limits.→
2 guides
Diagnose adhesion before printing a batch
Check the surface and contact area as well as the adhesive.
Common questions
Are all thermal label rolls interchangeable?
No. Match the exact printer’s media family, dimensions, holder, sensing mode and recognition requirements. A similar width is insufficient evidence of compatibility.
What is the difference between fanfold and roll labels?
Fanfold labels open out from a folded stack. Rolls unwind from a core, often using a holder. A compatible printer may accept either, but the dimensions, sensing and supply path still need to match.
Is 4×6 the same as A6?
No. Exact four by six inches is 101.6 × 152.4 mm, while A6 is 105 × 148 mm. Some listings use the names loosely, so check the actual stock and the print setting.
Can any 12 mm tape fit my label maker?
Match the cassette family and width to the exact model. Brother TZe, DYMO LetraTag and DYMO D1 each have 12 mm options with different cassette designs.
Is the printable height the same as the tape width?
Printable height is usually smaller because the printer leaves margins. Check the model’s specification and preview the design on the width you plan to load.