Assess a move from BarTender
Assess a move from BarTender with a practical checklist for label artwork, source data, customer rules, reprints and physical printer qualification.
CHOOSING PRODUCTION LABEL SOFTWARE
Considering a
BarTender alternative?
Start with the work your labels need to do. SmartFACT Labels is an early-access option for manufacturers with recurring customer-specific labels and CSV order data.
Choose for your workflow.
Current SmartFACT scope and BarTender’s published capabilities.
Sources checked on 25 September 2026.
Scroll across to compare both products
| What matters to you | SmartFACT Labels Current early access | BarTender Varies by edition and deployment |
|---|---|---|
| Getting your data in | A defined manufacturing CSV profile, with saved customer mappings. | Local-file and database connections, with broader integrations depending on the plan. [1] |
| Working in a browser | A browser workspace. Attended local printing requires QZ Tray and workstation setup. | Both on-premises software and Cloud are available. Cloud includes browser-based design. [1] |
| Label design and barcodes | A focused 100 × 150 mm profile with text and Code 128, plus template revisions and previews. | A broader designer, barcode catalogue and RFID capabilities. [1] |
| Reviewing work | Prepared label previews, retained output and reasoned reprints. Template publication currently uses a defined reference suite. | Document management and enterprise controls, with features depending on the edition. [1, 2] |
| Getting started | A conversation about your workflow and suitability for early access. Final Free and Pro offers are not published yet. | Published annual plans, a trial and a sales-led purchase route. [2] |
Check the comparison
[1] BarTender Cloud capabilities. [2] BarTender plans and features. This compares workflow scope, rather than claiming equivalent editions or lower prices. SmartFACT information describes the current early-access product. BarTender features should be checked against your intended edition.
WHEN TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
A focused workflow
may be a better fit.
Consider SmartFACT when your everyday work centres on importing manufacturing orders, applying customer-specific codes and layouts, reviewing the output and keeping reprints traceable.
Bring one representative label and describe how the data reaches your print station. We can assess the fit before you plan a move.
Moving a workflow takes more than moving a file.
SmartFACT does not import or convert BarTender .btw files. A possible switch starts with reviewing customer-provided artwork and sample data, recreating a suitable layout, and checking the output and printer setup. Scope and effort need to be agreed for your labels.
LET’S START WITH YOUR WORKFLOW
Bring one label.
We’ll start there.
Tell us about your data, customer requirements and printer. We’ll help you assess whether SmartFACT Labels fits.
SmartFACT Labels is independent of BarTender and Seagull Software. Product names belong to their respective owners.