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.

[Discuss your current setup](https://labels.smartfact.ai/request-access?from=bartender) [See a worked example](https://labels.smartfact.ai/print-labels-from-csv)

## Choose for your workflow.

Current SmartFACT scope and BarTender’s published capabilities. Sources checked on 25 September 2026.

Scroll across to compare both products

A comparison of the current early-access scope and published BarTender capabilities

| 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]](https://labels.smartfact.ai/bartender-alternative#comparison-sources) |
| 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]](https://labels.smartfact.ai/bartender-alternative#comparison-sources) |
| 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]](https://labels.smartfact.ai/bartender-alternative#comparison-sources) |
| 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]](https://labels.smartfact.ai/bartender-alternative#comparison-sources) |
| 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]](https://labels.smartfact.ai/bartender-alternative#comparison-sources) |

**Check the comparison** 

[1] [BarTender Cloud capabilities](https://www.bartendersoftware.com/product/cloud) . [2] [BarTender plans and features](https://www.bartendersoftware.com/product/pricing) . 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.

WHEN BARTENDER MAY FIT BETTER

### Keep your wider requirements in view.

If you need RFID, a broad barcode catalogue, regulated label libraries or established enterprise connectors now, evaluate the appropriate BarTender edition against those requirements.

Those capabilities are outside SmartFACT’s current early-access scope.

## 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.

KEEP EXPLORING

## The next part of your workflow.

### [Assess a move from BarTender](https://labels.smartfact.ai/guides/moving-from-bartender)

Assess a move from BarTender with a practical checklist for label artwork, source data, customer rules, reprints and physical printer qualification.

### [Customer-specific labels](https://labels.smartfact.ai/customer-specific-labels)

Use saved customer mappings to put the right product code on a production label. See how missing codes, label layouts and previews fit together.

### [Reprints and history](https://labels.smartfact.ai/label-reprints-and-history)

Keep label reprints linked to their original output, selected copies and a recorded reason. Understand print history and uncertain printer submissions.

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.

 [Discuss your labels](https://labels.smartfact.ai/request-access?from=bartender)

SmartFACT Labels is independent of BarTender and Seagull Software. Product names belong to their respective owners.