How to print a Chronopost label with a thermal printer?

A Chronopost label can be printed at home with a thermal printer, provided you use the correct file and format. The objective is simple: keep the entire slip, get a clear barcode, and stick the label flat on the package.

This guide explains the method from a computer or smartphone, the settings to check, and solutions if the label comes out too small, cut, or misaligned.

1. Create the shipment and retrieve the Chronopost label

Create your shipment using the Chronopost service your business uses or the e-commerce platform that generates the slip. Carefully fill in:

• the sender's details;
• the recipient's name, address, postal code, and city;
• the phone number and email address if the service requests them;
• the weight and dimensions of the package;
• the shipping offer and desired options.

After validation, download the shipping label. Chronopost indicates that a sender can either print their label or, for certain eligible offers and drop-off points, use an e-Label QR code without printing.

If you regularly ship from a store, printing at your packing station allows you to prepare and check each package before dropping it off.

2. Choose the right file for a thermal printer

When several formats are offered, select the thermal or 10 × 15 cm format. This dimension corresponds to 100 × 150 mm, also known as 4×6 inches.

If you only have an A4 PDF, check if the platform allows you to download a thermal version. Avoid screen capturing or manually cropping the barcode: a compressed or distorted image can lose clarity.

To understand the differences between 100 × 150 mm and other dimensions, consult our label format guide.

3. Load the labels correctly

Place the thermal labels in the direction indicated by your printer. The heat-sensitive side must be facing the print head.

A simple test allows you to recognize this side: lightly rub both sides with your fingernail. The side that darkens under friction is usually the printable side.

Align the guides without crushing the media. If you change the width or install a new pack of labels, initiate the printer's calibration function so that it correctly detects the space between two labels.

4. Set the 100 × 150 mm format

In the printing application or window, check:

• width: 100 mm;
• height: 150 mm;
• orientation: portrait or automatic depending on the file;
• scale: 100% or actual size;
• margins: none if the driver allows;
• number of copies: 1, unless multiple shipments are intended.

Disable "fit to page" or "shrink oversized pages" options if they modify the slip. The barcode should not be stretched or compressed.

5. Print from a computer

On Windows

1. Connect the printer via USB and turn it on.
2. Open the Chronopost PDF.
3. Select the thermal printer.
4. Choose 100 × 150 mm paper.
5. Select "actual size" or 100%.
6. Check the preview and then print a test label.

On Mac

1. Plug in the printer and check that it appears in the available printers.
2. Open the PDF in Preview or the recommended software.
3. Display the print window details.
4. Select the 100 × 150 mm format.
5. Check the orientation and scale before printing.

If an A4 file contains multiple elements, use the manufacturer's tool or application to extract the label area without reducing the content.

6. Print from iPhone or Android

With a compatible Bluetooth printer:

1. download the Chronopost PDF to the phone;
2. open the printer's associated application;
3. import or share the PDF to the application;
4. choose the 100 × 150 mm format;
5. check the preview;
6. start Bluetooth printing.

The Bluetooth connection sometimes occurs directly within the application rather than in the phone's general settings. Our Bluetooth guide for iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows details the steps and common connection issues.

7. Check the label before sticking it

Check that:

• the slip is complete;
• the address is legible;
• the package number appears;
• the barcode has clear lines;
• no important area is cut;
• the print is neither too light nor excessively dark.

Do not use an incomplete label. Correct the format and reprint before handing the package to the carrier.

8. Stick the label correctly

Choose the largest flat side of the box. Remove old labels and barcodes if you are reusing packaging.

Stick the slip:

• flat, without folds;
• away from an edge or opening;
• on a clean and dry surface;
• without shiny adhesive tape over the barcode;
• without covering part of the text.

For a shipping pouch, smooth out air and wrinkles before applying the label.

Troubleshoot common problems

Label comes out too small

The driver is likely using another format or scaling down the file. Select 100 × 150 mm and 100%.

Label is cut off

Check the orientation, paper width, and margins. Recalibrate the printer if it is advancing by the wrong length.

A blank page comes out after the label

The PDF may contain an extra page or the page format does not match the media. Check the number of pages in the preview.

Barcode is faint or blurry

Clean the print head once the device has cooled, then slightly adjust the density. Use an original PDF rather than a screenshot.

Label comes out blank

Flip the label pack: the non-heat-sensitive side is likely facing the head.

Find the complete order of checks in our article Blurry, Misaligned, or Blank Thermal Label: 12 Solutions.

Which printer to use for Chronopost?

Look for a printer:

• direct thermal;
• 100 × 150 mm compatible;
• with a resolution of at least 203 DPI for standard slips;
• equipped with Bluetooth for mobile and USB for computer;
• accepting common and easy-to-replace labels.

The Metashopper 4×6 thermal printer prints at 203 DPI up to 150 mm/s from iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac. Packs include 200, 500, or 1,000 labels depending on the chosen offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Chronopost label be printed in 100 × 150 mm?

Yes, when the file or shipping solution offers a suitable thermal format. Select 100 × 150 mm paper and print at actual size.

Can I print from a phone?

Yes, with a compatible Bluetooth printer and its application. Download the PDF, import it into the app, select 100 × 150 mm, and check the preview.

Is ink required?

No, with a direct thermal printer. You must use compatible heat-sensitive labels.

Can a Chronopost package be dropped off without printing?

Chronopost offers the e-Label service for certain eligible offers and Pickup points. The QR code received by email is then presented at the drop-off point. Check the eligibility of your shipment on the official Chronopost website.

Why is my Chronopost label cut off?

The problem usually comes from the format, orientation, scale, or calibration. Revert to 100 × 150 mm, print at 100%, and restart calibration.