The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is a popular labeler among American startups. It comes with beginner-friendly software that lets users operate it smoothly on their Windows or Mac computers. Its sharp images produce eye-catching slim Dymo labels that look great on any merchandise.

But how is the LabelWriter 450 different from all other Dymo label printers? How do you begin to set it up and make it work efficiently? These and more are the things we are going to discuss in this article.

What Can You Do with a Dymo Printer, Especially the LabelWriter 450?

Dymo printers are of several different kinds, which we have seen evolve through the years.

The embossers comprise the first group of Dymo printers. They are the classic Dymo labelers that emboss characters into PVC tapes. People mainly use them for marking important equipment and other business assets.

The tape labelers are next, which rely on heat energy for printing but work with coated paper tapes. They are useful for asset tagging and barcoding, although they cannot print intricate images. Most of Dymo’s tape labelers are handheld devices.

The third type of Dymo printers consists of the regular label printers, which run on direct thermal technology but use uncoated paper. They can integrate complex images, but none of them are truly mobile-ready. The LabelWriter series belongs in this category.

Compared to other Dymo printers, the LabelWriters can make a wider variety of sticky tags, including:

    • Asset markers
    • Barcodes
    • Address labels
    • Grocery price tags
    • ID badges
    • Shipping labels, etc.

The Dymo LabelWriter 450’s maximum print width is only 2.2”. It works with all label types except wide ones like standard postage stickers. 

Regular Dymo thermal labels are suitable for short-term labeling because they fade after 6-12 months. PVC and tape Dymo labels last much longer.

supermarket-shelves-label

What Is the Difference between the Dymo LabelWriter 450 and 450 Turbo?

The LabelWriter 450 and 450 Turbo are two of Dymo’s most sought-after units in this product line. The main difference between the two is their operating speed. The LabelWriter 450 can print 51 2” labels per minute, while the 450 Turbo can make 71 2” labels per minute. Note that this difference will not matter much unless your business starts picking up and you begin to rely more and more on your labeler.

Otherwise, the Dymo LabelWriter 450 and 450 Turbo have similar attributes:

  • Print width—the maximum for both is 2.2”. You cannot use them to create standard postage labels, which are of size 4” x 6” and 8.5” x 5.5”. 
  • Operating system (OS) compatibility—both of these Dymo printers work with Windows and Mac computers.
  • Hardware connection—these label makers are USB-only. Neither one will print wirelessly unless you modify your computer system.
  • Direct thermal technology—neither unit uses ink, ribbon or toner to produce labels. Direct contact with their warm print heads is enough to generate images on heat-sensitive paper.
  • Print resolution—both the LabelWriter 450 and 450 Turbo have a default resolution of 300 dpi. They let you create clearer labels than if you use a 203-dpi device like a Rollo or Arkscan printer.
  • Acceptable label brands—both models work only with Dymo or Dymo compatible labels, which have special position indicators on their liners. These labels are die-cut and highly customizable, though the machines’ monochromatic prints limit their value in branding.
  • Other compatible media—neither printer uses fanfolds or has a huge label capacity. They require more frequent label roll changes than the competition.

To get the most from your hard-earned money, we recommend that you examine and compare several thermal printer brands and models before you settle for one. Each of them offers a unique set of features that suit some businesses more than others.

What Size Labels Should You Use on the Dymo LabelWriter 450?

The Dymo LabelWriter 450’s maximum print width is 2.2”. It works with labels having this width or slimmer. Labels having a width of 3” and 4” cannot fit in this machine’s feed slot.

How Should You Download Software for the LabelWriter 450, and How Should You Install the Unit on Your PC?

To get the right software for your Dymo LabelWriter 450, the first thing you must do is check what OS version you have. 

  • If you have a Windows PC, you can find out by clicking Start > Settings > System > About. Under “Device specifications” and “System type,” you will see what version and edition Windows is running on your computer.
  • If you’re using a Mac, click the Apple icon, then “About This Mac.” You will find your macOS type in the next window.

If you purchased your unit brand new and in an unopened package, it should have its software CD enclosed. Run this disc in your CD driver to extract the appropriate setup programs.

On the other hand, if you bought your LabelWriter 450 without its CD, you may still get its installation apps from the Dymo website. You can approach this in two ways.

  • First, you can go to the Dymo LabelWriter 450 product page. Googling it or using Dymo.com’s search engine should make this easy. When you get to the page, click the “Support” tab on its right side. That will display a list of applications suitable for different operating systems.
  • If the first method does not work, check out Dymo’s Compatibility Chart. It contains more information on software compatibility and the required download links.

Once you have downloaded the software file you need, click to install, then follow the prompts. You have the option to install the drivers only or include the Dymo design app in the file. If you’re new to label designing, we recommend that you include Dymo’s beginner-friendly label customization app during setup. This design app is either Dymo Label™ or Dymo Connect for Desktop, depending on your OS.

After software installation, you may now plug in your Dymo LabelWriter 450. Your PC will automatically detect the printer and set it up.

How Should You Load a Dymo LabelWriter 450?

Loading your thermal printer properly will help you minimize printing problems, such as label jams, font sizing issues, blank labels, etc. Here are the steps in loading your Dymo LabelWriter 450:

  1. Make sure that you’re using the right size Dymo labels. 
  2. Plug the device.
  3. Open the unit by raising the top cover. 
  4. Remove any extra labels in the label feed by pressing the form-feed button.
  5. Get the label spool from under the top cover and take out its spindle.
  6. Put a label roll on the spindle so that it feeds between the print head and guide face-down. Follow the big arrow on the spindle, which shows you where the loose end of the roll should be. 
  7. Attach the loaded spindle to the spool guide, ensuring that the label roll fits snugly.
  8. Place the spool into its slot under the printer lid.
  9. Align the left margin of the first label with that of the label feed slot. Put the first label into the slot. The printer will feed automatically when it detects the label. 
  10. Lock the label roll on its right edge by sliding the right label guide toward it.
  11. Close the printer, making sure that the lid clicks into place.

As long as you’re using only slim Dymo or Dymo compatible labels, the process is the same regardless of the label size and color.

Colorful Dymo Labels are in stock! Buy now!

How Should You Change Labels on a Dymo LabelWriter 450?

Changing the labels correctly is just as vital to your printer’s performance. If your LabelWriter 450 has many uses, you may need to change labels not only when you’re running out but also when you’re switching to a different size or color. And you may have to do this several times a day.

Learn More:

First, retract the labels in the printer feed if you have not fully consumed the current label roll.

  • Open the printer lid.
  • Find the paper lever on the left of the print head and move it. 
  • Pull the fed label back.

After getting the unused labels out, you can load the printer in the same manner as described above. If you’re switching to a different size label, you may need to realign or recalibrate your LabelWriter 450.

How do you calibrate a Dymo printer?

  • Keep your printer powered up after reloading it. If the printer cover is closed shut, the button in front should emit a blue light continuously.
  • Press the blue button for 10 seconds.
  • Release the button. The thermal printer will generate different patterns on your labels as the blue light blinks repeatedly.
  • You may interrupt this self-test any time if you think that the printer already detects the new labels.
  • A few blank labels may come out of the print head after stopping the self-test. You may maneuver the paper lever again to retract these excess labels.

This process helps ensure that the device uses the new label dimensions. After that, your Dymo LabelWriter 450 should be ready to print.

How Should You Print to Your Dymo LabelWriter 450 from Microsoft Word?

Printing straight from a word processor like Microsoft Word is one of the conveniences you get from using Dymo printers. You can do it in several ways as long as you have a Dymo design application installed.

1.

Printing Directly from Word

This function lets you treat your Dymo LabelWriter 450 like any other printer installed on your PC. 

  • Open a Microsoft Word document.
  • Type the text you want to print on your label into the Word document.
  • On the “File” menu at the top of your screen, click “Print.”
  • In the next window, find your Dymo LabelWriter 450 under “Printer” and click it.
  • Click Page Setup > Paper > Paper size. Choose the label size you want to use.
  • Still on the “Page Setup” menu, click Margins > Orientation > choose Portrait or Landscape.
  • Still on the “Margins” tab, enter 0.00 in the “Top,” ”Bottom,” “Left,” and “Right” boxes, then click “OK.”
  • A reminder will appear telling you that one or more margins are set outside the printable area. Click “Fix.” The word processor will correct the margins automatically.
  • Click “OK.”
  • If you want to check your label’s layout, select “View” at the top of your screen and click “Print Layout.” 
  • If you approve of the label design, click “File,” choose “Print,” then click the “Print” icon.

This technique works for Microsoft 2003 and later editions, although the steps may vary slightly in each version. Its main downside is that you may have to adjust your margins repeatedly before printing your first labels successfully.

2.

Using Smart Paste

The “Smart Paste” function lets you copy text appearing in a sequence on Microsoft Word into the Dymo Label™ edit area. If done properly, this feature will help you automate the creation of multiple labels.

To print single-line labels, do the following:

  • Open a Microsoft Word document.
  • Open the Dymo Label™ wizard and choose your label type or saved template. You should be able to see your layout in the edit area.
  • On the Microsoft Word document, type the text of your first label in a single line.
  • Press enter once to move to the next line. Type the text of your next label. Keep doing this if you want to create multiple labels. The data for your labels should appear in a single column.
  • After typing the text for all your labels, right-click and copy the data on your clipboard.
  • On the “Edit” menu of the Dymo Label™ app, click “Smart Paste from Clipboard.”
  • A window will appear showing how many labels will print. Confirm by clicking “OK.”
  • Multiple single-line labels will print automatically.
How Should You Print to Your Dymo LabelWriter 450 from Microsoft Word

To print many multiple-line labels, do the following:

  • Create a new Microsoft Word file. 
  • In the Dymo Label™ software, choose a label type or saved template. You will see the layout in the edit area.
  • On the Microsoft Word file, type the text of your first label. For example, if you’re making an address label, type your contact’s name on the first line and their address on the next two lines.
  • Press enter twice to create a space between your entries. Type the text of your next label. Keep doing this so you can make multiple labels. 
  • When you’re done inputting your label information, right-click and copy on your clipboard.
  • On the Dymo Label™ wizard’s “Edit” menu, select “Smart Paste from Clipboard.”
  • A dialog box will appear showing how many labels will print. You may confirm by clicking “OK.”
  • Multiple-line labels will print automatically.
Using Smart Paste

Alternatively, you may copy data from another file into your Word document instead of typing from scratch. Just make sure to follow the steps in separating the text for different labels.

When you use Smart Paste, you do not need to fix the label margins on Microsoft Word. You can design your label on the edit area in the Dymo Label™ wizard, which will fix the margins on its own.

3.

Using the Dymo Word Add-In

The Dymo Word add-in is automatically installed when you set up the Dymo Label™ software. You can find its icon on the “ribbon,” the panel at the top of your Microsoft Word screen. The steps differ depending on your OS.

If you’re using a Windows PC, you may do the following:

  • Open a Microsoft Word document.
  • Choose the text you want to appear on your label.
  • Click the Dymo LabelWriter icon on the ribbon.
  • The Dymo Word add-in window will appear. Here, you can make changes to your text before printing the label, but it will not change the original text you copied.
  • If you need to correct an address in your label entry, you may click “Address Fixer.”
  • Click “Preview” to view your label’s layout.
  • Under “Select label layout,” pick the label layout you want to use.
  • Under “Select printer,” make sure that you’re printing using your Dymo LabelWriter 450.
  • Click “Print.”

The add-in works with Microsoft XP, 2003 and 2007 for PCs running on Windows.

On the other hand, if you’re using Microsoft Word 2004 or 2008 on a Mac, you may do the following to print your labels:

  • Open a Microsoft Word file.
  • Choose the text you want to print on your label.
  • If you’re using Microsoft 2004, click the Dymo LabelWriter icon on the ribbon. If you’re using Microsoft 2008, click the Dymo icon on the ribbon and choose “Dymo LabelWriter” from the menu.
  • You should see the Dymo Word add-in dialog box next. Here, you can make changes to the text before you print the label. 
  • Click “Preview” to check your label’s layout.
  • Under “Select printer,” make sure that you’re printing using your Dymo LabelWriter 450.
  • Under “Select label layout,” click the layout you want to use.
  • If you want to incorporate an Intelligent Mail barcode, click “Intelligent Mail barcode” and select the location where you want to put it.
  • Click “Print.”

The output for both will create a single label with your chosen settings.

4.

Using the Quick Print Function

The Quick Print function allows you to print labels appearing on a Microsoft Word table.

You can use this to print multiple labels after importing spreadsheet data into a Word file through Mail Merge. The label entries after a mail merge appear in sheet label layouts, which are actually Microsoft tables.

  • Create your Mail Merge labels or Microsoft table.
  • To print labels for all cells, place the cursor anywhere on the table. To print only some of the labels, choose the cells you want to print.
  • Click the Dymo LabelWriter icon on the ribbon.
  • In the Dymo Word add-in dialog box, edit the text. You can do this for all labels by clicking “Next.”
  • You may click “Address Fixer” to correct any wrong addresses.
  • Click “Preview” to view your labels’ layout.
  • Select a label layout from the “Select label layout” menu.
  • Make sure that you’re using your Dymo LabelWriter 450 under “Select printer.”
  • Click “Print” to print all your labels. Alternatively, you may click “Test Print” to create a sample label and make sure that you’re applying the correct settings.

You can also use Quick Print to print labels using the last settings you worked with.

By following the steps in this guide, you can use your word processor and Dymo thermal printer to make your labeling tasks efficient.

The Dymo LabelWriter 450—the Essentials

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is a direct thermal printer, the slowest in this product line but one that can produce attractive business labels otherwise. It has a maximum print width of 2.2”, so it only works with slim labels. To set it up, you must first download the Dymo software compatible with your computer’s OS. After doing that, you can plug the equipment, and your PC will automatically install it.

It is important that you load and change the labels properly to maintain the unit’s performance. These two processes involve similar steps, although you may need to recalibrate the LabelWriter 450 every time you change its labels. 

Printing Dymo labels from a word processor can help make your labeling tasks easier. If you’re using Microsoft Word, you can do it directly from a Word document or using Dymo-software-linked functions. Combining a word processor with the LabelWriter 450’s user-friendly features can help you automate labeling so you can be more efficient.

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