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Smead ColorBar Labels - How Offices Still Print Them After the Software Was Discontinued

Posted by Karl Kneissel ,Mar 06, 2026
Smead ColorBar Labels - How Offices Still Print Them After the Software Was Discontinued

Smead ColorBar Labels - What Happened and How to Keep Using Them

For many years, Smead ColorBar® labels have been a reliable way to organize large filing systems. By combining letters or numbers with distinct color bars, offices can quickly identify files and reduce the risk of misfiles.

Medical offices, law firms, and records departments have built entire filing systems around ColorBar labels. When Smead discontinued its original ColorBar printing software, many long-time users questioned whether their systems could continue.

The good news is that ColorBar labels themselves are still readily available, and many organizations have successfully adapted modern solutions to keep using them. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What Are Smead ColorBar Labels?

ColorBar labels use a combination of letters or numbers with color bars to create a visual filing pattern across file drawers. When applied to folders, they form a color-coded sequence that allows staff to scan quickly and spot misfiles instantly.

This system is commonly used in:

  • Medical records departments
  • Legal case file systems
  • Corporate records management
  • Government document archives

When implemented correctly, color-coded systems like ColorBar significantly improve filing accuracy and retrieval speed.

Why the ColorBar Label Software Was Discontinued

Smead originally offered dedicated software designed to print ColorBar labels with precise alignment. Over time, maintaining compatibility with newer Windows operating systems became increasingly difficult, leading to the discontinuation of the software.

Important: This only affected the software. The labels themselves are still manufactured and widely used today.

ColorBar Labels Are Still Available

Because so many organizations rely on ColorBar systems, these labels are still actively produced.

You can browse the full selection here:
Shop Smead ColorBar Labels

Popular options include:

How Offices Still Print ColorBar Labels

Even without the original software, many organizations continue printing ColorBar labels using updated workflows.

Common approaches include:

  • Running legacy software in compatibility mode
  • Maintaining older workstations that still support the program
  • Using custom-built templates
  • Creating layouts with modern label software

Organizations with IT support often replicate the original layout so printed text aligns correctly with ColorBar label sheets.

Additional ColorBar Label Options

In addition to standard multi-up sheets, Smead offers specialized formats:

There are also compatible alternatives available:

Why Color-Coded Filing Systems Still Work

Color-coded filing systems remain popular because they allow staff to visually scan file drawers and identify patterns instantly. If a file is out of place, the color sequence breaks and the error becomes immediately visible.

Key benefits include:

  • Faster document retrieval
  • Reduced filing errors
  • Simpler staff training
  • Better organization of large file systems

Maintaining a ColorBar Filing System

Even without the original software, ColorBar systems continue to perform well. As long as the labels remain available, offices can maintain their existing filing structure without disruption.

Browse Smead ColorBar Labels →
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