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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

For many years, Smead ColorBar® labels have been a reliable way to organize large filing systems. By integrating letters or numbers with unique color bars, offices can enhance their ability to visually identify files quickly and minimize the occurrence of misfiled documents.

Numerous medical offices, law firms, and records departments have structured their entire filing systems around ColorBar labels. However, the discontinuation of the original ColorBar printing software by Smead left many devoted users questioning the viability of their established systems.

The good news is that ColorBar labels themselves, and many organizations have successfully adapted modern solutions to continue printing them. We stock all types of ColorBar Labels and are ready to accomodate large or small needs.

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 file folders, the labels form a color-coded sequence that allows staff to quickly scan for files and immediately detect misfiles.

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. As a result, Smead eventually discontinued development of the ColorBar software.

Important: This change only affected the online software and related support. The labels themselves are still produced and widely used in filing systems today.

ColorBar Labels Are Still Available

Many offices continue using the ColorBar system, which is why Smead still manufactures these labels.

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

Common options include:

How Offices Still Print ColorBar Labels

Although the original software is no longer supported, many organizations continue printing ColorBar labels using older local installations or custom templates.

Common approaches include:

  • Running the legacy software in Windows compatibility mode
  • Maintaining older workstations that still support the program
  • Using custom templates developed internally
  • Building label layouts using modern label software

Organizations with in-house IT resources often replicate the original label format so the printed text aligns correctly with ColorBar label sheets.

Additional ColorBar Label Options

In addition to traditional multi-up label sheets, Smead also offers several specialized formats.

There are also some compatible alternatives such as:

Why Color-Coded Filing Systems Still Work

Color-coded systems remain popular because they allow staff to visually scan file drawers and identify patterns instantly. If a file is placed incorrectly, the color pattern breaks immediately, making the misfile obvious.

Benefits of color-coded filing include:

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

Maintaining a ColorBar Filing System

Even though the original printing software has been retired, many offices continue to rely on ColorBar labeling systems that were implemented years ago. As long as the labels remain available, these filing systems can continue functioning effectively for years to come.

Browse Smead ColorBar Labels →
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