Shopify's original Order Printer app was a basic tool designed for a simpler era of ecommerce. However, for modern, scaling stores, its limitations, lack of reliable bulk printing, zero automation, and limited customization, have made it obsolete. When processing peak season volume or managing complex B2B invoices, relying on the old solution simply isn't an option.
This guide provides the definitive look at the best modern alternatives to the native Order Printer app, comparing them on the most critical factors for high-volume fulfillment: Bulk Speed, Customization, and Automation. Find the robust replacement your business needs.
The Critical Flaws of Native/Legacy Printing
Before selecting an alternative, it’s important to understand the fundamental problems the original Order Printer and basic native tools pose for growing businesses:
- Bulk Failure: The native tools often rely on browser-based PDF generation, which fails, freezes, or produces corrupted files when asked to process hundreds of orders simultaneously.
- Zero Automation: Documents must be generated and printed manually for each order, eliminating the possibility of a "set and forget" workflow.
- Limited Branding: Templates offer minimal flexibility, preventing you from adding high-resolution logos, specific brand colors, or legal text required for professional invoicing.
Top Alternatives for Bulk Printing and Customization
We analyze the apps that provide the most reliable and feature-rich alternatives to the legacy system.
1. Order Printer Pro: Best for Bulk Speed and Code-Level Control
| Key Strength | Order Printer Pro | Why It’s the Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Printing | Engineered for speed and reliability. Processes large batches seamlessly, generating a single, merged PDF file for fast printing. | Handles the volume of peak season and large daily fulfillment runs without crashing the browser. |
| Customization | Offers full access to Liquid, HTML, and CSS. Provides the ultimate control for unique branding, B2B price lists, or complex data needs. | Replaces the legacy system's limited templates with professional, fully customizable documents. |
| Automation | Automatic link injection into confirmation emails, plus automatic generation upon fulfillment or payment. | Eliminates manual document creation and ensures customers get instant documentation. |
| Document Support | Invoices, Packing Slips, Manifests, Quotes, and more, all from one template base. | Consolidates all necessary fulfillment documents into one powerful tool. |
2. Sufio: Best for Enterprise Tax Compliance
| Key Strength | Sufio | Why It’s the Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Compliance | Unrivaled legal compliance rules for over 75 countries, developed with expert accounting consultation. | Essential for complex international or B2B sales (e.g., EU VAT compliance). |
| Accounting Sync | Direct, native integration with systems like Xero and QuickBooks. | Streamlines financial data hand-off and eliminates manual input errors for accounting. |
| Bulk Printing | Very good bulk export capabilities, optimized for reliable PDF generation. | Supports high volume, particularly valuable for end-of-month financial exports. |
3. Printout Designer: Best for Pre-built Template Selection
| Key Strength | Printout Designer | Why It’s the Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Design Library | Wide variety of professional, pre-built templates for quick setup. | Fast and easy solution for merchants prioritizing speed to launch over deep branding. |
| Conditional Logic | Supports rule-based logic to display different data fields (e.g., show discounts only on certain invoices). | Good tool for moderate customization without needing to touch code. |
| Bulk Printing | Reliable bulk processing for invoices and packing slips. | A dependable replacement for the native app's core printing function. |
The Key Factor: Customization vs. Cost
When choosing an alternative, prioritize based on your growth stage:
| Your Priority | Recommended Alternative | Why Order Printer Pro Excels Here |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Flexibility and Value | Order Printer Pro | It gives you the code-level power to adapt templates for any purpose (B2B, wholesale, unique brand demands) without locking the multi-language feature into expensive tiers. |
| Strict B2B Compliance | Sufio | If your primary concern is strict EU/global tax validation and automated sync with major enterprise accounting systems. |
| Simplicity and Quick Launch | Printout Designer | If you need a quick, no-code replacement and are satisfied with the available template designs. |
Order Printer Pro is the best alternative for scaling merchants because it directly addresses the shortcomings of the native app, offering reliable high-volume printing and the complete design freedom necessary for a professional brand.
Summary: The Essential Upgrade for Scalable Fulfillment
The limitations of Shopify's legacy Order Printer are a severe bottleneck for any ambitious ecommerce merchant. Upgrading to a specialized solution is not optional, it is essential for scalable success.
Order Printer Pro stands out as the superior alternative because it provides a reliable, high-speed engine for bulk printing hundreds of orders while giving you the code-level flexibility (Liquid/HTML) to maintain perfect brand consistency across all documents. Whether your priority is speed, design, or robust automation, Order Printer Pro offers the dependable foundation your growing store needs.
Stop wasting time with slow, error-prone native tools. Make the switch to the modern fulfillment solution that protects your efficiency and elevates your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Order Printer Pro print packing slips and shipping manifests?
Yes. Order Printer Pro uses the same template system to generate invoices, packing slips, manifests, and return forms, allowing you to consistently brand all fulfillment documents.
Is Order Printer Pro free to use?
It offers a generous free plan (up to 50 documents per month) suitable for testing, configuration, and low-volume stores. All paid plans include essential features like multi-language support.
Does the app attach the PDF to the customer email?
No, it injects a secure download link. Top-tier apps use this method to ensure maximum email deliverability and avoid the file attachment failures common in the native Shopify notification system.
How does Order Printer Pro handle bulk printing of hundreds of orders?
It generates a single, combined PDF file from a large, filtered batch of orders. This merged file is processed swiftly on the app's servers, avoiding the browser memory limits that cause native printing to fail.
Can Order Printer Pro print directly from my phone or tablet?
Yes, absolutely! Since the app generates a standard, high-quality PDF file, you can download that file directly to any device (phone, tablet, desktop) and print it using your standard printer connections, offering maximum fulfillment flexibility.
