A plain-English reference for the technical terms used across POS, receipt, and label printing.
Printing technology
Thermal printing
A printing method that uses heat to create an image on specially coated paper, without ink, toner, or ribbon. Most modern receipt and label printers use thermal printing because it is fast, quiet, and low-maintenance.
Direct thermal printing
A type of thermal printing where heat is applied directly to heat-sensitive paper to create an image. Used for most receipts and many shipping or retail labels. Prints fade over time with heat or sunlight exposure, so it isn’t ideal for long-term archival labels.
Impact printing (dot matrix)
An older printing method that uses a print head striking an ink ribbon against paper, similar to a typewriter. Still used in some kitchen printers because the printed output isn’t affected by heat in a busy kitchen environment.
ESC/POS
A command language, originally developed by Epson, used to control receipt printer functions such as text formatting, cutting, and barcode printing. Many POS printers, including some Star models, support ESC/POS commands for compatibility with existing software.
Star Document Markup
Star Micronics’ own simplified markup language for designing print layouts. It uses easy-to-understand tags to control functions like cutting, alignment, image printing, and text formatting, without needing detailed knowledge of printer-specific commands.
Label printing
Linerless labels
Adhesive labels that don’t have a paper backing (liner) to peel away before use. Linerless labels reduce waste, allow more labels per roll, and are commonly used in food service, retail, and logistics. (See our Linerless Labels Explained page for full detail.)
Die-cut labels
Labels that are pre-cut into a specific shape and size, with a liner backing that’s peeled away before applying. The traditional alternative to linerless labels.
Label printer
A printer designed specifically to produce adhesive labels, such as product labels, shipping labels, or food prep labels, as distinct from a receipt printer. Some hybrid models can print both. (See our Label Printer FAQ for more.)
Connectivity & cloud printing
CloudPRNT
Star Micronics’ protocol that allows a printer to retrieve and print jobs directly from a remote server over the internet, without needing a local computer or extra tablet in between. (See our What is CloudPRNT? explainer.)
CloudPRNT Next
Star’s newer generation of CloudPRNT technology, offering faster, more secure, and more efficient cloud-based printing while keeping the same core polling-based approach.
StarIO.Online
Star Micronics’ fully managed cloud printing service, built on CloudPRNT, that lets developers print and manage devices through a hosted API without running their own server. (See our What is StarIO.Online? explainer.)
Driverless printing
A setup where a printer can be used by a POS system without installing a traditional printer driver, often relying on network, cloud, or app-based communication instead.
SteadyLAN
Star’s technology providing a wired Ethernet connection to devices through a Lightning or USB-C cable, useful where a stable wired connection is needed but a traditional LAN port isn’t practical.
Webhook
A way for one system to automatically notify another system when something happens, for example, a printer status change or completed print job, by sending data to a specified URL in real time rather than requiring the receiving system to repeatedly check for updates.
Integration & development
SDK (Software Development Kit)
A set of tools, code libraries, and documentation that helps developers integrate a product, such as a printer, into their own software. Star provides several SDKs depending on the platform and use case. (See our POS Printer Integration Guide for a full breakdown.)
StarXpand SDK
Star’s current-generation SDK for native iOS, Android, and Windows applications, and for React Native, built on the StarIO10 framework.
StarPRNT SDK
Star’s earlier SDK for native applications, composed of the StarIO and StarIO_Extension libraries. Still fully supported alongside StarXpand SDK.
StarwebPRNT
A Star technology supporting front-end development, allowing web applications to print directly to a Star printer without a backend server in the loop.
REST API
A common style of web API that allows two systems to communicate over standard HTTP requests. Used by services like StarIO.Online to let developers send print jobs and retrieve device data with simple, predictable requests.
ISV (Independent Software Vendor)
A company or developer that builds software, such as POS or ordering platforms, designed to work with hardware from manufacturers like Star Micronics, rather than building hardware itself.
POS hardware terms
POS (Point of Sale)
The hardware and software used to process a transaction, including printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, and the till or tablet running the POS software.
mPOS (Mobile Point of Sale)
A point-of-sale setup that uses mobile or portable hardware, such as a tablet or handheld device with a mobile printer, rather than a fixed checkout counter.
Kiosk printer
A printer built into or designed for self-service kiosks, such as ordering kiosks, ticketing machines, or check-in terminals, often built for higher duty cycles and unattended operation.
Cash drawer
A secure, lockable drawer for storing cash during transactions, typically opened automatically by a signal from a connected receipt printer or POS system.
Barcode scanner
A device that reads barcodes (1D) or QR codes and other 2D codes to quickly identify products or information during a transaction or inventory process.
This glossary is part of Star EMEA’s POS and label printing resource hub. For deeper guides on specific topics, see our Label Printer FAQ, Connectivity Guide, and POS Printer Integration Guide.