BarTender Cloud vs Cway: key differences for packaging teams

BarTender Cloud is a popular SaaS platform for label design, barcode printing, and automated labeling workflows. But in many organizations, especially in FMCG, retail, and manufacturing, teams also need tools to manage packaging artwork, creative assets, versioning, and multi-stakeholder approval processes.

This raises a common question: How does BarTender Cloud compare to a platform like Cway?
While both support digital assets in some form, they serve completely different needs.

In this article, we break down the differences, strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right solution for your artwork and packaging operations.

What Is BarTender Cloud?

BarTender Cloud is a cloud-based platform designed for:

• label design

• barcode and RFID printing

• automated label printing

• central management of print templates

• integration with manufacturing and warehouse systems

Its primary value is enabling consistent, automated, and compliant labeling across production, logistics, and retail.

BarTender Cloud Key Features

• Web-based label design

• Centralized template library

• Role-based access for print operators

• Automation and API-based printing

• Integration with ERP, WMS, MES

• Support for barcodes, RFID, and serialization

Who is it for?

BarTender Cloud is ideal for operations and supply-chain environments that need standardized label printing at scale.

Where it is not a perfect fit

BarTender Cloud is not designed for:

• creative workflows

• artwork and packaging approvals

• version control of visual assets

• cross-team review cycles

• multilingual artwork management

• large-scale DAM functionality

This is where Cway serves a different purpose.

What Is Cway?

Cway is a platform built for packaging, branding, and creative teams who need to manage:

• artwork compliance

• approval workflows

• design revisions

• digital asset management (DAM)

• packaging files, images, and brand materials

• multi-market, multi-SKU product lifecycle content

Cway focuses on collaboration, control, and quality assurance in high-volume design and packaging operations.

Cway Software Key Features

• End-to-end artwork approval workflows

• Centralized DAM for all packaging and brand assets

• Visual review tools and annotations

• Versioning and change history

• Multi-language artwork management

• Role-based permissions for internal and external partners

• Full lifecycle management for packaging assets

Who is it for?

Cway is ideal for:

• packaging teams

• brand and marketing teams

• manufacturers with multi-SKU portfolios

• agencies working with multiple clients

• teams managing frequent artwork updates

BarTender Cloud vs Cway: Side-by-Side Comparison

BarTender Cloud Pricing: What We Know

BarTender Cloud uses subscription-based pricing, and plans typically scale with:

• number of users

• number of print events

• automation level

• advanced API usage

BarTender does not publicly list detailed cloud pricing tiers. Most organizations must contact their sales team.

This pricing model fits manufacturing/warehouse environments but does not cover the needs of teams handling artwork approvals or asset management.

BarTender Cloud Login & Deployment

BarTender Cloud works fully in the browser—no desktop installation is needed.

Key login advantages:

• access from any location

• no dedicated print server

• fast onboarding for operators

However, authentication is optimized for printing workflows rather than creative collaboration.

BarTender Cloud API and Automation

The BarTender Cloud API enables:

• automated printing from ERP/WMS

• data-driven label generation

• auto-triggered label workflows

This is valuable for production and supply chain teams that rely on high-volume automation.

By contrast, Cway automation focuses on:

• routing approvals

• notifying reviewers

• tracking design revisions

• connecting assets across the lifecycle

Two very different automation domains.

Which Platform Do You Need?

Choose BarTender Cloud if you need:

• centralized label printing

• barcode and RFID automation

• compliance and serialization

• high-volume printing across locations

Choose Cway if you need:

• artwork approval workflows

• digital asset management (DAM)

• packaging version control

• collaboration across marketing, design, and agencies

• lifecycle management for brand and packaging assets
  
  

Your company needs packaging artwork management and standardized label printing — the platforms complement each other well.

BarTender Cloud and Cway operate in different segments of the packaging ecosystem. BarTender Cloud is a strong solution for printing, labeling, and operational automation. Cway specializes in managing the full lifecycle of artwork and packaging assets — from creation to approval and reuse.

If your organization handles frequent artwork updates, collaborates across teams, or manages large portfolios of SKUs, Cway is the platform better aligned with your needs.