While it is not advisable to run two instances of the Shiptheory Print Client application on the same PC, this is technically configurable by following the steps detailed below.


It should be noted that attempting to run two instances of the client on your PC may cause printing issues such as blank labels and unnecessary duplication. Please only attempt this if you are familiar with system administration. Otherwise, please get in touch with Shiptheory support here and we can help you out.


  • Start two instances of the PrintNode Client with the following command-line parameters:

To start the first instance:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Shiptheory Print Client\ShiptheoryPrintClient.exe --allow-multiple-instances 


To start the second instance:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Shiptheory Print Client\ShiptheoryPrintClient.exe --allow-multiple-instances --settings-dir="C:\Users\[your user name]\.printnode2" --settings-dir-create

  • Log in to the first instance of the Shiptheory Print Client with a set of credentials for one account.
  • Log in to the second instance of the Shiptheory Print Client with a set of credentials for the other account.


If you want these changes to take effect when the client starts upon booting you need to modify the startup files:

  • Hit Windows+R to open the "Run" window.
  • Type and execute the command "shell:common startup".  This will open a folder:  

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup


You should see the shortcut called "Shiptheory Print Client" in it.


  • Copy the "Shiptheory Print Client" shortcut and paste it into the folder.  Please note that this requires administrator permission - press "Continue" to confirm.  A shortcut called "Shiptheory Print Client - Copy" will be created.
  • Right-click on the "Shiptheory Print Client" shortcut and select "Properties".
  • Modify the "Target:" so that it has the --allow-multiple-instances command-line option, for instance like this:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Shiptheory Print Client\ShiptheoryPrintClient.exe" --allow-multiple-instances


Press OK.  Please note that that action also requires administrator privileges.  Press "Continue" to confirm.


  • Right-click on the "Shiptheory Print Client - copy" shortcut and select "Properties".
  • Modify the "Target:" so that it has the --allow-multiple-instances and the --settings-dir command-line options.  For example:


"C:\Program Files (x86)\Shiptheory Print Client\ShiptheoryPrintClient.exe" --allow-multiple-instances --settings-dir="C:\Users\[your user name]\.printnode2"


Then press OK.  Please note that that action also requires administrator privileges.  Press "Continue" to confirm.