> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sendcloud.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating test labels

You can test Sendcloud APIs without running the risk of being charged for any shipping labels you create in the process.

There are two methods of creating test labels:

1. Create a test label using the Sendcloud shipping option **Unstamped letter**. You won't be charged for any shipments which are created using this method.
2. Create a label and cancel it within the deadline

## Method 1: create a test label using the Unstamped letter shipping option

The shipping option **Unstamped letter** is a Sendcloud option which allows you to create test labels via the [Shipments API](/api/v3/shipments) without being charged.

It's not possible to use the **Unstamped letter** shipping option or the Shipments API to create **returns**. To test returns creation, you should use a suitable return shipping option with the [Returns API](/api/v3/returns) and then [cancel the label before the cancellation deadline](/docs/shipping/cancel-a-label/).

<Tip>
  If you're creating a number of test parcels, you may find it helpful to set **Unstamped letter** as your [default
  shipping
  option](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/12213808740116-How-to-set-up-your-default-shipping-settings)
  in your Sendcloud account settings.
</Tip>

You can specify the shipping option **Unstamped letter** in your [Shipments API](/api/v3/shipments) requests within the `ship_with` object. Note that the `shipping_option_code` for this method is `sendcloud:letter` at the time of writing.

```json Example request body theme={null}
{
  "ship_with": {
    "type": "shipping_option_code",
    "properties": {
      "shipping_option_code": "sendcloud:letter"
    }
  }
  // ... other shipment fields
}
```

## Method 2: create a label and cancel it within the deadline

When you want to test outgoing or return shipment creation, and the “Unstamped letter” shipping option isn't applicable, it's possible to create shipping labels and then cancel them within the cancellation deadline.

<Card title="Cancel a label" icon="rocket" href="/docs/shipping/cancel-a-label" horizontal>
  Find out how to cancel a label before the cancellation deadline
</Card>

<Warning>
  **Not all carriers support cancellation requests**. Carefully consult the list of carriers [in our help
  center](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025143991-How-do-I-cancel-my-shipment-) before you request
  a label for a particular shipping option to be sure that cancellation is possible.
</Warning>