> ## 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 options **Unstamped letter** (for outgoing shipments) or **Unstamped letter return** (for returns). You won't be charged for any labels created with these options.
2. Create a label and cancel it within the deadline

<Warning>
  Use method 1 whenever you can. Method 2 relies on the carrier accepting the cancellation, and some carriers don't
  allow a label to be canceled once it has been created or manifested. You'll be charged for any label you can't cancel.
  Check [which carriers support
  cancellation](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025143991-How-do-I-cancel-my-shipment-) before you
  choose one for testing.
</Warning>

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

Sendcloud provides two free shipping options for testing:

| Shipping option | `shipping_option_code` | Use with |
| - | - | - |
| **Unstamped letter** | `sendcloud:letter` | [Shipments API](/api/v3/shipments) |
| **Unstamped letter return** | `sendcloud:letterreturn` | [Returns API](/api/v3/returns) |

### Test outgoing shipments

<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
}
```

### Test returns

You can't create returns with the Shipments API. To test returns creation, use the **Unstamped letter return** shipping option with the [Create a return](/api/v3/returns/create-a-return) endpoint of the Returns API. Pass the `shipping_option_code` `sendcloud:letterreturn` in the `ship_with` object.

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

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

When the Unstamped letter shipping options aren't suitable for what you want to test, for example because you need a label from a specific carrier, you can create shipping labels and then cancel them within the cancellation deadline.

<Card title="Cancel a label" icon="rocket" href="/docs/shipments/cancel-a-shipment" 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>


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