1. A multiple format hand held label printing apparatus, said apparatus comprising processing means, the processing means controlling functional operation of the apparatus, means for printing successive labels in machine readable format and alphanumeric format, the means for printing being operationally connected to the processing means, means for inputting data to the apparatus, the means for inputting data including a keyboard, means for operatively interconnecting the means for inputting data and the processing means, the processing means receiving the data from the means for inputting data and in response thereto, formatting the data for printing indicia in machine readable code format and alphanumeric format, the formatted data corresponding to at least a portion of the data received, the means for printing receiving such formatted data and in response thereto imprinting corresponding indicia in both machine readable code and alphanumeric format on each selected label.