Brother QL-700 Label Printer User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Brother QL-700 Label Printer. The QL-700 is designed for creating various types of labels, including those for packages, envelopes, file folders, discs, and banners. It offers high-speed, high-quality monochrome printing and features an automatic cutter for precise label separation.

The printer supports both pre-sized, easy-peel labels and continuous-length paper and film tapes. It operates without the need for ink or toner, utilizing direct thermal printing technology.

Figure 1: Front view of the Brother QL-700 Label Printer.

2. Safety Information

Please read these safety instructions carefully before using the printer to prevent injury and damage.

• Always connect the printer to a grounded power outlet.
• Do not expose the printer to water or excessive humidity.
• Avoid placing the printer in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• Keep hands clear of the label exit slot during operation due to the automatic cutter.
• Use only Brother genuine DK label rolls to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage.
• Unplug the printer from the power outlet before cleaning or performing maintenance.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Brother QL-700 Label Printer
• USB Cable
• Power Cord
• Quick Setup Guide
• Documentation (User Manual, Warranty Information)
• Starter DK-1201 Die-cut Standard Address Labels (100 labels)
• Starter DK-2205 2.4" Continuous Length Paper Tape (26.2 ft.)

4. Setup

4.1 Physical Connection

1. Place the printer on a stable, flat surface.
2. Connect the power cord to the printer and then to a power outlet.
3. Connect the USB cable to the printer and to an available USB port on your computer.

Figure 2: Brother QL-700 printer with a label being printed.

4.2 Loading Label Rolls

The QL-700 uses easy drop-in label rolls.

1. Open the top cover of the printer.
2. Insert the label roll into the roll compartment, ensuring the label tape feeds through the slot.
3. Close the top cover. The printer will automatically detect the label size and adjust settings.

4.3 Software Installation and P-touch Editor Lite

The QL-700 features "Plug & Label" functionality, allowing basic label printing without installing software on Windows computers. When connected, the printer acts like a flash drive containing the P-touch Editor Lite software.

• For basic printing (Windows only): Connect the printer via USB. An auto-run window should appear, allowing you to launch "PKLITE10.exe" directly from the printer's internal memory.
• For advanced features and other operating systems: Install the full P-touch Editor software from the included CD or download the latest version from the official Brother support website.
• Updating P-touch Editor Lite: If you encounter "printer communication errors" on newer Windows versions (7, 8, 10, 11), the built-in PKLITE10.exe might be outdated. Download the "P-touch Editor Lite Update Tool" from the Brother support website. Run the tool, and if an error occurs, hold down the small button next to the power button until the LED turns off, then re-run the update tool. Click "transfer" to update the printer's internal software. After updating, unplug and replug the USB cable. Ensure the LED to the left of the "status" LED is lit; if not, hold the small button under it to enable "lite mode."

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Basic Label Printing (P-touch Editor Lite)

Using the P-touch Editor Lite software (accessible via "Plug & Label" on Windows) allows for quick creation and printing of simple labels.

1. Launch "PKLITE10.exe" from the printer's virtual drive.
2. Enter your desired text into the editor.
3. Adjust font, size, and basic layout as needed.
4. Click the "Print" button. The printer's auto-cutter will trim the label after printing.

5.2 Advanced Label Printing (P-touch Editor Software)

The full P-touch Editor software provides comprehensive design capabilities.

• Barcode Labels: Create and print various barcode types.
• Database Integration: Connect to Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook to print labels from existing data.
• Custom Designs: Utilize advanced layout tools, graphics, and special characters.
• Label Collection: Access pre-designed labels and banners for common uses.

Figure 3: Example of a QR code label printed by the QL-700. The label displays contact information for Jack Thomas, ABC Company, Business Analyst, 987 Third Street, Anytown, OH 65412, (513)555-0123.

5.3 Printing Postage

The QL-700 is capable of printing postage for packages and envelopes directly from your desktop. This feature requires enrollment in a compatible postage service, such as pbSmartPostage (Windows only), an internet connection, and specific postage label rolls.

5.4 Printing Banners and Signs

Utilize continuous-length paper and film tapes to create banners and signs up to three feet long. The auto-cutter ensures a clean finish for custom lengths.

Figure 4: Example of a "Happy Birthday!" banner printed using continuous label tape from the QL-700.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning the Printer

Regular cleaning helps maintain print quality and extends the life of your printer.

• Ensure the printer is unplugged before cleaning.
• Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
• Gently clean the print head and platen roller with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely before use.
• Remove any dust or label residue from the label exit slot and cutter area.

6.2 Replacing Label Rolls

When a label roll is depleted, replace it with a new Brother DK label roll. The process is the same as initial loading (refer to Section 4.2). The printer automatically recognizes the new roll size.

Note: The QL-700 uses direct thermal printing and does not require ink or toner cartridges.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

• "Printer Communication Error" or Printer Not Detected:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
  • Try connecting to a different USB port.
  • Restart both the printer and your computer.
  • If using the P-touch Editor Lite (Plug & Label) feature on Windows, ensure the software is updated. Refer to Section 4.3 for instructions on updating the P-touch Editor Lite software.
  • Verify that the correct printer drivers are installed if you are using the full P-touch Editor software.
• Poor Print Quality (Faint, Streaky, or Missing Text):
  • Clean the print head and platen roller (refer to Section 6.1).
  • Ensure the label roll is correctly installed and not damaged.
  • Check if you are using genuine Brother DK label rolls.
• Labels Not Feeding or Jamming:
  • Ensure the label roll is properly seated and aligned in the compartment.
  • Remove any foreign objects or label scraps from the feed path.
  • Check if the label roll is curled or damaged.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The Brother QL-700 Label Printer comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the documentation included in your package for specific warranty terms and conditions.

For technical support, driver downloads, and additional resources, please visit the official Brother support website.

Brother Support Website: www.brother-usa.com