Manuals+

ZDesigner Windows Printer Driver Release Notes

Version 5.1.17.7415

Welcome

This version of the ZDesigner Windows Printer driver offers many features and user conveniences. Currently shipping Zebra printers using CPCL, EPL2 or ZPL II can now be driven using one set of driver files. A common user interface for all of the printer languages makes it easy to work with any of the supported printers listed below. Utilities, such as a Font and Graphic Downloader and a Status Monitor are included.

Back to top

Supported Operating Systems

This driver is certified for use on the following Microsoft 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems running on machines with x86 / x64 processors.

The driver does not support Windows running on devices with Arm processors.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Back to top

Installation

How to Install Zebra Printer Drivers.

Drivers can be installed from the Windows "Add Printer Wizard" or using the Installation Utility that came with the driver. NOTE: your user account must have the necessary rights to install a driver otherwise contact your system administrator for further assistance.

To install using the Installation Utility:

  1. Uncompress the driver files. Be sure to note the location that the files are placed into.
  2. Run the PrnInst.exe utility.
  3. Follow the prompts to select the printer model and port that you will be using.
  4. The Utility will ask if you want to install the Font and Graphic Downloader and Status Monitor - select these items if they are needed in your application.
  5. The Utility will install the appropriate files.

To install the driver using the Windows "Add Printer Wizard".

  1. Uncompress the driver files. Be sure to note the location that the files are placed into.
  2. Using the START menu select "Settings" and then "Printers". The Printers folder will open up.
  3. Double click on "Add Printer" and follow the prompts to begin the installation process.
  4. When you come to the dialog screen that lists Manufacturers and Printers, select "Have disk".
  5. Browse to the location that contains the uncompressed driver files.
  6. Select the ZBRN.inf file in the ZBRN folder and click "OK" to continue.
  7. Select your printer model from the list of supported printers and click the Next button to continue.
  8. If your printer is connected via a RS-232 serial connection, select "No" to the question "Would you like to print a test page?". This is suggested to avoid an error message in case you have not configured the port on the computer to match the serial settings on the printer. If your printer is connected via a parallel port and is ready to print, select "Yes" to print the test page.
  9. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the Wizard. Once the install is done your printer driver is now installed and ready for use.

Back to top

Supported Printers

The following Zebra printers are supported in this version:

Back to top

Tips & Advice

  1. Use the Use Printer Settings option on the Advanced Tab to stop the driver from sending the printer configuration and save configuration commands. This has the effect of improving throughput in some applications.
  2. For ZPL printers, use the use ZIP compression option on the Other Settings dialog to cause the driver to create compressed graphics. This has the effect of improving throughput in some applications.
  3. It is recommended that an Administrator account be used when installing the driver.
  4. Microsoft Word splits strings into single characters. To avoid this select "Merge characters" option on driver's "Printer settings" tab.
  5. The Status Monitor regularly checks the printer for current status information. When the driver is being used over a network connection, this can have the effect of consuming connection ports that would otherwise be used for accepting print jobs at the printer. If the Status Monitor is in use and you are experiencing a delay in printing, try right clicking over the Status Monitor in the system tray (by the clock) and closing the Status Monitor.

Back to top

Known Issues

  1. The drivers will not print more than 32767 copies of a document. This is a Windows limitation.
  2. Graphics print best when a monochrome image is used. Because Zebra printers are monochrome printers, color and grayscale images will be printed using the dithering method you select on the Options tab. There are four available dithering methods, each offering some control over the final printed image. However, monochrome images will print in a more predictable fashion.
  3. When using Word, the application forces the driver to insert spaces into any edited line of text using the ZPL Font 0 (ZB:Zebra CG Triumvirate). If you save the document after editing the text, but before printing it, the spaces will not be inserted on the printed label.
  4. Not all Applications will read internal font information from drivers. Some applications will not present the list of native fonts and bar codes even if the operating system is restarted after installing and the driver is set as the default driver. This is a limitation of some applications.
  5. The Command Font Prefix and Suffix value are inserted before and after each character of text in Command Font when an EPL or CPCL printer driver is used. Microsoft Word splits strings into single characters. To avoid this, select "Merge characters" option on driver's "Printer settings" tab.
  6. In Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2, some applications do not allow the fonts that are native on the printer to be displayed as selectable when the user accesses the Properties of a field. In most applications they are displayed and selectable from the Fonts drop-down menu.
  7. If Permissions on the computer do not allow the driver to write in the Registry, then the Command Fonts and/or Stocks Tabs in the driver dialogs will have buttons disabled. To change Command Fonts and Stocks, open the Printers folder the in Control Panel, select the printer and then open its "Printing Preferences". Then the user will be able to modify Command Fonts and Stocks. These properties are set per device and not per document.
  8. When the passthrough start/end character combination includes the {} characters, data may not be passed through when using newer web browser versions including, but not limited to Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome™ and Firefox®. Use a start/end character combination that does not include {}.
  9. The P4T and RP4T printers contain firmware supporting a subset of ZPL commands. As a result, when using the P4T or RP4T ZPL driver, some functionality in the tools section is not supported by the printer. The "Feed one label" option may not work and can be substituted by sending: ! U1 do "test.feed" "now".
  10. When using ZebraDesigner Pro v2.5.0.x, the RFID Read and Print functionality is supported for Text and 1D barcode fields only. 2D barcode types are not supported.
  11. Printers typically have different minimum label lengths for the different operation modes, e.g. tear-off, peel-off, cutter etc. The minimum label length/height that can be set in the driver applies to the operation mode having the shortest minimum label length. Refer to the technical specification of your printer model for the minimum label length of each operation mode.

Back to top

Change Log

Release DateVersionChanges
08 Jan 20102.0Initial release of new platform. New features include:
  • Status Monitor
    • For use with EPL and ZPL printers
    • Optionally installable when using the PrnInst.exe utility
    • Regularly checks printer status and displays an error message when an error occurs
  • Advanced TCP Port
    • Provides a defined TCP port type
  • Tools tab:
    • Simple method to send common printer commands.
    • Send File and Send Command options.
    • Supports all communication ports.
  • Use Printer Settings" option on Advanced Setup tab:
    • Allows user to configure driver to not send printer settings
  • Inverse option on Advanced Setup tab:
    • Allows user to cause the entire label to be printed in inverted format (white text on black background)
  • Passthrough feature on Other Settings dialog:
    • Allows user to create blocks of commands to be sent to the printer unchanged by the driver.
  • Control Character Substitution on the Other Settings dialog:
    • Allows the ZPL driver to use the internal characters for the Format (^) and Control (~) characters
  • On-screen barcode rendering, display only for design purposes
08 Jul 20112.6.63.02Added support for the QLn Series and EZ 320 model.
15 Aug 20112.6.63.06
  • The Print Monitor will now be completed, even if the application is still running during the uninstall process.
  • Memory Card options for G-Series printers have been expanded.
  • Print positioning for EPL drivers in 180 degree rotated mode has been enhanced.
  • Font and Graphic Downloader installation for R110Xi4 has been corrected.
  • Set-Get-Do Commands formatting issues resolved.
  • UI language translations for the Printer Install Wizard and Status Monitor have been updated.
  • Spooler interactions for USB connected printers have been improved to handle situations where the printer has been disconnected.
14 Sep 20112.6.63.12
  • The "Send File" feature for Mobile printers has been corrected.
  • The GX420s is now supported.
  • The "Send and Store" feature for Mobile printers has been corrected.
03 Jan 20122.6.67.03
  • Corrected Russian translations.
  • Improved handling of file headers in the 'Send and Store File in Printer' function.
  • Added Stream option in advanced setup.
  • Added support for the following printer models:
    • ZDesigner GC420d
    • ZDesigner GC420d (EPL)
    • ZDesigner GC420t
    • ZDesigner GC420t (EPL)
    • ZDesigner QLn220 (ZPL)
    • ZDesigner QLn320 (ZPL)
    • ZDesigner ZE500-4 LH-203dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-4 LH-300dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-4 RH-203dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-4 RH-300dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-6 LH-203dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-6 LH-300dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-6 RH-203dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZE500-6 RH-300dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZT210-200dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZT210-200dpi EPL
    • ZDesigner ZT210-300dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZT220-200dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZT220-200dpi EPL
    • ZDesigner ZT220-300dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZT230-200dpi ZPL
    • ZDesigner ZT230-200dpi EPL
    • ZDesigner ZT230-300dpi ZPL
02 Oct 20122.6.77.09
  • Executable files are now signed with Zebra Technologies digital signature.
  • Corrected an issue where the GK888t EPL driver could not be set for direct thermal mode.
  • Corrected an issue where the GC420t EPL driver could not be set for thermal transfer mode.
  • Corrected an issue where print jobs were deleted from the Windows print queue when an out of media condition occurred and USB communication was used.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • 105SLPlus
    • QLn420
    • iMZ220
    • iMZ320
25 Oct 20122.6.77.18
  • Updates to be Windows 8 compatible.
  • Corrected iMZ320 model name.
  • The correct Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer options are now displayed for the following printer models:
    • GC420t ZPL
    • GK888t ZPL
    • LP2844
    • GX420s EPL
    • GX420s
    • HC100
  • Added the following printer models:
    • iMZ220 ZPL
    • iMZ320 ZPL
11 Jun 20132.6.77.19
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD500R-203dpi ZPL
    • ZD500R-300dpi ZPL
10 Oct 20132.7.03.12
  • Server 2012 is now supported.
  • Users can now change languages settings if they have admin rights (applies to Windows 8 and Server 2012).
  • Corrected an issue where Microsoft Access was reporting incorrect paper names when custom stocks were defined in the driver.
  • User entered values are now validated against the fields range values.
  • Corrected an issue in the ZM400 EPL driver that caused incorrect print positioning and font size printing.
  • Corrected the maximum print width for the EZ320, MZ320 and iMZ320 printers.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZE500R Series
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD500
    • ZT410
    • ZT410R
    • ZT420
    • ZT420R
  • Removed the following printer models that have past their Service & Support discontinuation date:
    • 110 PAX3
    • 170 PAX3
    • 140 XiIII
    • 170 XiIII
    • 220 XiIII
    • 2746e
    • 90 XiIII
    • 90 XiIII Plus
    • 96 XiIII
    • 96 XiIII Plus
    • DA402
    • LP2824-Z
    • R110 XiIII Plus
    • R402
    • R4Mplus
    • S400
    • S600
    • TA402
    • TLP2824-Z
    • Z4M
    • Z4Mplus
    • Z6M
    • Z6Mplus
24 Sep 20145.1.07.5146
  • Corrected an issue where some labels in a batch did not print when printing via a network using the ZDesigner port monitor.
  • Improved throughput performance when using USB and Link-OS printers.
  • To improve throughput performance the 'Use ZIP Compression' setting is now enabled by default in all ZPL models.
  • Corrected an issue where the spooler could resend firmware to the printer more than once during a firmware update.
  • Corrected an issue where the driver was not installed in the selected language in the installation wizard.
  • Corrected the maximum print speed settings for the ZT410 and ZT420 printers.
  • Corrected the minimum label length for the ZT410 and ZT420 printers.
06 Mar 20155.1.07.5675
  • The RFID option in the ZT410R and ZT420R is now enabled.
  • Corrected an issue where no memory slot was available for selection in the Font Downloader when using ZD500, ZT410 or ZT420 printers.
  • The PrnList.txt file has been removed from the distribution.
  • Corrected the maximum print width in G-Series EPL and ZT-Series EPL drivers.
  • To simplify Plug 'n' Play installations, the driver distribution now has a method to prepare the computer system by adding the driver to the computer's driver store.
  • Microsoft has ended support for Windows XP (https://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help). This driver release aligns to that decision, with support for Windows XP having been removed. The prior version, 2.7.03.16, does support Windows XP and shall remain available on our website for download for an extended period of time. Version 2.7.03.16 is available 'as is'.
  • There is nothing implemented to prevent this driver from running on Windows XP. However, this and future versions are not tested on Windows XP.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZQ510
    • ZQ520
    • GT800 (300dpi)
  • The user interface for the ZD500 300dpi EPL driver has been corrected and now shows EPL options.
  • Corrected center/left aligned print positioning on ZD500 203dpi EPL and ZT410 203dpi EPL drivers when printing less than full width.
  • Corrected an issue when using ZebraDesigner Pro and printing a one digit Code 39 barcode.
  • Changed the maximum print quantity from 32000 to 99999999 when printing from applications such as ZebraDesigner.
06 Aug 20155.1.07.5682
  • Maximum print quantity is still 32768 when using applications such as Word due to Windows signed integer limitation.
  • Improvements to the printer installation wizard including a feature to remove previously installed drivers from the driver store.
  • Drivers installed using the printer installation wizard can now be removed using the Print Management console.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD410
    • ZD420
    • ZR338
    • ZR628
    • ZR638
    • ZT410R 600dpi
  • This release has been certified for Windows 10.
  • Improvements to the printer installation wizard - previously it could remove all printers and related drivers. It can now optionally remove drivers even if there is no related printer installed.
  • The about dialog graphic has been updated to reflect new branding.
  • Support for the ^RL RFID command is supported for use with ZebraDesigner.
  • The help file has been updated with the new corporate address and references removed to operating systems no longer supported.
  • Corrected print speed limits in ZD500 and ZT410 EPL drivers.
  • Corrected an issue in the Font & Graphic Downloader where it generated the same file name for different size fonts.
  • Microsoft has ended extended support for Windows Server 2003. This driver release aligns to that decision, with support for Windows Server 2003 having been removed. The prior version, 2.7.03.16, does support Windows Server 2003 and shall remain available on our website for download for an extended period of time. Version 2.7.03.16 is available 'as is'.
  • There is nothing implemented to prevent this driver from running on Windows Server 2003. However, this and future versions are not tested on Windows Server 2003.
26 Feb 20165.1.07.6290
  • The Status Monitor installer now includes Zebra's digital signature.
  • Corrected an issue where the existence of the zebrazbrn.inf could cause USB installation issues. The installer now checks for it and deletes it if necessary.
  • Implemented support for RFID EPC Gen2 v2. This adds a new PC Word data field in ZebraDesigner where the user can set the PC Word.
  • For RFID 240bit EPC tag, 7800 is now sent for PC Memory instead of 6000.
  • Corrected an issue where RFID user data was incorrectly written to the EPC memory field.
07 Sep 20165.1.16.6447
  • Updated the EULA in the distribution.
  • Corrected an issue where a tilde character was not encoded correctly in a Datamatrix barcode.
  • Updated Japanese translations in the UI for ZPL printers.
  • For CPCL printers the FORM command is no longer sent when the paper type is set to Journal.
  • A new RTC format is supported when using ZebraDesigner (YYJJJ: year in two digits + julian date).
  • Corrected an issue where the about dialog displayed garbage if the model name was greater than 32 characters.
  • The driver is now Package-aware to support the Microsoft security update described in Article ID: 3170005
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZQ310
    • ZQ320
    • ZT510
    • ZT610
    • ZT610R
    • ZT620
    • ZT620R
    • ZR318
    • ZR328
13 Feb 20175.1.16.6465
  • Corrected an issue where Zebra Setup Utilities may stop responding on Windows 10 after the printer connected via USB had restarted.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD620
16 Oct 20175.1.16.6839
  • This release includes certification for Windows Server 2016.
  • Added Linerless Peel, Linerless Cut and Linerless Delayed Cut modes to support ZD600 series.
  • Using up/down arrows to set number of copies now works correctly when using Microsoft applications.
  • Corrected RFID tag options for the ZT600R series.
  • Corrected an issue where an error occurred in ZebraDesigner when selecting tag data for an EPC Class 0 64/96 bit RFID tag.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • GK420E
    • GK888E
01 Nov 20175.1.16.6846Changed the GK420E/GK888E PnP strings to GK420e/GK888e.
05 Dec 20175.1.16.6849
  • Added the following printer models:
    • GK420t Plus
    • ZD510
    • ZQ610
    • ZQ620
    • ZR658
    • ZR668
23 Mar 20185.1.16.6854
  • Added the following printer model:
    • GT800 Plus
18 Jun 20185.1.16.6857
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD511
    • ZQ120
    • ZQ220
    • ZQ630
    • ZQ630R
    • ZR138
15 Aug 20185.1.16.6917
  • Corrected an issue where the wrong version number was displayed in the about dialog.
  • Corrected an issue in the ZT620 driver that prevented memory card options displaying in the Font & Graphic downloader.
  • Added the zebra.com url in the ZD620 about dialog.
  • Updated some configuration files for consistency.
06 Sep 20185.1.16.6924
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD220
    • ZD230
    • ZD888
04 Jan 20195.1.16.6927
  • Microsoft has ended support for Windows Vista (https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/22882/windows-vista-end-of-support). This driver release aligns to that decision, with support for Windows Vista having been removed.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZT411
    • ZT411R
    • ZT421
    • ZT421R
18 Jun 20185.1.16.7110
  • Corrected the ZR668 model description from CPLC to CPCL. (PnP was not affected)
  • Corrected the maximum media width for the ZD500R 300dpi model.
  • Corrected the default darkness setting for the ZR628 and ZR638 ZPL drivers. Changed from 0 to 10.
  • Corrected the minimum height and width for the ZQ310, ZQ510 and ZR318.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZQ112
    • ZQ210
    • ZQ511
    • ZQ511R
    • ZQ521
    • ZQ521R
    • ZR118
21 Aug 20195.1.16.7117
  • This release has been certified for Windows Server 2019.
10 Feb 20205.1.16.7217
  • The Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer options are now selectable in the ZD888 and ZD220 drivers.
  • Corrected an issue in the Font & Graphic downloader that caused text to be misaligned when downloading and using a rotated font in CPCL.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD411
    • ZD421
    • ZD611
    • ZD611R
    • ZD621
    • ZD621R
28 Jul 20205.1.16.7228
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZE511
    • ZE511R
    • ZE521
    • ZE521R
22 Jan 20215.1.16.7398
  • Added the following printer model:
    • ZD421CN
14 Mar 20225.1.17.7407
  • Microsoft have changed the requirements and driver certification process to align with operating systems they currently support. In line with that change, this driver shall no longer be tested on, or certified for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012.
  • The driver certification now includes Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022.
  • The Status Monitor now correctly reports status of the KR403.
  • The Status Monitor no longer displays ZSB printers.
  • The minimum label length/height has been corrected for the ZD420/421, ZD620/621 and ZT610/620 models.
    • Note: the minimum value applies to the operation mode with the shortest supported label length. Other operation modes may have a different minimum length.
  • The speed settings have been corrected for the ZD220 and ZD230 models.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZT111
    • ZT211
    • ZT231
    • ZT231R
9 Aug 20225.1.17.7412
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZQ120 Plus
    • ZQ220 Plus
    • ZQ310 Plus
    • ZQ320 Plus
    • ZQ610 Plus
    • ZQ620 Plus
    • ZQ630 Plus
    • ZQ630R Plus
    • ZR328 Plus
    • ZR668 Plus
25 Aug 20235.1.17.7414
  • Corrected the vertical dpi of the ZT231 300dpi driver.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD230 300 dpi
    • ZD888 300 dpi
29 Dec 20245.1.17.7415
  • Corrected an issue in the Status Monitor where Mobile printers weren't displayed when using the v8 and v10 platform driver.
  • Added the following printer models:
    • ZD100-203dpi EPL
    • ZD100-203dpi ZPL

Back to top

Technical Support

Worldwide Technical Support is available through your Reseller, or by visiting https://supportcommunity.zebra.com/s/contactsupport

Zebra Technologies Corporation
Corporate & International Headquarters
3 Overlook Point
Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 USA
Phone: +1 847 913 2259
Fax: +1 847 913 2578

Back to top

Software Updates

Updated ZDesigner drivers can be found on printer support pages via https://www.zebra.com/support

Back to top

Models: CPCL ZDesigner Windows Printer Driver, CPCL, ZDesigner Windows Printer Driver, Windows Printer Driver, Printer Driver, Driver

File Info : application/pdf, 24 Pages, 392.98KB

PDF preview unavailable. Download the PDF instead.

zdesigner-windows-driver-release-notes-v51177415

References

Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/132.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 Skia/PDF m132

Related Documents

Preview Zebra Mobile Printer Portfolio Guide: Enhance Workforce Productivity
Explore Zebra Technologies' comprehensive range of mobile printers, including the ZQ600, ZQ500, ZQ300, ZQ220, and ZQ110 series. Discover features, specifications, and ideal applications for retail, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing environments.
Preview Zebra ZT210, ZT220, ZT230 Серия Руководство пользователя
Полное руководство пользователя для принтеров Zebra серий ZT210, ZT220 и ZT230, охватывающее настройку, эксплуатацию, техническое обслуживание, устранение неполадок и технические характеристики. Включает информацию о соответствии нормативным требованиям и контактные данные.
Preview Zebra KR203 Kiosk Printer Firmware Release K69.1.2 Summary and Installation Guide
This document provides a summary of the Zebra KR203 Kiosk Printer firmware release K69.1.2, detailing new features, issues corrected, known issues, and step-by-step installation instructions.
Preview Zebra ET50/ET55 Driver and BIOS Update Release Notes V01.00.10
Release notes for the updated driver package V01.00.10 and BIOS V-11 for Zebra ET50/ET55 devices running Windows 8.1 Industry Pro, detailing component contents, compatibility, and installation.
Preview ZPL RFID Commands - Zebra Technologies Programming Guide
This document provides a comprehensive reference for Zebra's ZPL RFID commands, detailing syntax, parameters, and compatibility across various Zebra printer models. It covers essential RFID operations such as tag calibration, reading, writing, and security.
Preview GC420t Spare Parts List - Zebra Technologies
Detailed spare parts list for the Zebra GC420t desktop label printer, including part numbers and descriptions for various components.
Preview ZebraDesigner Essentials & Professional Version 3 Release Notes
Detailed release notes for ZebraDesigner Essentials and Professional Version 3, covering new features, system requirements, installation, supported printers, tips, differences from V2.5, change log, technical support, and software updates.
Preview Innovative Bar Code and RFID Printing Solutions for SAP Users
This white paper from Zebra Technologies explores innovative solutions for integrating bar code and RFID printing with SAP applications. It details methods like upload printing using ZebraDesigner and direct printing via SAP Smart Forms and Interactive Forms, highlighting benefits, limitations, and considerations for international, mobile, and wireless printing environments.