Print Settings
This section details the core print settings for the ZT400 Series printers.
Print Darkness
Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print quality. If you set the darkness too high, the label image may print unclearly, bar codes may not scan correctly, the ribbon may burn through, or the printhead may wear prematurely.
If desired, use the FEED Self Test on page 162 to determine the best darkness setting.
| Setting | Print Darkness |
|---|---|
| Accepted values | 0.0 – 30.0 |
| Related ZPL command(s) | ^MD, ~SD |
| SGD command used | print.tone |
| User menu item | DARKNESS on page 94 |
| Printer web page | View and Modify Printer Settings > General Setup > Darkness |
Print Speed
Select the speed for printing a label (given in inches per second). Slower print speeds typically yield better print quality.
| Setting | Print Speed |
|---|---|
| Accepted values | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Related ZPL command(s) | ^PR |
| SGD command used | media.speed |
| User menu item | PRINT SPEED on page 94 |
| Printer web page | N/A |
Media Type
Select the type of media that you are using.
- If you select CONTINUOUS, you must include a label length in your label format (^LL if you are using ZPL).
- If you select GAP/NOTCH or MARK for various non-continuous media, the printer feeds media to calculate the label length.
See Types of Media on page 16 for more information.
| Setting | Media Type |
|---|---|
| Accepted values |
|
| Related ZPL command(s) | ^MN |
| SGD command used | ezpl.media_type |
| User menu item | MEDIA TYPE on page 94 |
| Printer web page | View and Modify Printer Settings > Media Setup > Media Type |
Settings Menu Overview
Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Print Settings on page 67.
Adjust the Print Darkness
Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print quality. If you set the darkness too high, the label image may print unclearly, bar codes may not scan correctly, the ribbon may burn through, or the printhead may wear prematurely.
See Print Darkness on page 67 for more information.
Example setting: DARKNESS 10.0
Select the Print Speed
Select the speed for printing a label (given in inches per second). Slower print speeds typically yield better print quality.
See Print Speed on page 67 for more information.
Example setting: PRINT SPEED 6.0
Set the Media Type
Select the type of media that you are using.
See Media Type on page 67 for more information.
Example setting: MEDIA TYPE GAP/NOTCH
Select the Print Method
Specify if the printer is to use Direct Thermal mode (no ribbon) or Thermal Transfer mode (using thermal transfer media and ribbon).
See Print Method on page 68 for more information.
Example setting: PRINT METHOD THERMAL TRANS
Types of Media
⚠️ Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.
Your printer can use various types of media:
- Standard media─Most standard media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner. Standard media can come on rolls or in a fanfold stack.
- Tag stock-Tags are usually made from a heavy paper. Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags. Tag stock can come on rolls or in a fanfold stack.
Roll and Fanfold Media
| Media Type | How It Looks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Continuous Roll Media | A roll of labels wound on a core. Individual labels are separated by visible gaps, black marks on the back, or perforations. | Roll media is wound on a core that can be 1 in. to 3 in. (25 to 76 mm) in diameter. Individual labels or tags are separated by one or more of the following methods:
|
| Non-Continuous Fanfold Media | A stack of media folded in a zigzag or accordion pattern. | Fanfold media is folded in a zigzag pattern. Fanfold media can have the same label separations as non-continuous roll media. The separations would fall on or near the folds. |
| Continuous Roll Media | A roll of media wound on a core, with no visible gaps, holes, notches, or black marks indicating label separation. | Roll media is wound on a core that can be 1 in. to 3 in. (25 to 76 mm) in diameter. Continuous roll media does not have gaps, holes, notches, or black marks to indicate label separations. This allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label. Sometimes a cutter is used to cut apart individual labels. |
