Issue / Question
Text, bar codes, images and other label objects are printing in the incorrect location on the label. This can be too high on the label, too low on the label, too far right or too far left. This is a general knowledge document that contains information that may or may not apply to your specific application.
Applicable To
All ZPL compatible Zebra Printers
Resolution / Answer
Important note: Regardless of the image orientation on the label references to top, bottom, left or right are as shown in this picture.
Label objects are positioned on the label using ZPL language coordinates and image fields. This placement uses x, y coordinates (x = horizontal, y = vertical) that are like an address positioning the image in memory as it is constructed in the printer memory in preparation for printing. The 0 x and 0 y position is in the upper left hand corner of the label as noted above unless the orientation is inverted.
The variety of ways labels can be created prevents a specific discussion on every method or speak to specific resolutions. This document will reference the common mistakes that a user may make related to the printer or application/driver that impact the image position. We'll discuss issues that relate incorrect configuration of the Zebra Driver, incorrect ZPL Programming Language, or printer configuration settings.
Note: Typically you will see the entire label content being shifted in the problem direction. If only one object or field is being shifted you should address the corrective action in your program or label creation application. In addition, before making adjustments or setting changes assure you printer has been properly calibrated for the labels being used. There should be consistent label to label positioning before making adjustments
Solution
We will try to show examples of image positioning problems and suggested resolution using the following printing methods
Note: Print this grid to show the image position settings in relation to the x, y coordinates
Printing too high on the label and cut off or truncated at the top.
|
Troubleshooting Steps: This will require you to access the printing preferences of your driver to adjust settings. If label settings are held within your application, make sure to replicate the settings there.
|
Printing too low on the label and cut off or truncated at the bottom.
|
Troubleshooting Steps: This will require you to access the printing preferences of your driver to adjust settings. If label settings are held within your application, make sure to replicate the settings there.
|
Printing too far right on the label and cut off or truncated on the right.
|
Troubleshooting Steps: This will require you to access the printing preferences of your driver to adjust settings. If label settings are held within your application, make sure to replicate the settings there.
|
Printing too far left on the label and cut off or compressed on the right.
|
Troubleshooting Steps: This will require you to access the printing preferences of your driver to adjust settings. If label settings are held within your application, make sure to replicate the settings there.
|
Using Printer Programming Language (ZPL):
Printing too high on the label -
|
Troubleshooting Steps: ZPL will override any applied printer settings. Make sure to remove ZPL configuration commands such as darkness, print width, etc. if using the settings on the printer.
|
Printing too low on the label
|
Troubleshooting Steps: ZPL will override any applied printer settings. Make sure to remove ZPL configuration commands such as darkness, print width, etc. if using the settings on the printer.
|
Printing too far right on the label
|
Troubleshooting Steps: ZPL will override any applied printer settings. Make sure to remove ZPL configuration commands such as darkness, print width, etc. if using the settings on the printer.
|
Printing too far left on the label
|
Troubleshooting Steps: ZPL will override any applied printer settings. Make sure to remove ZPL configuration commands such as darkness, print width, etc. if using the settings on the printer.
|
Printing too high on the label
|
Troubleshooting Steps: If using printer settings make sure that no driver or application settings are overriding your applied parameters.
|
Printing too low on the label |
Troubleshooting Steps: If using printer settings make sure that no driver or application settings are overriding your applied parameters.
|
Printing too far right on the label
|
Troubleshooting Steps: If using printer settings make sure that no driver or application settings are overriding your applied parameters.
|
Printing too far left on the label
|
Troubleshooting Steps: If using printer settings make sure that no driver or application settings are overriding your applied parameters.
|
Note:
You may need to adjust settings in multiple areas. For instance, you may need to adjust your driver settings to contain the proper label sizing as well as correct the print width on the printer it may have been affected by the incorrect driver setting.
If the recommended steps above do not correct the issue you can attempt defaulting the printer back to factory settings to see if the issue is resolved. Keep in mind that doing this may require you to re-apply any customized printer configuration that had been done. Calibration may also need to be run on the printer.
General Label Setup Information:
Make sure that the proper label width and height are being set for the label being used. It is recommended that no unprintable areas are being used to avoid unnecessary movement of label objects. Make sure that the placement of the objects on the label fit within the given label width and height. As a general statement, leave all settings at their default values and adjust the location of your label objects through your application or programming language (ZPL). Lastly, but most importantly, make sure the printer is properly calibrated for the media installed. Ensuring properly calibration not only means that you have to run a calibration on the unit, but also set the properly media tracking mode (gap/notch, web sensing, etc.) within the driver or application you print through.
Helpful information
Top Position Adjustments Read More>>
Information on Adjusting Left Position and Top Position Read More>>
How it Works
Zebra Printers are driven by software. Majority of issues pertaining to location of printed label objects are caused by
incorrect settings applited by software, driver or programming. Calibration is the essential step that needs to be taken
on the printer and the majority of the setup beyond that will be done via the software.
