ZPL Guides
ZPL commands
139 guides in this category.
- ^A · Scalable/Bitmapped Font Selects the font for the current text field. Font 0 is the scalable default font CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed, A–H and GS are resident bitmap fonts; other n…
- ^A@ · Use Font Name to Call Font Calls a font by its file name e.g. TrueType on the printer.
- ^A0 · Scalable Font 0 (CG Triumvirate) The printer's built-in scalable default font CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed, included in every Zebra ZPL printer . The proven default choice for simple text.
- ^B0 · Aztec Bar Code Generates an Aztec code 2D matrix . Error correction and symbol size are controlled together by parameter d.
- ^B1 · Code 11 Bar Code Generates a Code 11 barcode digits 0–9 and dash, mainly for telecommunications .
- ^B2 · Interleaved 2 of 5 Bar Code Generates an Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode digit pairs; only an even number of digits .
- ^B3 · Code 39 Bar Code Generates a Code 39 barcode alphanumeric; start/stop asterisk is added automatically .
- ^B4 · Code 49 Bar Code Generates a Code 49 barcode multi-row stacked code .
- ^B5 · Planet Code Bar Code Generates a PLANET code US postal barcode with long/short bars .
- ^B7 · PDF417 Bar Code Generates a PDF417 code multi-row 2D stacked code for large data volumes .
- ^B8 · EAN-8 Bar Code Generates an EAN-8 barcode 8 digits; compact EAN variant for small items .
- ^B9 · UPC-E Bar Code Generates a UPC-E barcode compact zero-suppressed UPC variant; the check digit is calculated by the printer .
- ^BA · Code 93 Bar Code Generates a Code 93 barcode alphanumeric, denser than Code 39 .
- ^BB · Codablock Bar Code Generates a Codablock code stacked code; mode A uses the Code 39 character set, E and F the Code 128 character set .
- ^BC · Code 128 Bar Code (Subsets A, B and C) Generates a Code 128 barcode with subsets A digits/uppercase , B full ASCII and C digit pairs, double density .
- ^BD · UPS MaxiCode Bar Code Generates a UPS MaxiCode hexagonal 2D code for UPS shipping labels .
- ^BE · EAN-13 Bar Code Generates an EAN-13 barcode 13 digits; standard for retail items .
- ^BF · MicroPDF417 Bar Code Generates a MicroPDF417 code compact PDF417 variant for limited data volumes .
- ^BI · Industrial 2 of 5 Bar Code Generates an Industrial 2 of 5 barcode digits only; classic warehouse/logistics format .
- ^BJ · Standard 2 of 5 Bar Code Generates a Standard 2 of 5 barcode digits only; older, less common format .
- ^BK · ANSI Codabar Bar Code Generates a Codabar barcode digits plus start/stop A–D; mainly libraries, blood banks, shipping .
- ^BL · LOGMARS Bar Code Generates a LOGMARS barcode Code 39 variant for US defence/logistics; the mod-43 check digit is always added .
- ^BM · MSI Bar Code Generates an MSI barcode also MSI Plessey; digits only, mainly inventory management .
- ^BO · Aztec Bar Code Parameters Alternative Aztec code command variant with the same parameters as ^B0.
- ^BP · Plessey Bar Code Generates a Plessey barcode digits only; historic British format .
- ^BQ · QR Code Bar Code Generates a QR Code. Error correction and input mode are additionally given as a prefix in ^FD e.g. MA, .
- ^BR · GS1 DataBar Bar Code Generates a GS1 DataBar code formerly RSS; compact GS1 symbology, e.g. for loose produce .
- ^BS · UPC/EAN Extensions Bar Code Generates the 2- or 5-digit supplement add-on for EAN/UPC codes e.g. for periodicals as a separate field next to the main barcode.
- ^BT · TLC39 Bar Code Generates a TLC39 code TCIF Linked Code 39 for the telecommunications industry: a Code 39 carrying the ECI number, optionally linked to a MicroPDF417 for t…
- ^BU · UPC-A Bar Code Generates a UPC-A barcode 12 digits; North American retail format .
- ^BX · Data Matrix Bar Code Generates a Data Matrix code 2D matrix, very robust, space-saving . Use quality level 200 ECC 200 for new applications.
- ^BY · Bar Code Field Default Sets the default values for subsequent barcodes: module width, wide-to-narrow ratio and bar code height.
- ^BZ · POSTAL Bar Code Generates a POSTNET postal barcode USPS; long/short bars for ZIP codes .
- ^CC · Change Caret Changes the caret character default ^ that starts commands in the format.
- ^CD · Change Delimiter Changes the delimiter between the parameters of a command default comma .
- ^CF · Change Alphanumeric Default Font Sets the default font for all following text fields that do not specify their own ^A.
- ^CI · Change International Font/Encoding Selects the international character set code page for subsequent text; individual character codes can optionally be remapped.
- ^CN · Cut Now Triggers an immediate cut on kiosk printers with a cutter. To cut after every label on label printers with a cutter, use print mode ^MMC.
- ^CO · Cache On Enables the character cache for scalable fonts: characters that have already been rendered are cached and print faster the next time.
- ^CP · Remove Label Controls what happens to the presented document on kiosk printers with a presenter.
- ^CT · Change Tilde Changes the prefix for control commands default ~ , e.g. in ~JA or ~HS .
- ~CT · Change Tilde (Host) Host-side variant for changing the tilde character format-side: ^CT .
- ^CW · Font Identifier Assigns a font file to an identifier A–Z, 0–9 that can then be used with ^A. Using a letter that is already taken replaces the resident font.
- ~DB · Download Bitmap Font Downloads a bitmap font to the printer. The header with the font metrics is followed by the character data.
- ^DF · Download Format Stores the current format in printer memory so it can be recalled later with ^XF.
- ~DG · Download Graphics Downloads a graphic logo/image into printer memory; the graphic is later recalled via ^XG.
- ~DU · Download Unbounded TrueType Font Downloads a TrueType font with more than 256 characters unbounded, e.g. Asian fonts in Zebra download format to the printer.
- ~DY · Download Objects Downloads files such as graphics PNG, GRF , TrueType/OpenType fonts or bitmaps into printer memory.
- ^EF · Erase Stored Formats Deletes all stored formats from printer memory.
- ^EG · Erase Download Graphics Deletes all downloaded graphics from printer memory same as ~EG .
- ^FB · Field Block Defines a text block with fixed width, line count and alignment - text wraps automatically.
- ^FC · Field Clock Sets the indicator characters that insert the real-time clock's date and time into the following ^FD e.g. %d for the day .
- ^FD · Field Data Defines the data of a field text, barcode content or graphic data . Terminated by ^FS.
- ^FE · Field Concatenation Concatenates multiple ^FD contents into one field e.g. to combine individual serial numbers .
- ^FH · Field Hexadecimal Indicator Marks that hex values in the following ^FD are encoded as the hex indicator plus two hex digits, by default _HH e.g. _5F = underscore - for special cha…
- ^FL · Font Linking Links a base font to an extension font: characters missing in the base font are printed from the linked font.
- ^FM · Multiple Field Origin Locations Sets several positions for the symbols of a PDF417 ^B7 or MicroPDF417 ^BF barcode whose data is split across multiple symbols via structured append.
- ^FN · Field Number Numbers a variable field in a format stored with ^DF. When the format is recalled with ^XF, the field is filled with data via the same number.
- ^FO · Field Origin Sets the position X/Y in dots for the following field. Without ^FO the field is placed at 0,0.
- ^FP · Field Parameter Sets the text direction and additional character spacing for the current text field - e.g. for vertically stacked letters or letter-spaced text.
- ^FR · Field Reverse Print Reverses the field against its background: it prints white over black areas and black over white areas.
- ^FS · Field Separator Terminates the current field text, barcode, graphic . Every field needs a ^FS.
- ^FT · Field Typeset Positions a field via its baseline instead of the top-left corner - useful for exact text alignment.
- ^FV · Field Variable Like ^FD, but marks the data as variable: with ^MCN the rest of the label image is kept for the next label, while ^FV fields are cleared after every print.
- ^FW · Field Orientation Sets the default rotation and, from firmware x.14, the default justification for all following fields whose command has an orientation parameter. A value g…
- ^FX · Comment Adds a comment to the ZPL code that is not printed - for maintainability and debugging.
- ^GB · Graphic Box Draws a rectangle filled or as a border with a defined line thickness.
- ^GC · Graphic Circle Draws a circle with a defined diameter and line thickness.
- ^GD · Graphic Diagonal Line Draws a diagonal line within the given width/height.
- ^GE · Graphic Ellipse Draws an ellipse with defined width, height and line thickness.
- ^GF · Graphic Field Prints a bitmap logo, image directly from the field data. Basis of the ^GFA graphics zplCloud generates for logos.
- ^GF with :Z64 · Compressed Graphic Data ^GF with Z64 encoding: the bitmap is compressed with zlib deflate , Base64-encoded and sent with a checksum. There is no ^GZ command in ZPL.
- ^GS · Graphic Symbol Prints the built-in symbols ®, © and ™ as well as the UL and CSA approval marks. The symbol is selected in the following ^FD with a letter A–E.
- ~HB · Battery Status Requests the battery status only on battery printers like the ZQ series .
- ~HD · Head Diagnostic Returns diagnostic data to the host, e.g. printhead and ambient temperature, darkness setting and speeds.
- ~HI · Host Identification Requests the printer identification: model, firmware version, resolution dots per mm , memory size and detected options.
- ~HM · Host RAM Status Requests the printer's RAM status: total, maximum usable and currently free memory in KB.
- ~HQ · Host Query Queries specific information from the printer and sends it back to the host.
- ~HS · Host Status Return Requests the current printer status including paper out, pause, head open, ribbon, buffer usage .
- ^ID · Object Delete Deletes objects such as graphics, formats or fonts from printer memory.
- ^IL · Image Load Loads a label image .GRF stored with ^IS as the background at position 0,0 into the current format; further fields are placed on top.
- ^IM · Image Move Prints a stored image .GRF or .PNG at the position set with ^FO - like ^XG, but without magnification.
- ^IS · Image Save Stores the label built so far as a graphic .GRF in printer memory - instead of as a ZPL format. Usually placed at the end of the format.
- ~JA · Cancel All Cancels all waiting print jobs.
- ~JB · Reset Optional Memory Initializes the optional memory e.g. a memory card on drive B: - all objects stored on it are deleted.
- ~JC · Set Media Sensor Calibration Automatically calibrates the media/label sensor for the loaded material.
- ~JG · Graphing Sensor Calibration Outputs the sensor calibration as a graphic - for visual control of media changes.
- ~JL · Set Label Length Measures the label length again: the printer feeds one or more labels to do so.
- ^JM · Set Dots per Millimeter Halves the resolution of the format dots per millimeter when needed, so all dimensions in dots print twice as large.
- ~JP · Pause and Cancel Format Pauses the printer and cancels the current format.
- ~JR · Power On Reset Restarts the printer like a power cycle .
- ~JS · Change Backfeed Sequence Sets when the label is pulled back after being fed to the tear-off edge backfeed .
- ^JU · Configuration Update Saves the current settings permanently or loads saved or factory settings.
- ^JW · Set Ribbon Tension Adjusts the ribbon tension thermal transfer, PAX series print engines .
- ^JZ · Reprint After Error Sets whether a label that was not printed completely because of an error e.g. media or ribbon out, head open is printed again once the error is cleared.
- ^KD · Select Date and Time Format Selects the display format of date and time on the control panel and configuration label real-time clock .
- ^KL · Define Language Selects the language in which the printer's control panel display shows menus and messages. It does not switch the command language ZPL, EPL, CPCL .
- ^LH · Label Home Sets the origin point 0,0 for all subsequent fields - useful for shifting the whole layout.
- ^LL · Label Length Defines the length height of the label in dots.
- ^LR · Label Reverse Print Applies reverse print like ^FR to all following fields of the format: they print white over black areas and black over white areas.
- ^LS · Label Shift Shifts all field positions horizontally in dots - positive values to the left.
- ^LT · Label Top Shifts the whole label format vertically relative to the top edge in dot rows .
- ^MC · Map Clear Sets whether the label image is cleared after printing or kept for the next label.
- ^MD · Media Darkness Changes the print darkness relative to the darkness set on the printer - for darker/lighter output.
- ^MM · Print Mode Determines what the printer does with the label after printing: tear-off, peel-off, rewind, cut or hand over to an applicator.
- ^MN · Media Tracking Selects media detection: continuous media, gap/notch or black mark.
- ^MT · Media Type Selects the media type: thermal transfer or direct thermal.
- ^MU · Set Units of Measurement Sets the unit of measurement for all following values in the format dots, inches or millimeters and can convert a format designed for one resolution to ano…
- ^PA · Advanced Text Properties Enables advanced text features for TrueType/OpenType fonts: default glyph, bidirectional layout e.g. Arabic, Hebrew , character shaping and OpenType support.
- ^PF · Slew Given Number of Dot Rows Quickly feeds the media at the bottom of the label by the given number of dot rows without printing.
- ~PL · Present Length Addition Defines the additional length the label is fed forward in present mode.
- ^PM · Printing Mirror Image of Label Prints the entire label as a mirror image flipped from left to right - e.g. for films that are read from the back.
- ^PN · Present Now Feeds the printed label forward so it can be removed.
- ^PO · Print Orientation Prints the whole label normally or rotated by 180°.
- ^PP · Programmable Pause Puts the printer into pause mode once the current format including all copies has been printed ~PP pauses right after the label being printed .
- ^PQ · Print Quantity Sets the number of labels to print, plus optional pauses/cuts and replicates of serialized labels.
- ^PR · Print Rate Sets the print, slew and backfeed speed in inches per second ips .
- ~PR · Applicator Reprint Reprints the last label - for applicator and automation applications.
- ~PS · Resume Printing (Print Start) Resumes a paused printer - like pressing the PAUSE key.
- ^PW · Print Width Defines the print width of the label in dots. Default is the full printhead width.
- ^RF · Read or Write RFID Format Reads or writes data on an RFID tag.
- ^RQ · Quick Write EPC Data and Passwords Writes EPC data and/or access passwords to an RFID tag without a preceding ^RF .
- ~SD · Set Darkness Sets the printer's absolute print darkness; ^MD then changes this value relatively.
- ^SF · Serialization Field Turns a ^FD field into a counter: from the second label of a ^PQ job on, the content is incremented according to the mask and increment.
- ^SN · Serialization Data Generates a sequential number instead of ^FD that is increased or decreased by the increment on every label of a ^PQ job.
- ^SP · Start Print Lets the printer start printing the upper part of a label up to a specified dot row while the remaining fields are still being formatted. This increases th…
- ~TA · Tear-off Adjust Position Sets the position at which the label is fed to the tear-off edge after printing.
- ^TB · Text Blocks Creates a text block with fixed width and height - text wraps and is clipped on overflow.
- ^TO · Transfer Object Copies a stored object graphic, format, font from one storage area to another, e.g. from RAM to flash memory.
- ~WC · Print Configuration Label Prints a configuration label with all current printer settings.
- ^WF · Encode AFI or DSFID Byte Encodes the AFI or DSFID byte when writing an RFID tag.
- ~WQ · Write Query Requests information from the printer and sends it back to the host - e.g. odometer readings, maintenance alerts, error status, serial number or MAC address.
- ^WT · Write (Encode) Tag Writes an RFID tag in the current format read/write depending on parameters .
- ^XA · Start Format Begins a ZPL format. Every label starts with ^XA and ends with ^XZ.
- ^XB · Suppress Backfeed Suppresses feeding the label to the tear-off or cut position - so no backfeed is needed before the next label.
- ^XF · Recall Format Recalls a stored format from memory and fills numbered fields ^FN with data.
- ^XG · Recall Graphic Recalls a stored graphic and scales it with the X/Y factors.
- ^XZ · End Format Ends a ZPL format and prints the label.
- ^ZZ · Printer Sleep Shuts the printer down or puts it to sleep after an idle time mainly on mobile battery printers .