How to Configure ZPL Label Printing

To print using the ZPL format, you'll first need to set your default label format to ZPL in your Shippo Settings. Please reference Navigating the Labels Page.

ZPL Printing for Mac users

On a Mac, you can use the following command line to send jobs to the printer:

$ lpstat -p -d

This command will bring up a list of attached printer names that you can use with subsequent commands. You can send the ZPL file directly to the printer with the following command. Many printers will automatically choose the right settings for you.

$ lpr -P PRINTER_NAME -o raw FILENAME.zpl

Some printer types may require additional configuration, for example, page size and margins. To get printer-specific options you can run:

$ lpoptions -p PRINTER_NAME -l

And the command should end up looking something like this depending on the options it lists:

$ lpr -P PRINTER_NAME -o media=Custom.4x6in -o page-left=0 -o page-top=0 -o page-bottom=0 FILENAME.zpl

If you’re printing a significant volume, Zebra printers are a better printer option. The ZPL label files are much smaller (it’s an ASCII format), easier to move around, the carriers support them natively and multi-page printing is a more seamless process. If you’re struggling with your Dymo, you could consider a move to a Zebra GK or GX 420d.

ZPL Printing for Windows users

To print using the ZPL format with Windows:

• Start by Navigating to the Zebra website and search for your Zebra printer model in the search box:
  
  
  
• In the search results, click on the line with the title that contains Printer Support.
   
  
• Click on Drivers and then click Download for the latest available Zebra driver for Windows.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Click the Accept and Begin Download Now button.
  
  
  
  
• After downloading, open Zdesigner software and click on the Open Communication with Printer button.
  
  
  
  
• Click the Open File icon and select a ZPL label file from your computer.
  
  
  
  
• Click the Send to Printer button.