To print using the ZPL format, first set your default label format to ZPL in your Shippo settings. See "Navigating the Labels Page" for details.
ZPL Printing for Mac users
On a Mac, you can use the command line to send jobs to your printer.
Run this command to see a list of your attached printer names:
$ 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
Most printers automatically choose the right settings for you. Some printer types need additional configuration, like page size and margins. Get printer-specific options by running:
$ lpoptions -p PRINTER_NAME -l
Depending on the options listed, your command might end up looking something like this:
$ 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 the better option. ZPL label files are much smaller (ASCII format), easier to move around, natively supported by carriers, and multi-page printing works more smoothly. If you're struggling with a Dymo printer, consider switching to a Zebra GK or GX 420d.
ZPL Printing for Windows users
| Note: On Windows, communicating with a printer gets complicated unless you're already familiar with the Windows printer libraries in C or C#. |
To print using ZPL format on Windows:
- Go to the Zebra website and search for your Zebra printer model.
- In the search results, click the line titled "Printer Support."
- Click Drivers, then click Download for the latest available Zebra driver for Windows.
- Click Accept and Begin Download Now.
- After downloading, open the Zdesigner software and click Open Communication with Printer.
- Click the Open File icon and select a ZPL label file from your computer.
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Click Send to Printer.