ZPL Configuration
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Managing the ZPL Printer Configuration
The ZPL printer is designed to allow you to change printer settings dynamically for fast first label out
printing. Printer parameters that are persistent, will be retained for future formats to use. Those settings will
remain in effect until they are changed by subsequent commands, the printer is reset, power is cycled, or
when you restore a parameter that has a factory default by resetting the printer to factory defaults. The
ZPL Configuration Update command (^JU) saves and restores printer configurations to initialize (or
re-initialize) the printer with pre-configured settings.
• To keep settings after a power cycle or printer reset, a ^JUS can be sent to the printer to save all
current persistent settings.
• The values are recalled with a ^JUR command to restore the last saved values to the printer.
ZPL stores all parameters at once with a single command mentioned above. The legacy EPL programming
language (supported by this printer) changes and saves individual commands immediately. Most printer
settings are shared between ZPL and EPL. For example, changing the speed setting with EPL will also
change the speed set for ZPL operations. The changed EPL setting will persist even after a power cycle or
reset issued by either printer language.
A printer Configuration Report is available to assist the developer. The Configuration Report lists operating
parameters, sensor settings, and printer status. It can be accessed by using the procedure in Test Printing
with the Configuration Report. The Zebra Setup Utility and the ZebraDesigner ™ Windows driver also print
this report and other printer reports to help you manage your printer.
ZPL Printer Configuration Format
Managing more than one printer can be done by creating a printer configuration programming file to send
to one or more printers or ZebraNet ™ Bridge can be used to clone a printer’s setup. Figure 1 below shows
the basic structure of a ZPL programming configuration file.
See the ZPL programmer’s guide and the Configuration Setting to Command Cross-reference to create a
programming file. The Zebra Setup Utility (ZSU) can be used to send programming files to the printer.
Windows Notepad (text editor) can be used to create programing files.
Figure 8 Configuration Parameter Format Structure