Print a PDF on a thermal label printer
To print a PDF on a thermal printer, make the page the size of the label, usually 4 × 6 inches, and convert it to ZPL with PDF to ZPL. A letter-size PDF sent as it is gets cut off, because the printer only knows the label under its head.
Your file is downloading.
Free, with no daily limit. A free account also saves your designs and gives you an API key.
Three ways to do it
Convert the PDF to ZPL. PDF to ZPL turns each page into one label, in your browser, without uploading the file. It works with any ZPL printer.
Print from the PDF viewer at 100%. Install the printer's driver, set the paper to 4 × 6 in and turn off "fit to page". Scaling is the usual reason a barcode stops scanning.
Use PDF Direct. Some Zebra printers can print PDFs themselves once the PDF Direct feature is enabled.
Letter-size PDFs with two labels
Marketplaces often give you a letter page with two labels on it. Each half has to become its own 4 × 6 page before printing, or the printer draws only the top of the sheet.
Why barcodes stop scanning
A PDF scaled to fit shrinks the bars by a few percent, enough to fail on a dense Code 128. Print at 100%, and if you convert to ZPL, pick the density of your printer so each dot lands on a dot.
Questions
Is it free?
Yes: preview and download one file at a time with all its labels, without an account, with no daily limit and no watermark. Paid plans add batches of files, the API and support.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. PDF to ZPL converts it in your browser.
Will it work on a non-Zebra printer?
If the printer understands ZPL, yes. Otherwise print the PDF at 100% with the printer's own driver.
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