WiFiLabelSet up a label printer on a Mac
A Zebra uses the CUPS driver built into macOS. Pick ZPL or EPL2 from the sticker or the configuration label. A Rollo X1038 needs Rollo's driver. A DYMO LabelWriter 4XL needs DYMO's desktop software. Bridge support on a Mac is in testing.
| Option | Works for | Host computer stays on | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in CUPS driver | Zebra printers. Add it in Printers and Scanners, or in CUPS at localhost:631. | No | Free | Zebra KB 000019838, CUPS |
| Rollo driver package | Rollo USB printer on OS X 10.9 or newer. | No | Free | Rollo, install the USB driver on Mac |
| DYMO desktop software | LabelWriter 4XL. The macOS version floor was not re-read. | No | Free | DYMO user guide and downloads |
| Mac Printer Sharing | Another Mac, or a UNIX computer. | Yes | Free | Apple, share your printer on Mac |
This page is the driver choice. It does not repeat the queue repair or the browser tool.
If the printer is already added and the queue says offline, use Zebra printer offline on a Mac. The browser tool that sends ZPL from Chrome or Edge is Print from a Zebra on a Mac. Fuzzy output is Zebra labels blurry or faded. The wrong paper size is Zebra label printing the wrong size.
Munbyn is not covered here.
Which driver#
| Printer | What to install |
|---|---|
| Zebra (ZPL or EPL) | Nothing from Zebra. CUPS is built in. Choose ZPL or EPL2. |
| Rollo X1038 | Rollo's driver package. Rollo says it is required, and lists OS X 10.9 or newer. |
| DYMO LabelWriter 4XL | DYMO's desktop software. See the note on macOS versions. |
Pirate Ship says Apple already includes Zebra drivers, that you choose by the ZPL or EPL sticker, and that labels may look fuzzy.
Add the printer#
- Open Printers and Scanners and add the printer.
- For a Zebra, pick ZPL or EPL2. You can also turn on the CUPS page with
cupsctl WebInterface=yesand open localhost:631. That is Zebra KB 000019838. - For a Rollo X1038, install Rollo's package before you expect the queue to print.
- For a LabelWriter 4XL, install DYMO's desktop software. Do not treat a macOS version number on this page as checked.
- Set 4 by 6 inches as the paper size and print at 100 percent.
An LP2844 is EPL2. An LP2844-Z is a ZPL model. Read the sticker before you pick the queue. The LP2844 guide has that split. The ZD220 speaks ZPL II and EPL2. The GK420d and GX420d have both coresident.
Share it#
System Settings, General, Sharing, Printer Sharing. Apple's article stops at another Mac or a UNIX computer. The sharing guide has the limits, including that the Mac has to stay on.
Still to check#
A dated screenshot of adding a ZP450 on the current macOS, and printing with no extra driver. Both are open.
FAQ
Does a Zebra need a Mac driver download?
No separate Zebra driver. macOS uses CUPS. Pick ZPL or EPL2 to match the sticker or the configuration label.
Why are Zebra labels fuzzy on a Mac?
Pirate Ship says the built-in Zebra driver may print fuzzy labels. The blurry-label guide covers darkness and DPI. This page does not repeat those steps.
Can I share the Mac's printer to an iPhone?
Apple's sharing article says another Mac or a UNIX computer. It does not mention iPhone or iPad.
What paper size should I set?
4 by 6 inches for a shipping label, at 100 percent. The wrong-size guide covers Zebra scaling.
Sources
Related
- Print from a Zebra on a Mac
- Zebra printer offline on a Mac
- Zebra label printing the wrong size
- Zebra labels blurry or faded
- Zebra ZP450 setup, specs, and drivers
- Zebra LP2844 setup, specs, and drivers
- Zebra GK420d setup, specs, and drivers
- Zebra ZD220 setup, specs, and drivers
- Zebra GX420d setup, specs, and Wi-Fi options
- Rollo X1038 setup, specs, and wireless options
- DYMO LabelWriter 4XL setup, specs, and drivers