WiFiLabelZebra label printing the wrong size
A tiny, half, or cut-off 4 by 6 label is usually a Letter PDF, or the print dialog is scaling the page. Set the platform and the computer to 4 by 6 at 100% scale with no margins.
The printer is often doing what the computer asked. Check the file size before you change the printhead.
Most likely causes#
- The label is an 8.5 by 11 inch PDF, or the platform format is Letter, not 4 by 6.
- The print dialog is set to scale to fit, or the margins are not zero. You want 100% scale.
- The design DPI does not match the head. A 203 dpi design prints at about two thirds size on a 300 dpi head.
- Print width or label length on the printer is too short, so the label is cut off or only half of it prints.
- Orientation is flipped, so the label is upside down.
Fix it#
- In the platform, set the format to 4 by 6 thermal. In ShipStation that is Settings, then Printing, then Document Options. On eBay, set label preferences to 4 by 6.
- In the print dialog, set the paper to 4 by 6, the scale to 100%, and the margins to 0. On Windows that is Printing Preferences. On a Mac, ShipStation says to set the media size and resolution in CUPS Set Default Options.
- Match the design to the head. ShipStation says the 2844 needs 203 dpi. Zebra says a 203 dpi design prints small on a 300 dpi head, and ^MU is the command that scales it.
- If the right side or the bottom is missing, set the printer width and length. At 203 dpi, 4 by 6 inches is 812 by 1218 dots. Print a configuration label and read the print width line.
- If the label is upside down, flip orientation in the driver, or send ^PO.
The setup page shows the current print width and label length. The ZPL preview shows the label at the size you send, before it hits the printer.
Print width command Label length command Print orientation commandIf the top of the label is clipped after the size is right, check label top (^LT) and calibrate. The ZP450 guide lists a print that does not start at the top, or the first one to three labels misprinting, as a calibration and label-top problem.
FAQ
Why is my Zebra printer printing small?
The file is often a full-page PDF, or the print dialog is set to scale to fit. Set the paper to 4 by 6 at 100% scale with margins at 0.
Why does my ZP450 print only half a label?
Print width or label length on the printer is shorter than the label. At 203 dpi, 4 by 6 inches is 812 by 1218 dots.
Why is the label cut off on the right or the bottom?
The printer width (^PW) or length (^LL) is too short, or the computer paper size is not 4 by 6. Read the width on a configuration label.
Why is the label upside down?
Change print orientation. In ZPL that is ^PO. The driver also has an orientation setting.