ZPL Printer Compatibility
Your designs export ZPL/ZPL II. Printers that support ZPL natively or via emulation can print them. Verify model‑specific behavior and test before production.
Quick summary
- Zebra printers — native ZPL/ZPL II support (originator of the language). See the official Programming Guide.
- Many non‑Zebra industrial/desktop printers offer ZPL II compatibility/emulation modes. Enable the correct mode in the device settings.
- Emulations can differ in command coverage and coordinate alignment. Expect to fine‑tune margins and media handling per model.
Brands with ZPL/ZPL II support
Zebra
Zebra printers implement ZPL/ZPL II natively. Reference: Programming Guide and background on ZPL.
Epson (ColorWorks C6000/C6500 family)
Direct ZPL II printing is advertised for the ColorWorks C6000/C6500 series, enabling drop‑in replacement workflows.
cab
cab printers can process ZPL II print data natively (firmware 5.35+ suggested).
Brother (TJ series example)
Brother Titan TJ industrial models list ZPL II emulation among supported languages.
Printronix Auto ID / TSC
Enterprise lines advertise major printer language emulations for seamless integration. Check your exact model for ZPL/ZGL support.
Note: Other manufacturers (e.g., SATO, Honeywell, BIXOLON, Toshiba TEC, Citizen, GoDEX) also provide ZPL‑compatible modes on specific models. Consult official documentation for your device and firmware.
Integration tips
- Prefer Raw TCP/9100 (a.k.a. Raw IP, LPR/Raw) to send ZPL without rasterization when possible.
- Match printer DPI (203/300/600) and media size; adjust ^PW/^LL and origin (^FO) as needed per model.
- For emulation modes, expect minor coordinate or font differences; align via printer offsets and ZPL commands.
FAQs
What printers are guaranteed to work?
Zebra models that support ZPL/ZPL II work natively. For other brands, enable the ZPL/ZPL II emulation mode if available and test with your media.
Will my layouts look identical across brands?
Usually close, but not always identical. Fonts, barcode defaults, and print origins can vary. Tweak ^CI (code pages), ^CF/^A (fonts), and use panel offsets to align.
Do I need drivers?
For network printing, drivers are optional if you send ZPL directly (Raw IP). For USB, a class driver or vendor driver can help create a pass‑through queue.