PrepLabelQuick answer: To print FNSKU labels from ZPL, add your FNSKUs above, choose a thermal roll size, set your printer's resolution under Printer and alignment and click Download ZPL (Zebra). Send the .zpl file to the printer with Zebra Setup Utilities, a shared-printer copy command or port 9100. Quantities are printed by the printer itself with ^PQ.
What the ZPL looks like
This is the exact output for one 2 × 1 in label at 203 dpi with a quantity of 24:
^XA
^CI28
^PW406
^LL203
^LH0,0
^FO58,12^BY2^BCN,105,N,N,N^FDX001ABC123^FS
^FO12,124^FB382,1,0,C^A0N,22,22^FH\^FDX001ABC123^FS
^FO12,149^FB382,1,0,C^A0N,19,19^FH\^FDStainless Steel Water Bottle, 750 ml, Blue^FS
^FO12,170^FB382,1,0,C^A0N,19,19^FH\^FDNew^FS
^PQ24
^XZ| Command | What it does here |
|---|---|
^PW406 ^LL203 | Label width and length in dots: 2 × 1 in at 203 dpi |
^BY2 ^BCN | Code 128 barcode with 2-dot modules, no interpretation line (the FNSKU is printed separately) |
^FB … ,C ^A0N | Centred text block in Zebra's scalable font for the FNSKU, title and condition |
^FH\ | Lets special characters such as ^ and ~ be sent as hex codes |
^PQ24 | Print 24 copies of this label |
How to send ZPL to a Zebra printer
- Zebra Setup Utilities (Windows): select the printer, open the communication window and send the .zpl file.
- Shared printer on Windows: share the Zebra printer, then run
copy /b fnsku-labels.zpl \\localhost\ZebraShareNamein Command Prompt. - Network printer: send the file to port 9100, for example
nc 192.168.1.50 9100 < fnsku-labels.zplon macOS or Linux. - macOS or Linux with CUPS: add the printer as a raw queue and print the file with
lp -o raw.
ZPL or PDF?
ZPL skips the printer driver, so there's no paper-size or scaling dialog to get wrong, and a run of 200 labels is a few kilobytes. PDF works with every printer, including Rollo, DYMO and printers that don't understand ZPL, and shows exactly what you'll get. Both use the same layout. Set the resolution to match the printer: a 203 dpi file on a 300 dpi printer prints about two thirds of the intended size.
Before sending a big batch, print a single copy (change the quantity to 1) and scan it. If the barcode sits off-centre, check the label width setting on the printer matches the roll.
FAQ
Which Zebra printers accept this ZPL?
Zebra desktop and industrial printers that use ZPL II, such as the GK, GX, ZD and ZT series. Printers from other brands may emulate ZPL; check your manual, or use the PDF instead.
How do I print several copies of each label?
Set the number of labels per product in the list. Each SKU becomes one ^XA…^XZ format ending in ^PQ with that quantity, so the printer repeats it.
Why is my label printing too small or too large?
The ZPL was made for a different resolution. Choose 203 or 300 dpi under Printer and alignment to match the printer, then export again.
Does the ZPL include anything besides the label content?
No. It contains only the barcode, FNSKU, title and condition. No credit or branding is added to unit labels.
More PrepLabel guides
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. General information, not legal advice. Amazon changes its rules, so confirm current requirements in Seller Central.