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Compatibility

This guide covers Raw printer setup for printing ZPL labels with DHL, FedEx, and UPS.

Compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Overview

These steps will allow a USB, Network, Serial or Parallel attached printer to receive raw commands (ZPL) on Windows.

Note: Many printer drivers do NOT need these additional steps and will work fine with both raw and pixel API calls. Only follow these steps if you're experiencing issues with ZPL printing.

Setup Steps

1. Start adding a printer

Open Control Panel → View Devices and Printers → Add Printer.

Alternatively, navigate to Settings → Bluetooth and Devices → Printers and Scanners → Add device → Add manually.

2. Select connection method

Click "Add a local printer." Ignore the USB message.

For Network Printer:

  • Click Create New Port → Standard TCP/IP Port → Next
  • Enter the IP address and uncheck "Query the Printer..."

Important: Do NOT click "Add a Wireless, Bluetooth or Network Printer." Always use the local port option for Network Printers.

For Serial or Parallel Printer (COM or LPT):

  • Click Use Existing Port
  • Select the appropriate COM or LPT port

For USB Printer:

  • Click Use Existing Port
  • Find the matching USB00x port that was installed with the device driver
  • If unsure of the port, cancel the Wizard. Right Click the USB Printer → Printer Properties → Port (Reminder: In Windows 7, it's called "Printer Properties," not "Properties")

Note: For USB to operate properly, the device driver should already be installed. This is automatic in Windows 7 and later when connected to the internet. Windows XP may need a device driver installed manually. Download from manufacturer if needed.

For Virtual Printer (FILE):

  • Click Use Existing Port
  • Select FILE:

3. Select printer driver

Manufacturer: Select Generic

Printer: Select Generic / Text Only → Next

Note: Some print drivers, such as Zebra ZDesigner or CUPS Zebra driver have dual-mode drivers capable of accepting Raw commands as well as PostScript commands. If Raw printing works with the vendor supplied driver, choose that over the Generic/Raw driver.

4. Replace driver

If prompted to replace the current driver, click "Replace the Current Driver."

5. Name the printer

Give the printer a name (e.g., "zebra_raw").

Important: You will use this exact name in Ship&co's settings. Remember it accurately.

6. Set default printer

Uncheck "Set as Default Printer" unless instructed otherwise.

7. Complete setup

Your Raw printer setup for Windows is now complete.

Next step: Continue to ZPL Printing Setup in Ship&co, Step 3.

Troubleshooting

Printer not found

  • Verify the printer is powered on and properly connected to your computer
  • For USB printers, confirm the device driver is installed

Cannot print

  • Verify the printer name in Ship&co exactly matches the name you set in Windows
  • Check that labels are loaded in the printer

Print quality issues

  • Check your printer's darkness/density settings
  • Verify you're using the correct label size

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