28.17. Zebra Label Printer : How to print via the windows driver

mSupply normally prints directly to the Zebra Label Printer via the use of EPL command which does not require the normal print driver that is provided by the vendor.

The main advantage of using the Windows or MAC driver is that you can use mSupply's reporting feature to print labels.

Here is the workflow that can be achieved :

• You want want to print a list of label for each item or even location. For this example let say items.
• The Zebra Label Printer can be added as a printer using the printer driver supplied by the vendor.
• A custom label size of 75mm x 35mm (7cm x 3cm) msut be defined for the printer.
• A report using the `custom label size` can be designed. For this the support team will have to create a custom report.
• Finally from the mSupply report menu : You can run a report like Report > Item & stock > item list… Simply choose the custom report for the label.
• Preview the report
• Print to the Zebra Label Printer and a bulk of label can be printed.

• A Windows PC or laptop
• Zebra label printer (USB or LAN-connected)
• Zebra Setup Utility (Windows) — download link below
• Label stock: 75mm x 35mm (7cm x 3cm)

Download the Windows Zebra Setup Utility from Zebra's site:

Zebra Setup Utility / Nucleus Connector download

This utility handles driver installation for both USB and network-connected Zebra printers.

Option A — USB

1. Connect the Zebra printer to the Windows PC via USB cable.
2. Open the Zebra Setup Utility.
3. Follow the wizard to install the printer driver for the detected USB printer.

Option B — Network (LAN)

1. Confirm the Zebra printer is connected to the same network (it will have its own IP address — check the printer's network config page/printout if needed).
2. Open the Zebra Setup Utility.
3. Choose to add a new printer, and select the network/LAN connection option instead of USB.
4. Enter the printer's IP address when prompted.
5. Complete the wizard to install the driver.

Both connection methods have been confirmed working.

The label size must be defined to match the label size you have:

• Most common Label size: 7cm x 3cm (75mm x 35mm)

This is set either in the Zebra Setup Utility's printer configuration/media settings, or in the Windows printer driver's preferences (Page Setup / Stock / Media Size), depending on the exact Zebra model. Set this before printing a test label, otherwise output will be misaligned or clipped.

1. In mSupply, open the Misc Labels report and select/configure the label format for the item(s) you need (Heading = shelf/item location, Body = item code + item description).
2. Set the Quantity to print.
3. Click Print, and select the Zebra printer (now installed as a normal Windows printer) as the destination.

• Windows under Parallels on macOS: printer setup was attempted this way and did not work. Use a native Windows PC/laptop instead.
• Label misalignment/clipping: usually caused by the label size not being set correctly (should be 7cm x 3cm) — recheck media settings in the Zebra Setup Utility or driver preferences.
• Printer not detected via LAN: confirm the printer and PC are on the same subnet, and that the printer's IP address is correct and reachable (try pinging it from the Windows PC).

Setting this up (driver install + confirming both USB and network connectivity + correct label size) took a full afternoon during initial testing for Kiribati — this guide is intended to shortcut that for the next setup.