Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- faq:label-printer-via-windows-driver [2026/07/07 10:07] – created Ujwal Khatry
+++ faq:label-printer-via-windows-driver [2026/07/07 11:00] (current) – Ujwal Khatry
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{indexmenu_n>134}}
-====== 28.17. Label printer : How to print via the windows driver ======
+<WRAP center round alert 60%>
+This Doc is under review :  Read with caution !
+</WRAP>
+====== 28.17. Zebra Label Printer : How to print via the windows driver ======
+<WRAP center round info 60%>
+This guide covers connecting a Zebra label printer on **Windows** (USB or Network) so it can be used to print labels from any mSupply reports.
+</WRAP>
+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.
+===== Requirements =====
+  * 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)
+===== Step 1: Download the Zebra Setup Utility =====
+Download the Windows Zebra Setup Utility from Zebra's site:
+[[https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/software/printer-software/zebra-nucleus-connector.html|Zebra Setup Utility / Nucleus Connector download]]
+This utility handles driver installation for both USB and network-connected Zebra printers.
+===== Step 2: Connect the printer =====
+**Option A — USB**
+  - Connect the Zebra printer to the Windows PC via USB cable.
+  - Open the Zebra Setup Utility.
+  - Follow the wizard to install the printer driver for the detected USB printer.
+**Option B — Network (LAN)**
+  - 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).
+  - Open the Zebra Setup Utility.
+  - Choose to add a new printer, and select the **network/LAN connection** option instead of USB.
+  - Enter the printer's IP address when prompted.
+  - Complete the wizard to install the driver.
+Both connection methods have been confirmed working.
+===== Step 3: Set the label size =====
+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.
+===== Step 4: Print from mSupply (Misc Labels) =====
+  - 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).
+  - Set the **Quantity to print**.
+  - Click **Print**, and select the Zebra printer (now installed as a normal Windows printer) as the destination.
+===== Known issues / Troubleshooting =====
+  * **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).
+===== Notes =====
+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.
 ---- struct data ----