Zebra Tag Printer Setup

Zebra tag (label) printers differ significantly from standard Windows printers. Rather than relying solely on the printer driver for layout and formatting, Zebra printers are typically controlled using ZPL (Zebra Programming Language). ZPL explicitly defines label dimensions, gaps, margins, fonts, barcodes, and print quantity.

For this reason, tag printers require more careful setup than conventional printers. Incorrect driver settings can result in common issues such as:

Labels printing out of alignment

Skipped or partially printed tags

Inconsistent positioning between tags

Ramsys is designed to handle this complexity for you by sending the required ZPL code directly to the printer.

How Ramsys Prints Tags

When printing tags, Ramsys does not rely on the Zebra driver to calculate layout. Instead, Ramsys sends ZPL commands directly to the printer, including:

  • Label width and length
  • Label gap handling
  • Margins and origin points
  • Fonts and barcode definitions
  • Print quantity


Because Ramsys provides these settings explicitly, it is critical that the Windows printer driver does not override them.

Why the Zebra Driver Alone Can Cause Issues

While Zebra drivers allow labels to be configured within Windows (label size, gap, margins, etc.), these settings must be exactly correct. Even minor discrepancies can cause:

  • Vertical drift over multiple tags
  • Missed gap detection
  • Incorrect barcode or text placement

When both Ramsys and the Zebra driver attempt to control layout, conflicts can occur as the driver removes the ramsys coded settings and applies its own.

Recommended Setup (Best Practice)

To avoid driver conflicts and ensure reliable tag printing, Ramsys uses a Generic Text Only print queue.

Step 1: Install the Zebra Printer Driver

Install the Zebra printer driver as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Complete calibration and confirm the printer can feed tags correctly.

Note the Windows port assigned to the printer (for example: USB001, IP_192.168.1.50).

Step 2: Create a Generic Text Only Printer

Add a new printer in Windows.

Select Generic / Text Only as the driver.

Assign it to the same port used by the Zebra printer.

Give the printer a clear, simple name (for example: Tag).

Step 3: Share the Printer (Optional)

If tags will be printed from another PC, share the Generic Text Only printer.

Ensure the share name is short and easy to identify.

Step 4: Configure Ramsys

In Ramsys configuration, select the Generic Text Only printer queue for tag printing, it will be called the name you gave it in Step2  (for example: Tag).

Result

With this setup:

Ramsys sends the complete ZPL tag job, including all layout and sizing information.

The Generic Text Only driver passes the data through unchanged.

The Zebra driver does not override or reinterpret the settings.

This approach provides:

Consistent tag alignment

Reliable gap handling

Reduced missed or misprinted tags

Summary

Zebra tag printers are controlled using ZPL, not standard Windows print layouts.

Driver-based label setup can cause alignment and feed issues if not perfectly configured.

Ramsys avoids these issues by sending ZPL directly to the printer.

Using a Generic Text Only printer queue ensures the data reaches the printer exactly as intended.

If you require assistance configuring your tag printer, your support team can perform or verify this setup for you.