Zebra EPL2 Spécifications

Manual No. 980352-001 Rev. A©2001 Zebra Technologies CorporationEPL2Programmer’sManualProgramming for Page ModePrinting

Placing Elements inthe Print ImageImage elements are located in the image printbuffer on a X-Y grid expressed in dots. The Xvalue represents the width

Q Command - Set Form LengthExamples:3-82980352-001 Rev.Ap1p2p3p2Standard LabelButterfly LabelWhere:p = 20.0 mm (160 dots)p = 3.0mm (24 dots)The Q comm

Q Command - Set Form Length980352-001 Rev.A3-83p2p3Black Line Between PerforationWhere:p = 31.0 mm (248 dots)p = 7.0mm (56 dots)p = 17 mm (136 dots)Th

r Command - Set Double Buffer ModeDescription: Use this command to disable or reenable thedouble buffer image (label) printing. The dou-ble buffer fea

R Command - Set Reference PointDescription Use this command to move the reference pointfor the X and Y axes. All horizontal and verticalmeasurements i

S Command - Speed SelectDescription Use this command to select the print speed.SyntaxSp1Parameters p1=Speed select value.Model Value Speed272227423742

TD Command - Define Date LayoutDescription Use this command to define the date formatwhen printing.UsethevariableTDinaText orBarCode(A&Bcommands)

TS Command - Set Real Time ClockDescription Use this command to set the time and date inprinters equipped with the Real Time Clock op-tion.Syntax TSp1

TT Command - Define Time LayoutDescription Use this command to define the time formatwhen printing.Syntax TTp1[|p2|p3][+]Parameters P1, P2, P3= h, m,

U Command - Print Configuration (General)Description Use this command to print the current printerconfiguration for page mode printing. Theprintout is

UA Command - Enable Clear Label Counter ModeDescription This command sets the printer to clear (empty)the print buffer if a media out condition is de-

Text (Fonts) The standard EPL2 printer has five (1-5) resi-dent mono-spaced dot fonts. Fonts A-Z and a-z(upper and lower case alpha characters) are re

UB Command - Reset Label Counter ModeDescription Use this command to clear the UA commandand restore the default setting to allow theprinter to resume

UE Command - External Font Information InquiryDescription This command will cause the printer to send in-formation about external fonts currently stor

UF Command - Form Information InquiryDescription This command will cause the printer to send in-formation about forms currently stored in theprinter b

UG Command - Graphics Information InquiryDescription This command will cause the printer to send in-formationaboutgraphicscurrentlystoredintheprinter

UI Command - Host Prompts/Codepage InquiryDescription This command will cause the printer to enablepromptstobesenttothehostanditwillsendthecurrentlyse

UM Command - Codepage & Memory InquiryDescriptionThiscommandwillcausetheprintertosend tothe host of the currently selected codepageand memory stat

UN Command - Disable Error ReportingDescription Cancels US commandSyntaxUN3-98980352-001 Rev.A

UP Command - Codepage & Memory Inquiry/PrintDescriptionThis command will cause the printer to printand send the currently selected codepage andmem

UQ Command - Configuration InquiryDescription Use this command to send the printer configu-rationinformationbacktothehost viatheserialport.Syntax UQTh

US Command - Enable Error ReportingDescription Use this command to enable the printer’s statusreporting feature.·Serial Port - If an error occurs, the

Thetextis placedintotheimagebuffer.Seethefollowing example.The reference point of the first character in a textstringisnotaffectedbythefontsizemultipl

US Command - Enable Error ReportingCode Error/Status Description00 No Error01 Syntax Error02 Object Exceeded Label Border03Bar Code Data Length Error(

V Command - Define VariableDescription Use this command to define variable data forthetextandbarcodedatafieldsinstoredforms.Variable data can be combi

V Command - Define VariableUse this command in forms that require uniquedataoneachlabel.Wheninitializingvariables:·They must be defined in order (e.g.

W Command - Windows ModeDescription This command is used to disable/re-enable theWindows command mode.Syntax Wp1Parameters p1=Windows Mode Enabled.Val

xa Command - AutoSenseDescription Thiscommandisusedtohavetheprinterdetectthe label and gap length and set the sensor lev-els.This commandwillnotenter

X Command - Box DrawDescription Use this command to draw a box shape.Syntax Xp1,p2,p3,p4,p5Parametersp1=Horizontal start position (X) in dots.p2=Verti

Y Command - Serial Port SetupDescription Use this command to establish the serial portcommunication parameters.SyntaxYp1,p2,p3,p4Parameters p1=Baud ra

Z Command - Print DirectionDescription Use this command to select the print orienta-tion.SyntaxZp1Parameters p1=Print orientation.T = Printing from to

? Command - Download VariablesDescription This command signals the printer to “fill-in”variable or counter “prompt” data field.The host system can sen

^@ Command - Reset PrinterDescription This command is used to reset the printer.Syntax^@¿ :where ^is 94 decimalThis command emulates Power Off and the

Bar Codes All bar codes supported by the EPL2 languagehave associated industry specifications that theprogrammershould be awareof andadhere to.The pro

^ee Command - Error Report - ImmediateDescription: Usethiscommandtogetprintererrorandstatusreport immediately. The ^ee command mustbe sent via the RS-

Appendix A - Character ReferencesThis section has character references.Resident Fonts 1-5 PageModesupports5differentfontsizes,num-bered 1-5. Each font

Default Character MapCode Page - 437See the I command to for more information onselecting available code pages, page 3-53.A-2980352-001 Rev.A

Dump ModeCharacter MapThe printer's Dump Mode is used to trouble-shoot programming. The printer will print alldata as sent in Dump Mode Character

A-4980352-001 Rev.A

Appendix B - Cash Drawer Kicker OptionThis section has hardware and programmingfor the Cash Drawer Kicker.Introduction The cash drawer kicker is a fac

Cash Drawer CableWiringThe figure below displays the pin assignmentsfortheprinter'sretailcashdrawerinterface. Re-fertothecashdrawmanufacturer&apo

<Esc>p Command - Generate Pulse CDKDescription Generate a drawer kicker pulse.Syntax <Esc>pp1p2p3Parameters p1=Select DrawerDrawer 1 (SDRV

<Esc>u Command - CDK StatusDescription Report the cash drawer kicker’s status.Syntax <Esc>uParameters NoneStatus00 hex. = Cash Drawer Open

ProgrammingSequences AffectGraphic ResultsGraphic elements can interact and the resultantimage can be affected by other commands.Structure command seq

Printer ConfigurationThis section covers the interpret your printer'sconfiguration setup and setting basic modes.Printer AutoSenseFeatureUse the

Explanation of the Status PrintoutDetermining PrinterFirmware VersionThe printer version numbers are a code used todocument product function and the f

Programming ModeConfigurationFlash based printers are, by default, configuredfor Page (EPL2) mode operations. The opera-tor must convert the printer t

Media Detection Media detection in EPL2 printers is a combina-tionofprogrammingandprintermediasensing.TheQ (Set FormLength) andO (Option) com-mands pr

Command ReferenceThis section contains a complete listing of allcommands in alphabetical order.980352-001 Rev.A3-1

FOREWORDThis manual provides programming information for printers featuring Zebra’s EPL2 Pro-gramming and command language, which are manufactured by

3-2980352-001 Rev.ACommand Description PageA ASCII Text 3-4AUTOFR Automatic Form Printing 3-9B Bar Code 3-11bMaxiCode 3-16PDF417 3-20C Counter 3-27C C

980352-001 Rev.A3-3Command Description PageQSet Form LengthTransmissive (Gap) Sensor3-80Black Line SensorContinuous Stockq Set Form Width 3-78r Set Do

A Command - ASCII TextDescription Prints an ASCII text string.Syntax Ap1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,"DATA"Parameters p1= Horizontal start position (X

A Command - ASCII TextThe backslash (\) character designates the fol-lowing character is a literal and will encode intothedatafield.Refertothefollowin

A Command - ASCII TextVariable Data andCounter FunctionsThe “Data” field can be replaced by or com-bined with the following commands:Vnn= Prints the c

A Command - ASCII TEXTSimple Expressionsin Data FieldsAnadvanced function ofthe Acommand allowsaddition and subtraction to be performed onconstant an

A Command - Simple Expressions in Data FieldsExample:¿FK"1"¿FK"1"¿FS"1"¿V00,10,N,"Enter current mileage"¿A100,

AUTOFR Command - Automatic Form PrintingDescription This special form process allows you to detachthe printer from the computer and print in astandalo

AUTOFR - Automatic Form Printing FeatureAUTOFR treats any incoming data as a variable in-tended for printing. This means if you send theprinter a memo

B Command - Bar CodeDescription Usethiscommandtoprintstandardbarcodes.Syntax Bp1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,p8,"DATA"Parameters p1=Horizontal start p

Table of ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1Command Conventions . . . . . . . . . . .

B Command - Bar Code3-12980352-001 Rev.ADescriptionP4ValueP5ValueCode 39 std. or extended3 1-10Code 39 with check digit3C 1-10Code 939 1-10Code 128 UC

B Command - Bar CodeExample:¿N¿B10,10,0,3,3,7,200,B,"998152-001"¿P1¿Will Produce:Bar Codes withVariables & CountersThe data field can be

B Command - Bar CodeData with the RTCTime & DateFunctionsThe “Data” field can be replaced by or com-bined with the following variables:TT = Prints

B Command - Bar CodeCode 128 Bar CodeFunction Characters(continued)A single FCN4 toggles between standard andextended ASCII mode for only a single fol

b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific OptionsDescription Use this command to generate MaxiCode barcode symbols with a single command. Theprinter

b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific Optionsp5= x,yAssociated MaxiCode symbol numberingwhere:x = Symbol Number ofy = Total Number of Associated

b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific OptionsExample:N¿b20,20,M,"300,840,93065,1692,This is MaxiCode, but not MaxiCodeformatted data"¿

Using AIM SpecifiedMaxiCode DataFormattingThe EPL printer can use and automatically de-codetheAIMITS(InternationalTechnicalStan-dards) MaxiCode data f

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific OptionsDescription Use this command to print PDF 417 and MacroPDF bar code symbols. The printer will auto-ma

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific OptionsThe following parameters may be omitted and de-fault values will automatically be inserted. Each pa-r

I Command - Character Set Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53JB Command - Disable Top Of Form Backup . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Optionsp9(f) = Bar code origin pointValues: 0 or 1, Default is 1f1- Center of bar code as defined by theauto

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options"DATA" = ASCII data or Binary data bytesRepresents a fixed data field.The backslash (\) cha

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific OptionsPDF417Symbol GeometryColumns Maximum Rows Codewords590906 90 1807 90 2708 90 3609 90 45010 90 54011 9

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific OptionsAutomatic PDF 417Bar Code GenerationThe printer automatically tests and changes thePDF 417 bar code g

b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific OptionsExample:N¿b80,100,P,700,600,x2,y7,l100,r100,f0,s5," \ ¿Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers

C Command - CounterDescription The counter (C) command defines one of 10automatic counters used in consecutive num-bering applications (i.e. serial nu

C Command - CounterTheCcommandisusedinformsthatrequirese-quentialnumbering.Wheninitializingcounters,they must be defined in order (e.g. C0 first, C1se

C Command - Cut ImmediateDescription: This command allows the printer to initiate animmediatemediacutwithoutaformprintoper-ation. The printer must hav

D Command - DensityDescription Use this command to select the print density.Syntax Dp1Parameters p1=Density setting. Acceptable values are:Model Accep

dump Command - Enable Dump ModeDescription This command allows the advanced program-mer to force a user diagnostic “data dump”mode. Sending the dump c

xa Command - AutoSense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-106X Command - Box Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

eR Command - User Defined Error/Status CharacterDescription: This command allows the advanced program-mer to specify the printer's error/status r

EI Command - Print Soft Font InformationDescription This command will cause the printer to print alist of all soft fonts that are stored in memory.Syn

EK Command - Delete Soft FontDescription This command is used to delete soft fonts frommemory.Soft fonts can be downloaded to and deleted fromthe prin

ES Command - Store Soft FontDescription This command is used to download and storesoft fonts in memory.Soft fonts can be downloaded to and deleted fro

ES Command - Store Soft Fonta1:(1st) Download Character (map position)Range: 00 to FF hex.b1:(1st) Spacing To Next Print CharacterDownloaded character

ES Command - Store Soft FontFor fonts with the rotation parameter setfor “both” (p2= 02 hex.):Repeat the individual font character downloadfor each 90

ES Command - Store Soft FontSoft FontsProgramming CodeExampleThe typical soft font download commandstrings to the printer. The following examplewas ge

ES Command - Store Soft FontFont Bitmap DataFormatThe black and white bitmap that represents thefontmustbe convertedintoASCII hexadecimalcode. The 0°

f Command - Cut PositionDescription Use this command on an individual printer toprovide precision cut placement.·Compensate sensor to cutter position

FE Command - End Form StoreDescription This command is used to end a form store se-quence.Syntax FEExample:FS"FORMNAME"↵...FE↵The form store

vi980352-001 Rev.A

FI Command - Print Form InformationDescription This command will cause the printer to print alist of all forms stored in memory.Syntax FIExample:FI¿ :

FK Command - Delete FormDescription This command is used to delete forms frommemory.Syntax FK [ "FORMNAME" | "*" ]Parameters “FORM

FR Command - Retrieve FormDescription Use this command to retrieve a form that waspreviously stored in memory.Syntax FR"FORMNAME"Parameters

FS Command - Store FormDescription This command begins a form store sequence.Syntax FS"FORMNAME"Parameters “FORMNAME” =This is the form name

FS Command - Store FormExample:¿FK"TESTFORM"¿ :delete form “TESTFORM”FS"TESTFORM"¿ :begins the form store sequence of:the form “TE

GG Command - Print GraphicsDescription Use this command to print a PCX (format)graphic that has been previously stored inprinter memory.Syntax GGp1,p2

GI Command - Print Graphics InformationDescription This command will cause the printer to print alist of all graphics stored in memory.Syntax GIExampl

GK Command - Delete GraphicsDescription Use this command to delete graphics frommemory.Syntax GK {“NAME”|"*"}Parameters “NAME” = By entering

GM Command - Store GraphicsDescription UsethiscommandtostorePCXgraphicsfilesinmemory.SyntaxGM"NAME"p1¿“DATA”Parameters “NAME” = This is the

GM Command - Store GraphicsExample: GK"LOGO1"↵ :deletes graphic “LOGO1” - RequiredGK"LOGO1"↵ :second delete graphic - RequiredGM&q

IntroductionThis section contains information about the ba-sic features, command syntax and terminologyoftheEPL2ProgrammingLanguageforZebra'sdesk

GW Command - Direct Graphic WriteDescription Use this command to load binary graphic datadirectly into the Image Buffer memory for im-mediate printing

I Command - Character Set SelectionDescription Use this command to select the appropriatecharacter set for printing and display (KDU).Syntax Ip1,p2,p3

I Command - Character Set Selectionp3=KDU Country Code (8 bit data only)KDU Country Code (8 bit only)032Belgium049Germany027S. Africa002Canada031Nethe

JB Command - Disable Top Of Form BackupDescription This command disables the Top Of FormBackup feature when printing multiple labels.At power up, Top

JF Command - Enable Top Of Form BackupDescription This command enables the Top Of FormBackup feature and presents the last label of abatch print opera

LE Command - Line Draw ExclusiveDescription Usethiscommandtodrawlineswithan“Exclu-siveOR”function.Anyarea,line,imageorfieldthat this line intersects o

LO Command - Line Draw BlackDescription Usethiscommandtodrawblacklines,overwrit-ing previous information.Syntax LOp1,p2,p3,p4Parameters p1=Horizontal

LS Command - Line Draw DiagonalDescription Usethiscommandtodrawdiagonalblacklines,overwriting previous information.Syntax LSp1,p2,p3,p4,p5Parameters p

LW Command - Line Draw WhiteDescription Use this command to draw white lines, effec-tively erasing previous information.SyntaxLWp1,p2,p3,p4Parameters

M Command - Memory AllocationDescription Thiscommandnolongerchangesmemoryallo-cation. It was originally used for SRAM andearly model flash printers. T

CommandConventionsThe manual uses the following typographicconventions to describe commands.Example DescriptionA Commands (Case Sensitive)p1,p2,p3Requ

N Command - Clear Image BufferDescription This command clears the image buffer prior tobuilding a new label image.Syntax NDo not use the N command wit

o Command - Cancel Software OptionsDescription This command allows the user to cancel mostprintercustomizationparameterssetbyoseriescommands.Parameter

oB Command - Cancel Auto Bar Code OptimizationDescription: This command allows the advanced program-mertodisablebarcode optimizationforrotated(90° &am

oE Command - Line Mode Font SubstitutionDescription: This command is a Page Mode (EPL2) com-mand that allows the printer to set alternateLine Mode fon

oH Command - Macro PDF OffsetDescription Usethiscommandtoplaceadditionsecondary,associatedMacroPDFsymbolsforthe continu-ation of data greater than a s

oH Command - Macro PDF OffsetExample:N¿q784¿Q1215,24¿R0,0¿oH0,500¿¿N¿b80,100,P,700,600,x2,y7,l100,r100,f0,s5,"\Fourscore and seven years ago our

oM Command - Disable Initial Esc Sequence FeedDescription Thiscommanddisablesthe automatic labelcal-ibration routine executed by the printer uponrecei

oR Command - Character Substitution (Euro)Description This command allows the advanced program-mer to substitute the Euro currency characterfor any AS

oR Command - Character Substitution (Euro)TheoRcommandisaglobalprintercommand.❏It can not be issued inside of a form.❏It must be issued prior to issui

oW Command - Customize Bar Code ParametersDescription: This command allows the advanced program-mer to modify specific bar code parameters toexceed th

Basic CommandSyntaxEach command consists of one or two ASCII(case sensitive) alpha characters to identify thespecific command desired. Some commandsre

oW Command - Customize Bar Code ParametersReset the printer with a ^@ or o commandswith flash firmware printers or cycle printerpowertocleartheoWcomma

O Command - Hardware OptionsDescription Use this command to select various printer op-tions. Options available vary by printerconfiguration.SyntaxO[C[

O Command - Hardware OptionsExamples: O :disables all options.OC :enables cutter only, labels are cut after each:label is printed, disables all other

OEPL1 Command - Set Line ModeDescription: This command is used to switch the printer op-erating mode from Page Mode (EPL2) to LineMode (EPL1 emulation

P Command - PrintDescription Use this command to print the contents of theimage buffer.SyntaxPp1, [p2]Parameters p1=Number of label sets.Range = 1 to

PA Command - Print AutomaticDescription Usethis command inastored formsequencetoautomaticallyprint theform (assoon asall vari-able data has been suppl

q Command - Set Label WidthDescription Use this command to set the width of the print-able area of the media.Syntaxqp1Parameters p1=The width of the l

q Command - Set Label WidthAll Printers(Exceptions - 2746 & 2348)This command will automatically set the left marginaccording to the following rul

Q Command - Set Form LengthDescription Use this command to set the form and gap lengthor black line thicknesswhen usingthe transmissive(gap) sensor, b

Q Command - Set Form LengthAutoSense routine does not detect black lineor continuous media.AllEPL2printershaveatransmissive(gap)sen-sor designed to de