How To: Increase the Darkness of Zebra Labels

How To: Increase the Darkness of Zebra Labels


The darkness level of a printed merchandise label is important because it ensures the barcode is crisp, clear, and scannable. If the print is too light or too dark, scanners may fail to read it, leading to checkout delays and inventory errors.

While label printing plays a key role in Retail environments, all user can take advantage of printing labels and customize the darkness to suit their needs.

Updating Darkness Level using your Computer

  1. In the desktop search bar type Control Panel.

  2. Click Control Panel.

  3. Under Hardware and Sound select View devices and printers.

  4. Select Printers and Scanners.

  5. Select the ZDesigner label printer from the list.

  6. Click Printing Preferences.

  7. Select the Print Options tab.

  8. Use the Darkness dropdown to select your preferred level of darkness.

  9. Click Apply then OK.


Updating Darkness Level using the Printer

Models: ZD 410, ZD 411, ZD 421
  1. Press and hold  Pause   for two seconds.
    All indicator lights will flash yellow then the Status indicator  will remain solid yellow, meaning the printer is in Manual Media Calibration mode.

  2. Press Feed   twice to illuminate the Data indicator .

  3. Press Pause  once to cause the printer to begin printing test labels with varying darkness levels.

  4. When you find the ideal print quality, press Feed  to set and save that darkness level.
Click HERE to view video from Zebra Technologies.


Model: ZD GC420
  1. Press and hold the Feed button.

  2. Count the number of rapid flashes made by the indicator light. When the indicator flashes rapidly six times, release the Feed button
    The printer will automatically print sample barcodes at different darkness levels, starting from the lightest and progressing to the darkest.

  3. As soon as you see the desired print darkness, tap the Feed button to select it.
Click HERE to view video from Zebra Technologies.


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