Set Thermal Printer Preferences

Printing to a thermal printer with Stamps.com requires correctly configuring your printer preferences in your operating system (Windows or macOS) to use the correct paper size.

OS Printer Settings

Select your operating system below (Windows or macOS) for the steps to configure your system's printer preferences for a thermal printer.

Windows

Verify that the correct label/paper size is specified in the Windows printer preferences. Setting printer preferences will differ for each manufacturer and model of thermal printer. However, most printers have a way to specify a paper size or page setup.

The steps below show how to access the page setup preferences for a Zebra printer connected to Windows 10. While the steps will be similar for your printer, please reference your printer's documentation or manufacturer's website for steps specific to your printer.

  1. Open Printers & Scanners in Windows.

  2. Click on your thermal printer in the list of printers and scanners. Then, click the Manage button.

  3. Click the Printing preferences link.

  4. Select the Page Setup tab. Then, select the correct label size from the Stock drop-down menu.

    Again, the tab and menu names may differ for your specific printer. Reference your printer documentation for specifics.

    Custom Label Size

    Most thermal printer's preferences allow you to define a custom label size. This is useful when you are printing on a label size not listed. For example, NetStamps rolls have labels that are 1.31 " x 1.31".

  5. Click Apply, then OK to save your preferences.

macOS

Verify that the correct label/paper size is specified in CUPS. Setting printer preferences will differ for each manufacturer and model of thermal printer. However, most printers have a way to specify the media size.

The steps below show how to access the Default Printer Options for a Zebra ZP 450 printer connected to macOS. While the steps will be similar for your printer, please reference your printer's documentation or manufacturer's website for steps specific to your printer.

Enable CUPS

If CUPS is not yet enabled on your Mac, you'll receive a web interface error when you attempt to access it. To enable CUPS on your Mac:

  1. Open the Terminal applications on your Mac.

    Terminal is located in Applications > Utilities, or you can use your Mac's Spotlight Search. 

  2. Copy and paste the following command into the Terminal window after the $ prompt:

    cupsctl WebInterface=yes

  3. Press Return on your keyboard. 

    The cursor will move to a the next line in Terminal. So, as long as you don't get any errors you are good to go! Quit Terminal and return to your browser.

  4. Reload the browser with the http://localhost:631/printers address in the URL.

    CUPS will open and display the list of installed printers.

Set the Default Media Size

  1. Click the printer name of your thermal printer to open the printer settings.

  2. Select Set Default Options from the Administration drop-down menu.

  3. Select the correct label size from the Media Size drop-down menu on the General tab. Then, click Set Default Options.

Enable EPL & ZPL

In addition to setting the correct paper size in your Windows printer preferences, the Stamps.com PC software has a few additional settings you'll need to configure.

Many thermal printers, but not all, support the Eltron Printer Language (EPL) and/or Zebra Printer Language (ZPL). Printers that support these printer languages usually print faster (more labels per minute) and, in some cases, have fewer print errors than those that do not. The Stamps.com PC software allows you to enable support for EPL and ZPL.

Stamps.com-approved printers that support EPL/ZPL include the ProLabel Express Thermal Printer, Zebra ZD220, Zebra ZSB, and Zebra ZP 450

Check your printer's documentation if you are unsure whether or not your printer supports these printer languages. Then, follow the steps below to enable EPL/ZPL if your printer does support using these printer languages.

  1. Go to the File menu and select Preferences.

    MENU_File_Preferences_MRK.png

  2. Check the boxes for Use EPL for Eltron thermal printers and Use ZPL for Zebra thermal printers in the Print Preferences section of the General tab. Then, click OK.

    PREF_General_EPLZPL_MRK_PC.png

The Stamps.com PC software is now configured for your thermal printer.

Was this article helpful?
0 out of 0 found this helpful

Can't find what you're looking for?

We’re here to help you.
Contact Us