Label printer printing blank labels? Find out why

The labels feed out, but they're blank, or only part of the label prints. The cause is usually the label type, the ribbon, which way the labels are loaded, or a setting in your software. Work through these checks in order.

1. Find out if your labels need a ribbon

   Zebra's scratch test works for any thermal label: scratch the print side quickly and firmly with a fingernail or pen cap. A black mark means direct thermal labels, which print with heat alone and need no ribbon. No mark means thermal transfer labels, which need a ribbon. A direct-thermal-only printer can't print on thermal transfer labels, so they'll come out blank.

2. Check the labels are loaded the right way up

   Zebra's ZD421/ZD621 guide says the printable side must face up, towards the printhead. Re-load the roll if it's upside down, and make sure the labels run under the guides.

3. Using a ribbon? Check it

   Make sure a ribbon is loaded and isn't used up. Ribbons are coated (inked) on either the inside or the outside of the roll. Zebra's ZT200-series guide says those printers can only use ribbon coated on the outside, and Zebra suggests an adhesive test: press the sticky side of a label onto the ribbon. If ink comes off, that's the coated side. Follow the loading diagram for your model.

4. Print a test label from the printer itself

   On most current Zebra desktop and ZT-series printers (ZD410/ZD411/ZD420/ZD421/ZD620/ZD621, ZT411), wait until the printer is ready, then hold FEED and CANCEL together for two seconds. The printer prints its configuration report. On a GK420, hold FEED until the status light flashes once. For other models, check your model's guide.

   Zebra's support article says that if the printer's own test labels print correctly, check your driver or software settings next. See Label printer drivers and setup software.

5. Only part of the label prints, or only some labels

   Zebra says to make sure the printer is calibrated, check the label size set in your application, and check the driver settings. See Calibrate your label printer.

6. Print is there but very pale

   That's a print-quality problem, usually a dirty printhead or a darkness setting that's too low. See Label print faint or not dark enough.

Sources

• Zebra ZD421/ZD621 User Guide: Issue: No Print on the Label
• Zebra: Determining Thermal Media Types (scratch test)
• Zebra ZT200 Series User Guide: Coated Side of Ribbon
• Zebra ZD421/ZD621 User Guide: Test Printing with a Configuration Report
• Zebra GK420t User Guide (PDF): printing a configuration label and ZT411/ZT421 User Guide (PDF)
• Zebra: Unprinted Labels When Attempting to Print Using a ZM or ZT Series Printer (000014694)