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Thermal printer setup tutorial for Windows PC

Install your Zebra or Citizen thermal printer on a Windows PC to use it with myDPD for Business by following this step-by-step tutorial.

Step-by-step guide

Thermal printer installation (Windows)

Step 1: Model selection
Choose your Zebra ZD421d or Citizen CL-E300 printer
Select your model, then the connection type.

Choose your model to display the corresponding tutorial:

You can return to this choice via the Home button (house icon).

Select the connection type for your printer:

Select the connection type for your printer:

  1. Unpack the printer and its accessories.
  2. Connect only the power supply and turn the printer on: the power LED turns solid green.

Important: Do not connect the printer to the PC at this stage.

  1. Unpack the printer and its accessories.
  2. Connect the power supply to the mains, and the network cable to the network port or switch, then turn the printer on.
  3. The power and network LEDs both turn solid green.
  1. Open the cover and place the label roll between the yellow holders.
  2. Pull out the first label and feed it through the guides. Adjust the guide width without crushing the label.
  3. Close the cover, then press FEED to feed one label.
  1. Press and hold the FEED and CANCEL buttons for 2 seconds to print a configuration report.
  2. On the printed label, note the printer’s IP address shown on the IP ADDRESS line. You will need it during installation.
  1. Download the Windows v10 printer driver from the Zebra.com website.
    2. Download the installation software
  2. Run the downloaded file: installation will proceed in two consecutive steps, driver installation then printer installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
  1. Click Install a printer, then select USB port.
  2. Now connect the printer to the PC using the supplied USB cable.
  3. Windows will automatically detect the printer and install it.
  4. Make sure success is displayed, confirming that the printer has been installed correctly.
  5. Click Open printing preferences.
  1. Click Install a printer, then select Network port.
  2. If the printer is not detected, click Manual.
  3. Select the ZDesigner ZD421-203dpi ZPL printer and click Next.
  4. Select Create a new network port and click Next.
  5. Enter the printer’s IP address in the Printer name or IP address field and click Next.
  6. Make sure success is displayed, confirming that the printer has been installed correctly.
  7. Click Open printing preferences.

Important: These steps are crucial for good label print quality and proper barcode readability!

  1. Page setup tab:
      2. Media settings
    • Width: 102 mm
    • Height: 162 mm

  2. Printer options tab:
    • Speed: 102 mm/s
    • Darkness: 20
    • Print method: Direct thermal

  3. Graphics options tab:
    • Dithering: slider all the way to the right on Clipart

  4. Save the settings by clicking OK.
  1. Unpack the printer and its accessories.
  2. Connect only the power supply and turn the printer on: the two LEDs on the front of the printer turn solid green.

Important: Do not connect the printer to the PC at this stage.

  1. Unpack the printer and its accessories.
  2. Connect the power supply to the mains, and the network cable to the network port or switch, then turn the printer on.
  3. The two LEDs on the front of the printer turn solid green.
  1. Open the cover, insert the blue roll holder through the label roll and place the assembly in the printer.
  2. Push the blue guide as far left as possible to align the label roll to the left.
  3. Pull out the first label and feed it between the guides. Adjust the guide width without crushing the label.
  4. Close the cover, then press FEED to feed one label.
  1. Briefly press the small white button on the back of the printer, to the right of the network port, to print a configuration report.
  2. On the printed label, note the printer’s IP address shown on the IPv4 Address line. You will need it during installation.
  1. Download the Windows printer driver from the citizen-systems.com website.
    2. Download the installation software
  2. Run the downloaded file: installation will proceed in two consecutive steps, driver installation then printer installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
  1. Click Install printer drivers, then click Next.
  2. Select USB.
  3. Now connect the printer to the PC using the supplied USB cable.
  4. Windows will automatically detect the printer and install it.
  5. A message will confirm that the printer has been installed correctly.
  1. Click Install printer drivers, then click Next.
  2. Select Network (Ethernet or Wi‑Fi).
  3. Select the Citizen CL-E300 printer and click Next.
  4. Click the New port button, then select Standard TCP/IP Port and click New Port....
  5. The network port wizard opens: enter the printer’s IP address in the Printer name or IP address field and click Next. Leave the other settings unchanged and click Finish.
  6. Back in the printer installation window, select the port you have just created and click Next.
  7. A message will confirm that the printer has been installed correctly.

Important: These steps are crucial for good label print quality and proper barcode readability!

  1. Open the Windows Start menu, type Printers and scanners, then press Enter.
  2. Select the Citizen CL-E300 printer, then click Printing preferences.
  3. Layout tab:
      4. Media > click Edit and enter the following values:
    • Width: 102 mm
    • Height: 162 mm

  4. Graphics tab:
    • Dithering: None

  5. Options tab:
    • Head temperature: tick Send with job, and move the slider to 15

  6. Save the settings by clicking OK.

Create a test shipment to make sure the printer is installed correctly.

  • Go to the myDPD for Business app, Ship tab.
  • Create a shipment by selecting the "Thermal printer" option to the left of the "Create" button, then click "Create".
  • The app then offers to print the label: check in the preview that the label is positioned correctly and fills the available space on the media.
  • Click Print. You can cancel the shipment afterwards if needed.

Check the print quality.

Once the label is printed, check that the print quality is good so it can be read correctly in our network. The DPD logo, text, and barcodes must be sharp, without smudging or dotted lines.

  • Check the specified print settings
    If the text or barcodes are not sharp, feel free to review the printer’s print settings.
  • Check for driver updates
    From time to time, visit the manufacturer’s website for driver updates that may improve performance or add features.
  • Use compatible labels
    Make sure you use labels that are compatible with your thermal printer model for the best print results.
  • Clean the printer regularly
    Regularly cleaning the printhead and rollers helps prevent jams and ensures optimal print quality.