Brother PT-D450 User's Guide

ELECTRONIC LABELING SYSTEM

Read this User’s Guide before you start using your P-touch.
Keep this User’s Guide in a handy place for future reference.
Please visit us at http://support.brother.com/ where you can get product support and
answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

www.brother.com

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the P-touch labeler PT-D450.
Your new P-touch labeler is an easy to operate, feature packed labeling system
that makes creating professional, high quality labels a breeze.
This manual contains various precautions and basic procedures for using this
labeler. Read this manual carefully before using and keep in a handy place for
future reference.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity
(For USA Only)

Responsible Party : Brother International Corporation

declares, that the products
Product Name : Brother P-touch Electronic Labeling System
Model Number : PT-D450

comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Important

• The enclosed interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance
with the limits for a Class B digital device.

• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd.
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

200 Crossing Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911, U.S.A.
TEL : [phone]

International ENERGY STAR® Compliance Statement

The purpose of the International ENERGY STAR
promote the development and popularization of energy-efficient

office equipment. As an ENERGY STAR
Industries, Ltd. has determined that this product meets the

ENERGY STAR

®

guidelines for energy efficiency.

®

Program is to

®

Partner, Brother

Compilation and Publication Notice

Under the supervision of Brother Industries, Ltd., this manual has been compiled
and published, covering the latest product’s descriptions and specifications.
The contents of this manual and the specifications of this product are subject to
change without notice.

If new versions of the PT-D450 software become available, this manual may not
reflect the updated features. Therefore, you may find that the software and the
contents in this manual are different.

Any trade names and product names of companies appearing on Brother products,
related documents and any other materials are all trademarks or registered
trademarks of those respective companies.
BROTHER is either a trademark or a registered trademark of Brother Industries,
Ltd.

INTRODUCTION

Contents

General Description...............................................................................................3

Safety Precautions................................................................................................. 4

General Precautions ..............................................................................................6

GETTING STARTED.................................................................7

Unpacking Your P-touch labeler............................................................................7

LCD Display & Keyboard ....................................................................................... 7

Power Supply and Tape cassette .......................................................................... 9

When using AC adapter (AD-E001) ...............................................................9

When using six new AA alkaline batteries (LR6) or fully charged Ni-MH

batteries (HR6) ............................................................................................... 9

Insert a Tape Cassette ................................................................................. 10

Turning Power On/Off .......................................................................................... 11

Setting Language and Unit ..................................................................................11

Language......................................................................................................11

Unit ............................................................................................................... 11

Feeding Tape....................................................................................................... 11

Setting LCD Display............................................................................................. 11

LCD Contrast................................................................................................ 11

Back Light..................................................................................................... 12

How to use the P-touch labeler............................................................................ 12

Create a label with the P-touch labeler......................................................... 12

Create a label by connecting your labeler to a PC .......................................13

EDITING A LABEL ..................................................................15

Entering and Editing Text .................................................................................... 15

Entering Text from the Keyboard.................................................................. 15

Adding a New Line ....................................................................................... 15

Adding a New Block ..................................................................................... 15

Deleting Text ................................................................................................ 15

Inserting a Tab.............................................................................................. 16

Using Text Reminder .................................................................................... 16

Deleting Text Reminder Memory.................................................................. 17

Changing Text Reminder Setting ................................................................. 17

Entering Symbols................................................................................................. 17

Entering Symbols Using the Symbol Function ............................................. 17

Setting Symbol History ................................................................................. 17

Entering Accented Characters ............................................................................. 19

Setting Character Attributes ([Font]/[Size]/[Width]/[Style]/[Line]/[Align]) .............. 20

Setting Character Attributes by Label...........................................................20

Setting Character Attributes by Each Line.................................................... 20

Setting Auto Fit Style .................................................................................... 22

Setting Frames .................................................................................................... 22

1

INTRODUCTION

Setting Label Attributes ([Length]/[Cut Option]/[Tab Length]).............................. 24

Using Auto-Format Layouts ................................................................................. 24

Using Templates........................................................................................... 24

Using Block Layouts ..................................................................................... 27

Creating a Bar Code Label .................................................................................. 30

Setting Bar Code Parameters and Entering Bar Code Data ........................30

Editing and Deleting a Bar Code ..................................................................32

LABEL PRINTING ...................................................................33

Previewing Labels................................................................................................33

Printing Labels ..................................................................................................... 33

Single and Multiple Copy Printing ................................................................. 33

Numbering Printing ....................................................................................... 34

Mirror Printing ............................................................................................... 34

Setting Tape Cutting Options............................................................................... 34

[Large Margin]/[Small Margin]/[Chain]/[No Cut]/[Special tape] ..................... 34

Adjusting the Label Length ..................................................................................36

Printing from the Label Collection........................................................................ 37

Printing a label from the label collection stored in the P-touch labeler......... 37

Downloading a new Label Collection Category............................................38

USING THE FILE MEMORY ...................................................39

Saving Label Files ............................................................................................... 39

Printing, Opening, Deleting a Saved Label .......................................................... 39

[Print] ............................................................................................................ 39

[Open]........................................................................................................... 39

[Delete] ......................................................................................................... 39

RESETTING & MAINTAINING YOUR P-TOUCH LABELER..40

Resetting the P-touch Labeler ............................................................................. 40

Resetting the Data Using the home key ....................................................... 40

Resetting the Data to Factory Settings Using the P-touch Labeler

Keyboard ...................................................................................................... 40

Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 41

Cleaning the Unit .......................................................................................... 41

Cleaning the Print Head ............................................................................... 42

Cleaning the Tape Cutter .............................................................................42

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................43

What to do when..................................................................................................43

When an error message appears on the display ................................................. 44

2

INTRODUCTION

APPENDIX ..............................................................................45

Specifications....................................................................................................... 45

System Requirements ......................................................................................... 46

General Description

Tape cassette compartment cover

Tape viewer

LCD display

Tape exit slot

Battery compartment cover

USB port

AC adapter jack

Keyboard

Tape cassette compartment

Tape cutter Release lever

Print head

Battery compartment

General Description

3

INTRODUCTION

Safety Precautions

To prevent injury and damage, important notes are explained using various
symbols. The symbols and their meanings are as follows:

WARNING

CAUTION

The symbols used in this manual are as follows:

Action NOT allowed

Mandatory action Unplugging is required

DO NOT disassemble the product.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injuries.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injuries.

DO NOT touch a given portion of
the product.

Alerts to the possibility of
electrical shock

WARNING

Follow these guidelines to avoid the risk of fire, burns, injury, electric shocks,
rupture, overheating, abnormal odors or smoke.

Always use the specified voltage
and the suggested AC adapter
(AD-E001) for the P-touch labeler
to prevent any damage or failure.
Do not touch the AC adapter and
P-touch labeler during a thunder
storm.
Do not use the P-touch labeler/AC
adapter in places of high humidity
such as bathrooms.
Do not place heavy objects on, or
damage the power cord or plug. Do
not forcibly bend or pull the power
cord. Always hold the AC adapter
when disconnecting from the
power outlet.
Make sure that the plug is fully
inserted to the power outlet. Do not
use an outlet that is loose.
Do not allow the P-touch labeler/
AC adapter/power plug/batteries to
get wet, for example, by handling
them with wet hands or spilling
beverages on to them.

Since loss of eyesight may result
when leaked fluid from batteries
gets into your eyes, immediately
rinse your eyes with a large amount
of clean water, and then seek
medical attention.
Do not disassemble or modify the
P-touch labeler/AC adapter/
batteries.
Do not allow a metal object to
contact both the plus and minus
ends of a battery.
Do not use sharp objects, such as
tweezers or a metallic pen, to
change the batteries.
Do not throw the batteries into fire
or expose to heat.
Disconnect the AC adapter and
remove batteries immediately and
stop using the P-touch labeler if
you notice abnormal odor, heat,
discoloration, deformation or
anything unusual while using or
storing it.

Safety Precautions

4

INTRODUCTION

WARNING

Do not use a damaged or leaking
battery as the fluid may get on your
hands.
Do not use a deformed or leaking
battery or one whose label is
damaged. There is a possibility of
generating heat.
Do not touch metal parts around
the print head immediately after
printing.
When the P-touch labeler is not
being used, store it out of the reach
of children. In addition, do not allow
children to put the P-touch labeler
parts or labels in their mouths. If
any object has been swallowed,
seek medical attention.

Do not use a damaged adapter
cord or power plug.
Do not use the P-touch labeler
when a foreign object enters the
P-touch labeler. If any foreign
object enters the P-touch labeler,
disconnect the AC adapter and
remove the batteries, and contact
Brother customer service.

CAUTION

Follow these guidelines to avoid personal injury, liquid leakage, burns or heat.

Do not touch the cutter blade.
If leaked fluid from batteries gets on
your skin or clothes, immediately
rinse them with clean water.
Remove the batteries and
disconnect the AC adapter if you do
not intend to use the P-touch
labeler.
Do not use a battery other than that
specified. Do not use combinations
of old and new batteries or
combinations of different types,
different charging levels, different
manufacturers or different models.
Do not insert a battery with the
polarity (+ and -) reversed.
Do not drop or hit the P-touch
labeler/AC adapter.
Do not press on the LCD display.

Do not put your finger inside the
P-touch labeler when you close the
tape cassette compartment cover
or battery compartment cover.
Before using Ni-MH rechargeable
batteries, carefully read the
instructions for the batteries and
battery charger, and be sure to use
them correctly.
When using Ni-MH rechargeable
batteries, charge the batteries with
a specialized battery charger
before using the batteries.

Safety Precautions

5

INTRODUCTION

General Precautions

• Depending on the location, material, and environmental conditions, the label may

unpeel or become irremovable, the color of the label may change or be
transferred to other objects. Before applying the label, check the environmental
conditions and the material.

• Do not use the P-touch labeler in any way or for any purpose not described in this

guide. Doing so may result in accidents or damage the P-touch labeler.

• Use only Brother TZe tapes with the P-touch labeler. Do not use tapes that do not

have the mark.

• Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the labeler; never use alcohol or other organic

solvents.

• Use a soft wipe to clean the print head; never touch the print head.

• Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot, AC adapter connector or

USB port, etc.

• Do not place the P-touch labeler/batteries/AC adapter in direct sunlight or rain,

near heaters or other hot appliances, in any location exposed to extremely high
or low temperatures (e.g., on the dashboard or in the back of your car) or high
humidity, or in dusty locations.

• Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter lever.

• Do not try to print if the cassette is empty; it will damage the print head.

• Do not pull the tape while printing or feeding; it will damage the tape and the

P-touch labeler.

• It is recommended that you use the USB cable supplied with the P-touch labeler.

Should another USB cable need to be used, ensure it is of high quality
construction.

• Any data saved in memory will be lost due to failure or repair of the P-touch

labeler, or if the battery expires.

• The P-touch labeler is not equipped with a charging feature for rechargeable

batteries.

• The printed text may differ from the text that appears in the LCD.

• The length of the printed label may differ from the displayed label length.

• When power is disconnected for two minutes, all text, format settings and any text

files saved in the memory will be cleared.

• You can also use Heat Shrink Tube in this model. Check the Brother website

(http://www.brother.com/) for further information. You cannot print frames,
pre-set P-touch templates, or use certain font settings when using Heat Shrink
Tube. Printed characters may also be smaller than when using TZe tape.

• Be sure to read the instructions provided with Fabric Iron-On Tapes, Extra

Strength Adhesive Tapes or other special tapes and observe all precautions
noted in the instructions.

• A protective clear plastic sticker is placed over the display during

manufacturing and shipping. This sticker should be removed prior to use.

General Precautions

6

GETTING STARTED

Unpacking Your P-touch labeler

Carton Contents

P-touch labeler

Starter Tape Cassette

AC adapter

USB Cable

User’s Guide

LCD Display & Keyboard

9

10

11 12

15 16 17 18 19 20

14

13

35

34
33
32

87123456

21
22
23

24

Unpacking Your P-touch labeler

7

31 30 29 28 27 26 25

The default language is [English].

GETTING STARTED

1. Caps mode
2-7. Style guidance

8. Tape width x Label length

9. Block number

10. Line number

11. Cursor

12. Return mark

13. Power

14. Home

15. Font

16. Label

17. Frame

18. Symbol

19. Save

20. Preview

21. Print

22. Clear

23. Backspace

24. Cursor

25. OK

26. Escape

27. Enter

28. Accent

29. Space

30. Bar Code

31. Backlight

32. Shift

33. Caps

34. Tab

35. Letter

NOTE

• When the caps mode is on, all characters you type will be in
uppercase letters.

• The text that you enter can be up to 280 characters in length.

• Use ( ) in combination with the letter and number keys to type
uppercase letters or the symbols indicated on the upper-right corner
of the keys.

• Use or with ( ) to go to the beginning of the previous or next
block.

• Use or with ( ) to go to the beginning or end of the current
line.

• While selecting the settings, press ( ) to go back to the default
item.

• Unless otherwise mentioned, press ( ) to cancel any operation.

• Press ( ) to return to the home screen.

• Label length shown on LCD may slightly differ from the actual label
length when printed.

LCD Display & Keyboard

8

GETTING STARTED

Power Supply and Tape cassette

 When using AC adapter (AD-E001)

Insert the plug on the adapter cord into the AC adapter jack on the side
of the machine. Insert the plug into the nearest standard electrical outlet.

 When using six new AA alkaline batteries (LR6) or fully charged

Ni-MH batteries (HR6)

Make sure that their poles point in the correct directions.
To remove the batteries, reverse the installation procedure.

NOTE

• For memory back up, we recommend using AA alkaline batteries
(LR6) or Ni-MH batteries (HR6) together when using the AC adapter.

• To safeguard and backup the P-touch labeler’s memory, when the
AC adapter is unplugged it is recommended to have AA alkaline
batteries (LR6) or Ni-MH batteries (HR6) installed in the P-touch
labeler.

• When power is disconnected for more than two minutes, all text and
format settings will be cleared. Any text files saved in the memory will
also be cleared.

• Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use the P-touch labeler
for an extended period of time.

Power Supply and Tape cassette

9

GETTING STARTED

• Dispose of the battery at an appropriate collection point, not in the
general waste stream. In addition, be sure to observe all applicable
federal, state, and local regulations.

• When storing or discarding the battery, wrap it (for example with
cellophane tape), to prevent it from short-circuiting.

(Battery insulation example)

1. Cellophane tape

2. Alkaline or Ni-MH battery

1

CAUTION

USING A COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT BATTERIES (SUCH AS Ni-MH AND
ALKALINE), MAY RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION. DISPOSE OF USED
BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

 Insert a Tape Cassette

NOTE

• When inserting the tape cassette, make sure that the tape and ink
ribbon do not catch on the print head.

• If you cannot close the tape cassette compartment cover, check to
ensure the release lever is in the up position. If not, lift the lever, and
then close the cover.

2

Power Supply and Tape cassette

10

GETTING STARTED

Turning Power On/Off

Press ( ) to turn the P-touch labeler on.
Press ( ) again to turn the P-touch labeler off.

NOTE

Your P-touch labeler has a power saving function that automatically
turns itself off if no key is pressed within a certain time under certain
operating conditions. Refer to “Specifications” on page 45.

Setting Language and Unit

 Language

When you turn on the P-touch labeler for the first time, you are asked to
set the default language. Select language using or , and then press
() or ( ).

() Î / [Settings] Î () or ( ) Î / [ Language] Î () or
()

Î / [English/Español/Français/Hrvatski/Italiano/Magyar/

Nederlands/Norsk/Polski/Português/Português(Brasil)/Română/Slovenski/
Slovenský/Suomi/Svenska/Türkçe/Čeština/Dansk/Deutsch]

Î ( ) or ( ).

 Unit

The default setting is [inch].

() Î / [Settings] Î () or ( ) Î / [Unit] Î () or ( )

Î / [inch/mm] Î ( ) or ( ).

Feeding Tape

To feed the tape, press the following keys:

() + ().

Setting LCD Display

 LCD Contrast

The default setting is [0].

() Î / [Settings] Î () or ( ) Î / [Adjustment] Î () or

Î / [LCD Contrast] Î ( ) or ( ) Î / [-2 - +2] Î ()

()
or ( ).

Turning Power On/Off

11

GETTING STARTED

 Back Light

The default setting is [On].

() Î / [Settings] Î () or ( ) Î / [Backlight] Î () or

Î / [On/Off] Î ( ) or ( ).

()

NOTE

• You can also set the back light setting by pressing ( ).

• Power can be saved when the back light is turned off.

• The back light is turned off automatically if there is no operation. It
can be turned back on by pressing any key. The back light turns off
when printing.

How to use the P-touch labeler

 Create a label with the P-touch labeler

[GETTING STARTED]

Preparing the P-touch labeler P. 7

[CREATING A LABEL]

• Entering and Editing text

• Entering Symbols

• Entering Accented Characters

• Using Auto-Format Layouts

NOTE

In addition to entering text, the P-touch labeler has a large range of
formatting options.
Examples of labels you can create using the P-touch labeler:

P. 15

P. 17

P. 19

P. 24

How to use the P-touch labeler

12