Brother QL-550 Operation Guide

Introduction

BROTHER QL-500/550

Setup & Operation Guide

Guía de configuración y uso

(Brother QL-500/550)

STEP

printer

Before using the

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For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

Be sure to read this manual before using the printer. We recommend that you keep this manual nearby for future reference.

Asegúrese de leer este manual antes de usar la impresora. Le recomendamos conservar este manual a mano para poder consultarlo como referencia en el futuro.

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Brother QL-500/550. Your new Brother QL-500/550 is a label printer that connects to your personal computer, enabling you to quickly and easily print professional custom labels that you have created on your personal computer using the label editing software provided.

We provide service & support for users who register their products on our website. We recommend that you take this opportunity to register with us by visiting us at:

Online User Registration

http://www.registermybrother.com/

Online Support Page

http://solutions.brother.com/

NOTE: It is also possible to access the above sites from the online user registration

window of the CD-ROM installer disk which is included with the printer. We look forward to your registration.

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

Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation

declares that the product Product Name: Label Printer QL-500/550 Model Number: QL-500/550

This device complies 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:

100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA TEL: (908) 704-1700

• 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.

• The enclosed interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a

Class B digital device.

• A shielded 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.

• The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

• No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form, including photocopying or

reprinting, without prior consent.

• This manual has been carefully created. However, if you notice an error or something

questionable, feel free to contact us.

• We shall not be liable to you or others for any damage, lost earnings, or any claims of

third parties arising out of the use of this printer or printed labels, and lost or altered data caused by printer failure, repair or battery life.

Introduction

STEP

• Microsoft

and other countries.

, Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the US

• The printer includes the software module "USBPRINT.SYS" and "USBMON.DLL" in

which Microsoft Corporation wholly retains its rights and interests.

• Apple

• Adobe

, Apple® logo, Macintosh® and Mac® OS are registered trademarks of Apple

Computer, Inc.

Adobe Systems Incorporated.

, Adobe® logo, Acrobat® and Adobe® Reader® are registered trademarks of

• QR code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE Incorporated.

• All other software and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective companies.

• The rights and copyrights of bundled software (including but not limited to the program,

images, clip art, templates and text incorporated into the software) and attached manuals and other documents, and any copies of the software, are owned by Brother Industries, Ltd. and its suppliers.

• The user may not resell, duplicate, change, reverse-engineer, disassemble, or

decompile any part of the above software without prior written permission.

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

Creating and printing a

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Maintenance and

label (For Windows)

Troubleshooting

Introduction

Brother® One-Year Limited Warranty and Replacement Service

(USA Only)

Who is covered:

• This limited warranty ("warranty") is given only to the original end-use/retail purchaser

(referred to in this warranty as "Original Purchaser") of the accompanying product, consumables and accessories (collectively referred to in this warranty as "the machine").

• If you purchased a product from someone other than an authorized Brother reseller in

the United States or if the product was used (including but not limited to floor models or refurbished product), prior to your purchase you are not the Original Purchaser and the product that you purchased is not covered by this warranty.

What is covered:

• The machine includes a Machine and Consumable and Accessory Items. Consumable

and Accessory Items include but are not limited to label cassettes, cutters, stamps, power adapters, cases and batteries.

• Except as otherwise provided herein, Brother warrants that the Machine and the

accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, when used under normal conditions.

• This warranty applies only to products purchased and used in the United States. For

products purchased in, but used outside, the United States, this warranty covers only warranty service within the United States (and does not include shipping outside the United States).

What is the length of the Warranty Periods:

• Machines: one year from the original purchase date.

• Accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items: 90 days from the original purchase

date or the rated life of consumable, whichever comes first.

What is NOT covered:

This warranty does not cover: (1) Physical damage to the machine; (2) Damage caused by improper installation, improper or abnormal use, misuse, neglect or

accident (including but not limited to transporting the machine without the proper preparation and/or packaging);

(3) Damage caused by another device or software used with the machine (including but not

limited to damage resulting from use of non Brother

Accessory Items); (4) Consumable and Accessory Items that expired in accordance with a rated life; and, (5) Problems arising from other than defects in materials or workmanship. This limited warranty is VOID if the machine has been altered or modified in any way (including but not limited to attempted warranty repair without authorization from Brother and/or alteration/removal of the serial number).

What to do if you think your Product is eligible for warranty service:

Report your issue to our P-touch Customer Service Hotline at 1-877-478-6824 or to a Brother Authorized Service Center within the applicable warranty period Brother or the Brother Authorized Service Center with a copy of your dated bill of sale showing that the machine was purchased within the U.S. For the name of local Brother Authorized Service Center(s), call 1-800-521-2846.

What Brother will ask you to do:

After contacting Brother or a Brother Authorized Service Center, you may be required to deliver (by hand if you prefer) or send the Product properly packaged, freight prepaid, to the Authorized Service Center together with a photocopy of your bill of sale.

You are responsible for the cost of shipping, packing product, and insurance (if you desire). You are also responsible for loss or damage to the machine in shipping.

-brand parts and Consumable and

. Supply

What Brother will do:

If the problem reported concerning your Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items is covered by this warranty and if you first reported the problem to Brother or an Authorized Service Center within the applicable warranty period, Brother or its Authorized Service Center will repair or replace the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items at no charge to you for parts or labor. The decision as to whether to repair or replace the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items is made by Brother in its sole discretion. Brother reserves the right to supply a refurbished or remanufactured replacement Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items and use refurbished parts provided such replacement products conform to the manufacturer's specifications for new product/parts. The repaired or replacement Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items will be returned to you freight prepaid or made available for you to pick up at a conveniently located Authorized Service Center. If the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items are not covered by this warranty (either stage), you will be charged for shipping the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items back to you and charged for any service and/or replacement parts/products at Brother's then current published rates.

Introduction

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printer

Before using the

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The foregoing are your sole (i.e., only) and exclusive remedies under this warranty.

What happens when Brother elects to replace your Machine:

When a replacement Machine is authorized by Brother, and you have delivered the Machine to an Authorized Service Center, the Authorized Service Center will provide you with a replacement Machine after receiving one from Brother. If you are dealing directly with Brother, Brother will send to you a replacement Machine with the understanding that you will, after receipt of the replacement Machine, supply the required proof of purchase information, together with the Machine that Brother agreed to replace. You are then expected to pack the Machine that Brother agreed to replace in the package from the replacement Machine and return it to Brother using the pre-paid freight bill supplied by Brother in accordance with the instructions provided by Brother. Since you will be in possession of two machines, Brother will require that you provide a valid major credit card number. Brother will issue a hold against the credit card account number that you provide until Brother receives your original Product and determines that your original Product is entitled to warranty coverage. Your credit card will be charged up to the cost of a new Product only if: (i) you do not return your original Product to Brother within five (5) business days; (ii) the problems with your original Product are not covered by the limited warranty; (iii) the proper packaging instructions are not followed and has caused damage to the product; or (iv) the warranty period on your original Product has expired or has not been sufficiently validated with a copy of the proof of purchase (bill of sale). The replacement Machine you receive (even if refurbished or remanufactured) will be covered by the balance of the limited warranty period remaining on the original Product, plus an additional thirty (30) days. You will keep the replacement Machine that is sent to you and your original Machine shall become the property of Brother. Retain your original Accessory

Items and a copy of the return freight bill, signed by the courier.

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

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label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

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Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

Introduction

Limitations:

Brother is not responsible for damage to or loss of any equipment, media, programs or data related to the use of the machine. Except for that repair or replacement as described above, Brother shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages or specific relief. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WHETHER EXPRESSED BY AFFIRMATION, PROMISE, DESCRIPTION, DRAWING, MODEL OR SAMPLE. ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THIS ONE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.

• This Limited Warranty is the only warranty that Brother is giving for the machine. It is the

final expression and the exclusive and only statement of Brother's obligations to you. It replaces all other agreements and understandings that you may have with Brother or its representatives.

• This warranty gives you certain rights and you may also have other rights that may vary

from state to state.

• This Limited Warranty (and Brother's obligation to you) may not be changed in any way

unless you and Brother sign the same piece of paper in which we (1) refer to the machine and your bill of sale date, (2) describe the change to this warranty and (3) agree to make that change.

Important:

We recommend that you keep all original packing materials, in the event that you ship the machine.

Important Information

Should you have questions, or need information about your Brother Product, we have a variety of support options for you to choose from:

USA-Customer Service: Customer Service 877-478-6824 (voice)

Customer Service 901-379-1210 (fax)

Introduction

STEP

Automated Faxback 800-521-2846

World Wide Web www.brother.com

Supplies / Accessories www.brothermall.com or 888-879-3232

BROTHER INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 100 SOMERSET CORPORATE BLVD. BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY 08807-0911

Record your model and serial number and your date and location of Purchase below for your records. Keep this information with your proof of purchase (bill of sale) in case your Product requires service.

Model # __________________________________________

Serial # __________________________________________

Date of purchase: __________________________________

Store where purchased: _____________________________

Location of store: __________________________________

Important: We recommend that you keep all original packing materials, in the event that you need to ship the machine.

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

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Save Time - Register On-Line!

Don’t stand in line at the post office or worry about lost mail. Visit us on-line at

www.registermybrother.com

Your product will immediately be registered in our database and you can be on your way!

Also, while you're there, look for contests and other exciting information!

Maintenance and

Troubleshooting

Introduction

Manuals

The following manuals are provided to help you use the printer correctly and to utilize its features. Be sure to read this manual before using the printer.

Setup & Operation Guide (This manual)

Read this manual first. It gives information which should be read before using the printer, such as cautions, installation and setup, and the procedures for printing labels without using your computer. This also describes the installation of the bundled software to be used on a personal computer.

Software User's Guide (PDF Manual)

It explains how to create labels using the software supplied with the printer, by installing it on a computer after connecting the printer to the computer. It also explains how to clean the printer, and how to perform some troubleshooting.

•To browse the Software User's Guide (PDF Manual), you need to install Adobe

• When using Windows

• When using Macintosh, refer to the PDF files in the [Manuals] folder on the CD-ROM

Reader (For Macintosh used.)

application when it is run from the CD-ROM. Additionally, this manual may be viewed from the Start menu if it is installed on the computer.

supplied with the printer.

or Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®.

, the standard "Preview" program bundled with the OS can also be

, this manual can be viewed from the P-touch Setup

Symbols Used in this Manual

The symbols used throughout this guide are as follows:

This symbol indicates information or directions that should be followed. If ignored, the result may be injury, damage, or failed operations.

This symbol indicates information or directions that can help you better understand and use the printer more efficiently.

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:

symbol indicates prohibition. Detailed prohibited matters are shown in the figure (e.g. the

left figure shows the prohibition against disassembly).

symbol indicates special instructions. Detailed instructions are shown in the figure (e.g.

the left figure shows the method for pulling the power plug out of the outlet).

The Printer

Follow the followings to avoid fire, damage, electric shock, and choke.

Do not disassemble the printer. For inspection, adjustment, and repair of the printer, contact the retail outlet where the printer was purchased or your local authorized service center. (If the damage is made by the disassembly or modify by the customer, the Brother will provide fare-paying service whether the duration of the warranty is still valid or not.)

Do not drop, hit or otherwise bang the printer.

Do not grab and lift the printer by the DK Roll cover. The cover could come off and the printer could fall and become damaged.

Do not touch any metal parts near the print head. The print head becomes very hot during use and remains very hot immediately after use. Do not touch it directly with your hands.

This indicates the possibility of death or serious injury if instructions are ignored.

This indicates the possibility of personal injury or property damage if instructions are ignored.

Warning

Do not wet the printer with drinks such as coffee and juice. Do not pour the water of a flower base and wet the printer.

Do not use the printer with a foreign object in it. If water or any foreign object enters the printer, unplug the power cord from the electric outlet and contact the retail outlet where the printer was purchased or your local authorized service center.

Do not wear a packing plastic bag. Dispose or keep the plastic bag at the place children cannot reach. If you wear it and play, choke could result.

Unplug the power cord immediately and stop using when you notice abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual while using or storing it.

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Maintenance and

Troubleshooting

Introduction

Warning

Power Cord

Follow the followings to avoid fire, damage, and electric shock.

Use only the authorized power source (120VAC) for the printer.

Do not plug too many leads into a single socket.

Do not damage or modify the power cord or plug. Also, do not place furniture or any heavy objects onto it, bend or pull it by constraint.

Do not use the power cord when it is damaged.

Do not touch the power cord or plug with wet hands.

Insert the power plug completely. Do not insert the power cord into

dilapidated power outlet. Do not use the extension cord which

does not have a ground wire. The protection function will be invalid.

Caution

The Printer

Follow the followings to avoid personal injury and damage of the printer.

The standard electrical outlet shall be installed near the printer and shall be easily accessible.

Power Cord

Follow the followings to avoid personal injury and damage of the printer.

If the printer will not be used for an extended period, remove the power supply cord from the electrical outlet.

Always hold the power plug when removing the power cord from or inserting it into the outlet. Pulling on the power cord could cause a problem with the power cord.

Caution

Cutter

Follow the followings to avoid personal injury and damage of the printer.

Do not touch the blade of the cutter unit. Do not open the top cover when

operating the cutter unit.

Installation/Storage

Follow the followings to avoid personal injury and damage of the printer.

When using the printer, do not place it on a unstable environment, such as dilapidated table or top of the shelf.

DK Roll (DK Label, DK Tape)

Follow the followings to avoid damage of the printer.

Be careful not to drop the DK Roll. DK Roll uses thermal paper and thermal

film so that the color of the label will fade by sunlight or heat. Do not use DK Roll when you use them for outdoor and other circumstances which requires their durability.

Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter unit.

Do not place any heavy objects on top of the printer.

Depending on the location, material, and environmental conditions, the label may have the difficulties to peel or unpeel, or the color of the label will be changed or transferred to other objects. In prior to adhere the label, check the environmental condition and the material, and then test the label by affixing a small piece of it to an inconspicuous area of the intended surface.

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

Creating and printing a

STEP

Maintenance and

label (For Windows)

Troubleshooting

Introduction

General Precautions

The Printer

• The printer may malfunction if left near a television, radio, etc. Do not use the printer near

any printer that can cause electromagnetic interference.

• Do not expose the printer to direct sunlight or near heaters or other hot appliances, in

any location exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity or dusty locations. The recommended temperature range is between 50°F to 95 °F (10°C to 35°C).

• Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other organic solvents to clean the

printer. Doing so may cause damage to the surface finish. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the printer.

• Do not insert any objects into or block the label output slot, USB port, or serial port.

• Use only the interface cable (USB cable) included with the printer.

• When not in use for an extended period, remove the DK Roll from the printer.

• Do not attempt to print labels while the DK Roll cover is open.

• There is a noise from the printer while printing due to

the speed printing (this is not a failure of the printer). Set "print quality" of the printer driver setting to reduce the noise.

• If a paper jam should occur due to a build up of

adhesive on the paper guide surface, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet and wipe away the adhesive buildup on the paper guide surface with a cloth dipped in ethanol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. It is recommended that you clean the paper guide when replacing the cutter unit.

DK Roll (DK Label and DK Tape)

• Use only genuine Brother accessories and supplies (with , marks). Do not use any

unauthorized accessories or supplies.

• If the label is attached to a wet, dirty, or oily surface, it may peel off easily. Before

applying the label, clean the surface to which the label will be applied.

• DK Roll uses thermal paper and thermal film so that ultraviolet rays, wind, and rain may

cause the color of the label to fade and the ends of the label to peel off.

• Do not expose the DK Rolls to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, or dust.

Store in a cool, dark place. Use the DK Rolls soon after opening the package.

• Scratching the printed surface of the label with your finger nails or metal objects, or

touching the printed surface with hands dampened by water, sweat, or medicated cream, etc., can cause the color to change or fade.

• Do not apply labels to any persons, animals, plants, or in public locations.

• As the end of the DK Roll is designed to not adhere to the label spool, the last label may

not be cut properly. If this happens, remove the remaining labels, insert a new DK Roll, and reprint the last label. Note: To account for this, the number of DK Labels included on each DK Roll may be more than indicated on the package.

• When peeling a DK Label, some portion of the label may remain. Remove the remaining

portion before attaching a new label.

• Some DK Rolls use permanent adhesive for their labels. These labels cannot be neatly

peeled off once attached.

Paper guide surface

CD/DVD Film Labels

• In prior to use, be sure to follow the instructions in your CD/DVD player's instruction

manual regarding applying CD/DVD labels.

• Do not use CD/DVD labels in a slot loading CD/DVD player, for example a CD player in

a car where the CD is slid into a slot in the CD player.

• Do not peel off the CD/DVD label once it is applied to the CD/DVD.

• A thin surface layer may come off, resulting in damage to the disk.

• Do not apply CD/DVD labels to CD/DVD disks designed for use with ink jet printers.

Labels peel off of these disks easily, and using disks with peeled labels can result in loss or damage of data.

• When applying CD/DVD labels, use the applicator included with the CD/DVD label rolls.

Doing so could cause damage to the CD/DVD player.

• User's shall take full responsibility for applying CD/DVD labels. Brother accepts no

responsibility for any loss or damage of data caused by the inappropriate use of CD/DVD labels.

CD-ROM and Software

• Do not scratch the CD-ROM and place the CD-ROM onto the place with extremely high

or extremely low temperatures. Also, do not put heavy objects on the CD-ROM or apply force to the CD-ROM.

• The software contained on the CD-ROM is meant for use with the printer only. See

License on CD for further details. This software may be installed on multiple personal computers for use at an office, etc.

Cutter

• The average number of cuts is 5,000 or more depending on the operating environment.

Dull cut, the inability to cut straight, or frequent paper jams may indicate that the cutter life is near the end. Replace the cutter if these conditions occur.

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

Note that Brother does not assume responsibility for any damage, etc. arising from failure to follow the precautions listed.

STEP

Creating and printing a

STEP

Maintenance and

label (For Windows)

Troubleshooting

Introduction

Introduction ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2

Important Information••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 7 Manuals ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8 Symbols Used in this Manual ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8 Safety Precautions •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 9 General Precautions •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12 Contents••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14

STEP1

Before using the printer••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 17

1 Accessory Checklist••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18 2 Parts Description••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 19

Main Printing Unit•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 19 Button descriptions•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 20 LED Lamp••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 20

3 Setting the DK Roll •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 21

Applicable DK Rolls ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 21 Setting the DK Roll •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 21

4 Attaching the paper guide•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 22 5 Connecting the power supply ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 23

STEP2

Connecting the printer to your PC •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25

For Windows•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26

1. Software description ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26

2. Notes on installation ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 27

3. Installing the software ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 27

For Macintosh •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 31

1. Software description ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 31

2. Notes on installation ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 31

3. Software installation ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 32

STEP3

Creating and printing a label (For Windows) •••••••••••••••• 37

1 Label Creation Outline•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 38 2 Creating an Address Label using P-touch Editor •••••••••••••••••••••••• 40 3 Creating an Address Label using Microsoft Word Add-In•••••••••••••• 42 4 Creating an Address Label using Microsoft Outlook Add-In••••••••••• 44 5 Creating a Banner Label ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 46

Creating a Name Badge Label using Auto Format Wizard function

••••• 48

STEP4

Maintenance and Troubleshooting •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 51

Maintenance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 52

Print head maintenance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 52 Roller maintenance ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 52 Label outlet maintenance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 53 Replacing the cutter unit ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 54

Troubleshooting•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 56

Potential types of problems•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 56 Main specifications•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 57 Accessories (For USA Only) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 58

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

Creating and printing a

STEP

Maintenance and

label (For Windows)

Troubleshooting

Introduction

STEP1

Before using the printer

Introduction

STEP

printer

Take the printer out of the box and make preparations for the printer before creating a label. Follow the procedures from "Accessory Checklist" in page 18.

Accessory Checklist

Parts Description

Setting the DK Roll

Attaching the paper guide

Connecting the power supply

ÎPage 18

ÎPage 19

ÎPage 21

ÎPage 22

ÎPage 23

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP1 Before using the printer

1 Accessory Checklist

Before using this printer, check that the printer package contains all of the following accessories. If any of these accessories are missing or found faulty, contact your local distributor.

Brother QL-500/550

QL-500

QL-550

USB cable Setup & Operation Guide

(English and Spanish)

CD-ROM DK Label & Tape Guide

Starter roll

The QL-500 includes one starter roll of DK Diecut Standard Address Labels (100 labels). The QL-550 includes one starter roll of DK Diecut Standard Address Labels (100 labels), and one starter roll of DK Continuous Durable Paper Tape 2-3/7" (25 feet).

Warranty Card

Paper guide

Cleaning Sheet

2 Parts Description

Main Printing Unit

Front face

QL-500 QL-550

DK Roll compartment cover

FEED button LED lamp ON/OFF button CUT lever

If the DK Roll compartment cover is left open, dust will collect on the print head. Always close the cover.

Rear view

QL-500/QL-550

DK Roll compartment cover

FEED button CUT button LED lamp ON/OFF button

Power cord

USB port

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP1 Before using the printer

Button descriptions

The functions of the buttons on the QL-500/550 are described below.

Button Condition

ON/OFF button Turns power to the QL-500/550 on and off.

CUT button

(QL-550 only)

FEED button

Cuts the label from the DK Roll. Use this button to cut labels when the "Auto Cut" option in the Print dialog box is unchecked.

• When using DK Die-cut Labels, feeds the DK Label Roll to the beginning of the first label on the roll. If this button is held for more than one second, the DK Label Roll is fed to the beginning of the next label on the roll.

• When using DK Continuous Tapes, feeds 1" (25.4 mm) of the DK Label Roll.

• If there is no DK Label Roll installed, the mode changes to a cleaning mode and the roller rotates for 1/3" (8 mm). If this button is held for more than one second, the roller rotates for 4" (100 mm).

Use CUT lever when cutting a printed label with QL-500.

CUT Lever CUT Button

QL-500 QL-550

LED Lamp

LED lamp on the QL-500/550 indicates the current operating condition.

Lamp Condition

Not lit

Power is OFF.

Lit

Flashing fast

Flashing slow

Turns off after flashing

fast ten times

Power is ON. (Normally lit while power is on, the LED flashes during cleaning or if an error has occurred.)

Indicates one of the following errors.

• Cutter error

• Label sensor error (DK Roll not installed correctly, end of DK Roll, or label jam)

• DK Roll compartment cover is open during operation

• Incorrect DK Roll installed

• No DK Roll installed

Cooling (Waiting for temperature of print head to lower)

System error

Turn the QL-500/550 off and then on again. If this error re-occurs, contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was purchased or your local authorized service center.

3 Setting the DK Roll

Applicable DK Rolls

The usable types of DK Roll for the printer are shown below.

DK Roll

General name for DK Label and DK Tape.

DK Label

DK Tape

This is a pre-cut label roll. Thermal recording paper and thermal recording film are available.

This is a freely cuttable full-page adhesive tape. Thermal recording paper and thermal recording film are available.

• DK Roll, DK Tape and DK Label are available. For the list of applicable DK Rolls,

refer to "List of consumable items" shown in Manual)".

Î"Software User's Guide (PDF

• Be sure to use only genuine DK Roll for the printer.

Setting the DK Roll

Check that the power is turned OFF (check

LED lamp). Lift both the both sides of lower part of DK Roll cover on the front side of the printer to open the cover.

Pull up the roll release lever and

remove the protection sheet of printing unit.

Printing unit protection sheet

Roll release lever

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

Insert the spool of the DK Roll

along the spool guide of the printer.

Check the both sides of spool of DK Roll are correctly inserted into spool guide of the printer.

Spoo l

Spool guide

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP1 Before using the printer

Check that the roll release lever

is in the up position. Insert the edge of DK Roll into

Cutter

Roll release lever

Printing unit

the printing unit, and pull it out to just in front of the cutter.

Push down the roll release lever and close the

DK Roll cover.

When the DK Roll could not be pulled out to just before the cutter in the step 4, insert the edge of DK Roll as possible and pull down the roll release lever, and then close the roll release lever. Pressing Feed button feeds the DK Roll to the correct position (when using DK Tape, cut the fed tape as needed).

4 Attaching the paper guide

The printer contains a paper guide which can hold up to 10 individual label sheets.

As shown right, attach the

paper guide to the front face of the printer.

When printing more than 10 labels continuously using the auto cut function, remove the paper guide to prevent a paper jam.

Paper guide

5 Connecting the power supply

Insert the power plug into the outlet.

• Before inserting the plug, check the outlet is for 120

VAC.

• Locate the printer near the outlet where the power

plug can be pulled out easily.

• When inserting or pulling out the power cord, be sure

to hold the power plug.

When using the printer on Windows®, do not connect the printer to the PC before installing software.

Do not connect the printer to the PC until the message that prompts the connection when installing the printer driver. When connecting the printer to the PC before installing the printer driver, the dialog box shown right is displayed. At that time, click [Cancel] and disconnect the USB cable. Then, install the printer driver. For details, refer to in page 27.

Î"3. Installing the software"

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP1 Before using the printer

STEP2

Connecting the printer to

your PC

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

By using the software included with this printer, you can create a variety of labels quickly and easily using your personal computer.

For Windows

1. Software description

2. Notes on installation

3. Installing the software

ÎPage 26

ÎPage 27

For Macintosh

1. Software description

2. Notes on installation

3. Software installation

ÎPage 31

ÎPage 32

STEP

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP2 Connecting the printer to your PC

For Windows

The software included with this printer is compatible with the following operating systems: The software is available for the following operating system. Microsoft

1. Software description

The CD-ROM included with this printer contains the following software and printer driver.

P-touch Editor 4.2

It is possible to create various types of labels such as address labels and CD/DVD labels. It is also possible to link previously created databases (database function) and to manage information such as names and address (label list function). The following tools will be also installed.

• P-touch Library 2.0

The label created by P-touch Editor can be printed again quickly and easily.

• P-touch 4.2 Add-Ins Utility

By using the Add-In icon set for Microsoft Outlook® 2000/2002/2003, Microsoft® Excel 97/2000/2002/2003, it is possible to create a label from each bit of data.

P-touch Address Book 1.0

It is possible to manage the address to print the address label easily. It is also possible to import the contact data from contact information of Microsoft Outlook

Printer Driver

When using the printer together with a PC, it is necessary to install this printer driver.

Software User's Guide (PDF Manual)

How to use each software is described. It can be referenced by using Adobe® Acrobat® Reader It is also possible to reference it directly from the CD-ROM.

Windows® 2000 Professional/XP

For details on software, refer to

or Adobe® Reader®.

Î"Software User's Guide (PDF Manual)".

Word 97/2000/2002/2003, Microsoft®

Above software information may change in future, please check the latest software in Brother solution site. http://solutions.brother.com/

2. Notes on installation

• Do not connect this printer to a PC until the prompt message appears. If this printer has

already been connected to a PC prior to software installation, immediately remove the USB plug from the PC and wait for the software prompt.

• When installing it to Windows

• When installing the software, the screen shown right may be

displayed. At this time, click [OK] and install it all over again.

•

After terminating all other applications, begin installing the software. Especially, when the application of Microsoft is running, Add-In may not be set correctly.

•

P-touch Transfer Manager 1.2 and P-touch Backup Manager 1.2 are included in the CDROM, however, it is not possible to use them with QL-500/550.

2000/XP, log in by the authority of administrator.

Office®

Introduction

STEP

printer

3. Installing the software

This section explains how to install the P-touch Editor 4.2, P-touch Address Book 1.0, Printer Driver, and User's Guide as a whole. The procedure for installing them varies depending on the OS of your PC. The following is the example for Windows XP.

Start up the PC and insert the CD-ROM into CD-ROM drive.

QL-series Installer starts up and P-touch Setup screen is displayed.

• It may take a time to display the screen.

• If it does not start up automatically, double click "Setup.exe" icon in CD-ROM.

Click "Standard Installation".

The preparation for installing the software starts and License Agreement screen is displayed.

Each button enables the following operation.

Standard Installation

P-touch Editor 4.2, P-touch Address Book 1.0, Printer Driver, and User's Guide can be installed as a whole.

Custom Installation

P-touch Editor 4.2, P-touch Address Book 1.0, Printer Driver, and User's Guide can be installed individually.

Show User's Guide

Software User's Guide (PDF Manual) can be referenced without installing it.

Install Acrobat Reader

"Adobe

Manual) can be installed. Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® 5.0 will be installed. If you have higher version, do not install it.

Acrobat® Reader®" to reference Software User's Guide (PDF

1 2 3 4

Before using the

STEP

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP2 Connecting the printer to your PC

Read the license agreement very

carefully. If you agree with the terms and conditions of the license agreement, click [Yes] to continue the installation.

Customer Information screen is displayed.

Input "User Name" and "Company

Name", and click [Next].

Choose Destination Location screen is displayed.

Click [Next].

Add shortcut screen is displayed.

When you want to change the folder where to install it, click [Browse].

Check the location where you want to

add the shortcut (function to access it easily by clicking) of software, and click [Next].

Start Copying Files screen is displayed.

When the shortcut is not required, clear the check.

Check the setting, and if it is set

correctly, click [Next].

Add-In settings screen is displayed.

• It may take a time to display the screen.

• If it is not set correctly, click [Back] and set it

again.

Check the software with which you want

to set the Add-In, and click [Next].

Driver Setup (Brother P-touch) screen is displayed.

Check the every application of Microsoft

is quitted, and go to the next step.

Office For details on Add-In setting, refer to

Î"Software User's Guide (PDF Manual)".

Introduction

STEP

printer

Before using the

STEP

Click [OK] on the Driver Setup (Brother P-touch) screen to start the

installation.

Click [Next].

The installation of the driver is completed, the User Registration screen is displayed.

Select if you do the user registration at

once, and click [Next].

• When selecting "Yes, display the page.", the

screen for online user registration is displayed via internet. After the user registration, continue the installation (registration is recommended).

• When selecting "No, do not display the page.",

the installation continues.

For WindowsFor Macintosh

Connecting to your PC

STEP

label (For Windows)

Creating and printing a

STEP

Troubleshooting

Maintenance and

STEP2 Connecting the printer to your PC

Click [Finish].

The installation of software is completed. Connect the printer to complete the driver installation.

When the installation is completed, the message which prompts to reboot the PC may be displayed. In this case, select "Restart" and click [Finish].

Start up each installed software.

• When starting P-touch Editor, click in order of [Start]-[All Programs (Programs)]-

[Brother P-touch]-[P-touch Editor 4.2].

• When starting P-touch Address Book, click in order of [Start] - [All Programs

(Programs)] - [Brother P-touch] - [P-touch Address Book 1.0].

For details on software, refer to Î"Software User's Guide (PDF Manual)". Software User's Guide (PDF Manual) can be displayed by clicking in order of [Start][ALL Programs (Programs)]-[Brother P-Touch]-[Manuals]-[QL-Series User's Guide (English)].

Power cord

USB port

USB cable

+ 88 hidden pages