Brother QL-810W, QL-820NWB Software Developer's Manual ESC/P Command Reference

Software Developer's Manual

ESC/P Command Reference

QL-810W/820NWB

Version 1.00

BarStar Pro Encode Library (DataMatrix, MaxiCode, PDF417, RSS, CODE93, POSTNET, MSI/Plessey, AztecCode, GS1 DataBar Composite) Copyright (c) 2007 AINIX Corporation. All rights reserved. QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in Japan and other countries. QR Code Generating Program Copyright © 2008 DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED

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QL-8XX (where “8XX” is the model name).

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ESC/P Command Reference

Introduction ······················································································· 1 What is ESC/P? ··················································································· 2

1. Using ESC/P Commands ·································································· 3

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands ················································ 5

3. ESC/P Command Limitations ··························································· 10

3.1 Print area................................................................................................. 10

3.2 Characters .............................................................................................. 13

3.2.1 Character sizes......................................................................................... 13

3.2.2 Character pitches ..................................................................................... 15

3.3 Print position ........................................................................................... 16

3.3.1 Characters ................................................................................................ 16

3.3.2 Bitmaps, barcodes and downloaded images ............................................ 17

3.3.3 Same line ................................................................................................. 17

3.4 Line feed amount .................................................................................... 18

4. Control Code List ·········································································· 19

5. Control Command Details ······························································· 23

5.1 Character/style selection commands ...................................................... 23

ESC R Select international character set .................................................. 23

ESC q Select character style .................................................................... 24

ESC k Select font ...................................................................................... 25

5.2 Text printing commands .......................................................................... 26

ESC 4 Apply italic style ............................................................................. 26

ESC 5 Cancel italic style ........................................................................... 26

ESC E Apply bold style ............................................................................. 27

ESC F Cancel bold style ........................................................................... 27

ESC G Apply double-strike printing ........................................................... 28

ESC H Cancel double-strike printing ......................................................... 28

ESC P Apply pica pitch (10 cpi) ................................................................. 29

ESC M Apply elite pitch (12 cpi) ................................................................. 30

ESC g Apply micron pitch ......................................................................... 31

ESC p Specify proportional characters ..................................................... 32

ESC W Specify double-width characters .................................................... 32

SO Specify auto-canceling stretched characters ................................. 33

ESC SO Specify auto-canceling stretched characters ................................. 33

SI Specify compressed characters ..................................................... 34

ESC SI Specify compressed characters ..................................................... 34

DC2 Cancel compressed characters ..................................................... 35

DC4 Cancel auto-canceling double-width characters ............................ 35

ESC – Apply/cancel underlining ................................................................ 36

ESC ! Global formatting ........................................................................... 37

ESC SP Specify character spacing .............................................................. 38

ESC X Specify character size .................................................................... 39

5.3 Line feed commands ............................................................................... 40

ESC 0 Specify line feed of 1/8 inch ........................................................... 40

ESC 2 Specify line feed of 1/6 inch ........................................................... 40

ESC 3 Specify minimum line feed ............................................................. 41

ESC A Specify line feed of n/60 inch ......................................................... 41

5.4 Horizontal movement commands ........................................................... 42

ESC l Specify left margin ......................................................................... 42

ESC Q Specify right margin ....................................................................... 44

- i -

ESC/P Command Reference

CR Carriage return .............................................................................. 45

ESC D Specify horizontal tab position ....................................................... 46

HT Perform horizontal tab ................................................................... 47

ESC $ Specify absolute horizontal position ............................................... 48

ESC \ Specify relative horizontal position ................................................. 48

ESC a Specify alignment .......................................................................... 49

5.5 Vertical movement commands ................................................................ 50

LF Line feed ........................................................................................ 50

FF Page feed ...................................................................................... 50

ESC J Forward paper feed ....................................................................... 51

ESC B Specify vertical tab position ........................................................... 52

VT Perform vertical tab ........................................................................ 53

ESC (V Specify absolute vertical position ................................................... 54

ESC (v Specify relative vertical position ..................................................... 55

5.6 Paper formatting commands ................................................................... 56

ESC (c Specify page format ....................................................................... 56

ESC (C Specify page length ....................................................................... 57

ESC U Specify minimum margin................................................................ 58

5.7 Printer control commands ....................................................................... 59

ESC @ Initialize .......................................................................................... 59

5.8 Graphics commands ............................................................................... 60

ESC * Select bit image ............................................................................. 60

ESC K 8-dot single-density bit image ........................................................ 66

ESC L 8-dot double-density bit image ....................................................... 67

ESC Y 8-dot double-speed double-density bit image ................................ 68

ESC Z 8-dot quadruple-density bit image ................................................. 68

5.9 Chinese character commands ................................................................ 69

FS & Specify Chinese character mode ................................................... 69

FS . Cancel Chinese character mode ................................................... 69

FS J Specify vertical writing ................................................................... 70

FS K Specify horizontal writing ............................................................... 70

FS S Specify size of space for full size characters ................................. 71

FS T Specify size of space for half size characters ................................ 71

FS U Space adjustment between half size characters ............................ 72

FS V Cancel space adjustment between half size characters ................ 72

FS W Select double height and width characters .................................... 73

FS Y Specify Chinese character size ...................................................... 74

FS r Specify quarter square characters ................................................. 75

FS - Apply Chinese character underlining ............................................. 76

FS ! Global Formatting for Chinese character ....................................... 77

FS SI Specify half-width characters ......................................................... 77

FS DC2 Cancel half-width characters ......................................................... 78

FS SO Specify auto-canceling double-width character .............................. 78

FS DC4 Cancel auto-canceling double-width character .............................. 78

5.10 Advanced commands ............................................................................ 79

ESC i B Barcode ......................................................................................... 79

ESC i Q 2D barcode (QR Code) .................................................................. 83

ESC i P Specify QR Code version............................................................... 86

ESC i V 2D barcode (PDF417).................................................................... 87

ESC i D 2D barcode (DataMatrix) ............................................................... 90

ESC i M 2D barcode (MaxiCode) ................................................................. 93

ESC i J 2D barcode (Aztec) ........................................................................ 95

ESC i F Print downloaded data ................................................................... 97

ESC i a Switch command mode ............................................................... 101

ESC i S Status information request ........................................................... 102

- ii -

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC i L Specify landscape orientation ...................................................... 104

ESC i C Specify cutting ............................................................................. 105

ESC i W Specify character color ................................................................ 106

5.11 Advanced static commands ................................................................ 107

ESC iXQ2 Select default character style ....................................................... 107

ESC iXQ1 Retrieve default character style ................................................... 108

ESC iXX2 Specify default ANK character size .............................................. 109

ESC iXX1 Retrieve default ANK character size ............................................ 110

ESC iX32 Specify default line feed ............................................................... 11 0

ESC iX31 Retrieve default line feed ............................................................. 111

ESC iXA2 Select default alignment .............................................................. 111

ESC iXA1 Retrieve default alignment ........................................................... 112

ESC iX(2 Specify default page length .......................................................... 113

ESC iX(1 Retrieve default page length ........................................................ 113

ESC iXL2 Select default landscape orientation ............................................ 114

ESC iXL1 Retrieve default landscape orientation ......................................... 114

ESC iXj2 Select default international character set ..................................... 115

ESC iXj1 Retrieve default international character set ................................. 116

ESC iXU2 Specify default minimum margin .................................................. 11 7

ESC iXU1 Retrieve default minimum margin ................................................ 117

Appendix A: Specifications ······························································· 118 Appendix B: Character Code Tables ··················································· 119

Character code tables ................................................................................. 119

International character set table.................................................................. 120

Chinese character catalog (based on GB18030) ........................................ 121

Appendix C: Introducing the Brother Developer Center ························ 153

- iii -

ESC/P Command Reference

Introduction

This material provides the necessary information for directly controlling QL-8XX. This information is provided assuming that the user has full understanding of the operating system being used and basic mastery of communication interfaces in a developer's environment. Read the model names that appear in the screens in this manual as the name of your printer.

We accept no responsibility for any problems caused by programs that you develop using the information provided in this material, affecting software, data or hardware, including the QL-8XX, and any problems resulting directly or indirectly from them. Use this material only if you accept these terms.

This material shall not be reproduced, in part or in full, without prior approval. In addition, this material shall not be used as evidence in a lawsuit or dispute in a way that is unfavorable towards our company.

These ESC/P commands have been adapted specifically for this company.

- 1 Introduction

ESC/P Command Reference

What is ESC/P?

ESC/P is one type of control codes used for printers. With the codes introduced in this document, various labels can be created and printed. In this document, ESC/P codes are provided as both ASCII and binary codes. When sending codes to the printer, make sure that the binary codes are used, otherwise the printer cannot parse the codes.

- 2 -

What is ESC/P?

(1) Start ESC/P

1. Switch the command mode.

2. Initialize

- Switch command mode (ESC i a)

- Initialize (ESC @)

(2) Format settings

1. Select the orientation.

- Specify landscape orientation (ESC i L)

2. Specify the page size.

- Specify page length (ESC ( C)

3. Specify print area.

- Specify page format (ESC ( c)

- Specify left/right margins (ESC I, ESC Q)

4. Specify the line feed amount.

- Specify line feed amount (ESC 0, ESC 2, ESC 3, ESC A)

5. Specify tab positions.

- Specify horizontal tab position (ESC D)

- Specify vertical tab position (ESC B)

(3) Print operations

1. Specify the print position.

- Specify the vertical position (ESC ( v, ESC ( V, VT, ESC J)

- Specify the horizontal position (ESC $, ESC \, HT, ESC a)

2. Transfer the print data (one line).

- Transfer necessary text operation codes (see (4)), bit images, barcodes, and downloaded data (see (5))

3. End of the line.

- Feed the paper (CR, LF)

4. Repeat 1–3 above.

5. End of the page.

- Specify cutting (ESC i C)

- Feed the page (FF)

6. Repeat 1–5 above.

7. End of the document.

1. Using ESC/P Commands

Below is a description of the flow for creating documents. Also refer to “2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands”.

ESC/P Command Reference

- 3 -

1. Using ESC/P Commands

ESC/P Command Reference

(4) Text operations

1. Specify the character set.

- Select font (ESC k)

- Specify the character spacing (ESC P, ESC M, ESC g, ESC SP)

2. Specify the character style.

- Specify character style

ESC SO, SI, ESC SI, DC2, DC4, ESC -, ESC !)

3. Specify character codes.

4. Specify the ANK mode/ Chinese character mode.

- (FS &, FS .)

5. Specify the character set for Chinese characters.

- Specify character size (FS Y)

- Specify the character spacing (FS S, FS T, FS U, FS V)

6. Specify the character style for Chinese characters.

- Specify character style (FS J, FS K, FS W, FS r, FS -, FS ! , FS SI, FS DC2, FS SO, FS DC4)

7. Specify character codes for

Chinese characters.

Repeat 1–7 above as necessary.

(5) Image data

1. Specify bit images.

- (ESC *, ESC K, ESC L, ESC Y, ESC Z)

2. Specify barcodes.

- (ESC i B)

3. Specify 2D barcodes.

- (ESC i Q, ESC i V, ESC i D, ESC i M)

4. Print the downloaded data

- (ESC i F)

the printer.

- Select international character set (ESC R)

- Specify character size (ESC X)

(ESC 4, ESC 5, ESC E, ESC F, ESC G, ESC H, ESC W, SO,

Downloaded image data must first be downloaded and saved on

- 4 -

1. Using ESC/P Commands

4 inches

0.5 inch

1 inch

Step 1:

Landscape

Step 2:

Page length

Step 3:

Horizontal position

Step 4:

Vertical position

Step 6:

Character size: 67 dots

Step 5:

Font type: Helsinki

Entered command

ESC i L

01h

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

This is the label that will be made.

ESC/P Command Reference

In order to make this label, the following six steps are required after entering ESC/P mode.

Step 1: Select the landscape orientation.

- 5 -

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

4 inches

*The page length does not include the margins.

For the margins, subtract 6 mm (

72 dots) from the page length.

ESC ( C 02h 00h 68h 04h

Entered command

4 inches=1200 dots

1200 dots–72 dots=1128 dots

Page length=mL+mH*256=1128

04h

104

68h

0.5 inch

0.5

inch=150

dots

Horizontal position=n1+n2*256=150

ESC $ 96h 00h

Entered command

= =

150

96h

00h

= =

Step 2: Specify the page length.

ESC/P Command Reference

Step 3: Specify the horizontal position.

- 6 -

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

1 inch

1 inch=300

dots

Vertical position=mL+mH*256+18 dots=300

1Ah

01h

ESC ( V 02h 00h 1Ah 01h

nH mL

Entered command

ESC k 08h

n=08=08h

Font type: Helsinki

Outline Font

Step 4: Specify the vertical position.

ESC/P Command Reference

Step 5: Select the font type.

- 7 -

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

Character size

=nL+nH*256=67 dots

Character size: 67 dots

ESC X 00h 43h 00h

Entered command

43h

00h

Step 6: Specify the character size.

ESC/P Command Reference

- 8 -

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

ESC i a 00h ESC @ ESC i L 01h ESC ( C 02h 00h 68h 04h ESC $

96h 00h

ESC ( V 02h 00h 1A

h 01h ESC k 08h ESC X 00h 43h 00h At your side FF

Select ESC/P mode

Binary command: 1B 69 61 00

Initialize ESC/P mode

Binary

command: 1B 40

6 steps explained above

Print start command

Binary command: 0C

Text to be print

Binary command

: 41 74 20 79 6F 75

72 20 73 69 64 65

All commands together will make the example label shown below.

ESC/P Command Reference

However, these commands should be converted to binary data before sent to the printer, as shown below. Here is the captured converted binary data.

When the printer receives above binary commands, the label shown below is printed.

- 9 -

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

ESC/P Command Reference

Unprintable area

Left margin

Right margin

Top margin

Top margin position (TOF position)

Bottom margin

Unprintable area

Space above physically printable area

Space left of

physically printable

area

Physically printable area

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

3.1 Print area

The printing media are die-cut labels and continuous length tape. The area that can physically be printed on depends on the size and type of the print media.

Die-cut labels

- 10 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

Printable area

(5) Left margin

(6) Right margin (8) Length of printable area

(4) Bottom margin

(3) Top margin

(2) Label length

(1) Label width

(7) Height of

printable area

No.001 No.720

(9) Label spacing

Thermal head

Sensor

segmenting

Standard Address

29mm

90.3mm

1.5mm

3mm

25.92mm

83.94mm

408 - 713

Large Address

38mm

90.3mm

1.5mm

3mm

34.98mm

83.94mm

295 - 707

Small Address

62mm

28.93mm

1.5mm

3mm

58.95mm

22.95mm

012 - 707

Sipping 4 No

62mm

100.36mm

1.5mm

3mm

58.95mm

93.93mm

012 - 707

Multi purpose

17mm

54.32mm

1.5mm

3mm

13.98mm

47.94mm

555 - 719

File Folder

17mm

87.13mm

1.5mm

3mm

13.98mm

80.97mm

555 - 719

CD/DVD (MKP)

Yes

58.29mm

3mm

52.34mm

051 - 668

29mmx42mm

29mmX52mm

(only for U.S.A)

(23mm)

39mmX48mm

(continued to the next page)

The print area for each media is described below.

Print area

The maximum length of continuous length label is 1 meter.

ESC/P Command Reference

Die Cut Labels

Continuous Length Paper 62 Postage Print

Head-

Applied

No.

10 No 52mm 28.93mm 1.5mm 3mm 48.96mm 22.95mm 142 - 719

11 No 62mm - 1.5mm 3mm 58.95mm - 012 - 707

Forced

8 No 29mm 42.1mm 1.5mm 3mm 25.92mm 36mm 408 - 713

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Drive

Head No.

Square Paper

Die Cut Labels

12 No 23.0mm 23.03mm 1.5mm 3mm 19.99mm 17.11mm 443 - 678

13 No 39mm 47.98mm 1.5mm 3mm 36mm 41.93mm 289 - 713

- 11 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

(continued from the previous page)

Sensor

segmenting

(only for U.S.A)

Round Paper

12.0mm

2mm

7.96mm

513 - 606

Round Paper

24.0mm

2mm

19.99mm

442 - 677

Paper (38mm)

Paper (29mm)

Paper (62mm)

Film-White (29mm)

Film-White (62mm)

Film-Yellow (62mm)

Film-Clear (62mm)

Paper (12mm)

Paper (50mm)

Paper (54mm)

(62mm)

(29mmX54mm)

Head-

No.

Applied

Forced

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Drive

Head No.

Postage Print

Continuous Length

14 No 32.9mm 47.62mm 1.5mm 3mm 29.9mm 41.59mm 325 - 677

19 No 38mm - 1.5mm 3mm 34.98mm - 295 - 707

20 No 29mm - 1.5mm 3mm 25.92mm - 408 - 713

21 No 62mm - 1.5mm 3mm 58.95mm - 012 - 707

22 Yes 29mm - 1.5mm 3mm 25.92mm - 408 - 713

23 Yes 62mm - 1.5mm 3mm 58.95mm - 012 - 707

24 Yes 62mm - 1.5mm 3mm 58.95mm - 012 - 707

25 Yes 62mm - 1.5mm 3mm 58.95mm - 012 - 707

Continuous Length

Continuous Length Non-Adhesive

Continuous Length Paper Tape Red/Black on White

Removable Adhesive Small Labels

26 No 12mm - 1.5mm 3mm 8.98mm - 584 - 689

27 No 50 mm - 1.5mm 3mm 46.92mm - 154 - 707

28 Yes 54mm -

35 No 62mm 1.5mm 3mm 58.95mm 012-707

36 No 54mm 28.93mm 1.5mm 3mm 49.97mm 22.95mm 130 - 719

2.5mm/

1.5mm

3mm 49.97mm - 130 - 719

- 12 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

Full size

Double width

Double height

Half width

Double height and

half

width

Double height

and

width

3.2 Characters

The character codes vary depending on ANK mode or Chinese character mode.

ANK mode 1Byte character codes are available.

1 bitmap font with 3 sizes: 16, 24, 32 dots 1 outline font with 22 sizes: 33, 38, 42, 46, 50, 58, 67, 75, 83, 92, 100, 117, 133, 150, 167, 200, 233, 267, 300, 333, 367, 400 dots

Chinese character mode * 2 or 4 Bytes character codes are available.

1 bitmap font with 3 sizes: 16, 24, 32 dots 1 outline font with 22 sizes: 33, 38, 42, 46, 50, 58, 67, 75, 83, 92, 100, 117, 133, 150, 167, 200, 233, 267, 300, 333, 367, 400 dots

*1 ANK(Alphabets and number) is available in the Chinese character mode but it is specified by different code

from ANK mode.

*2 GB18030 is available for the Chinese character mode.

3.2.1 Character sizes

ANK mode

Each font is available in full size, compressed size (half width), double width, double height and half width, double height, and quadruple size.

Chinese character mode

Each font is available in full size, half width, double height, double width, double height and width, superscript and subscript quarter square character. These sizes are able to be used together.moreover verticall or horizontal writing can be chosen. If the half width and the quarter square character are used together, half width specification is ignored.

- 13 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

Full size

Double width

Double height

Half width

Double height

and width

Superscript

quarter square

Subscript

quarter square

Full size

Double width

Double height

Half width

Double width

and half width

Double height

and width

Superscript

quarter square

Subscript

quarter square

Full size

Double width

Double height

Half width

Double height and half width

Double height

and width

Superscript

quarter square

Subscript

quarter square

Example of a combination

ESC/P Command Reference

1) When vertical writing

2) When horizontal writing

- 14 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

Fixed spacing

c b

Fixed spacing

Variable spacing

Fixed spacing

Variable spacing

Fixed spacing

3.2.2 Character pitches

Pitch refers to the spacing between neighboring characters. When characters are arranged with a fixed pitch, they will be evenly spaced. If characters extend over several lines, they will align in straight rows.

When characters are arranged with a proportional pitch, the spacing will vary depending on the character. (For example, “W” is wide but “I” is narrow.) As a result, the excess space between characters is eliminated and the text appears more compact.

If a fixed pitch is applied to a font that is better with a proportional pitch, all characters are given the same width as the widest character in the font.

This makes it possible to evenly space the characters of a proportional-pitch font without having to change the font. If a proportional pitch is applied to a font that is better with a fixed pitch, all characters are given the same width, appearing the same as with a fixed pitch.

- 15 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

Print position

Baseline position

Start position

Baseline position

Baseline position Start position

3.3 Print position

The print position is the standard position for printing characters, bitmaps, and barcodes. There is a horizontal print position and vertical print position, which are the reference points for vertical position movement and horizontal position movement.

3.3.1 Characters

When horizontal writing

Characters are arranged with their top edges aligned with the print position. The baseline of each character is the bottom edge of the character, regardless of size, font, etc.

All characters on a single line are printed with a baseline positions that is the same for each character. If a single line consists of characters with different heights, the characters are aligned with the baseline of the tallest character on the line.

Underlines are drawn 4 dots below the baseline position.

When vertical writing

When vertical writing, a center of a character is placed onto the middle of the height of a line.

When vertical writing, an underline starts from a print position and a character starts 4dots blow from the underline.

- 16 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

3.3.2 Bitmaps, barcodes and downloaded images

These types of image data are treated in the same way as characters and are printed with the bottom edge of the image aligned with the baseline.

3.3.3 Same line

Characters and images are considered to be on the same line, even if they are separated by tabs. Horizontal movement to the right between characters or images is regarded as being on the same line; however, horizontal movement to the left is regarded as being on separate lines if wrapping occurs.

- 17 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

Line feed amount

HHHHHHHHHHHHH

3.4 Line feed amount

The amount of line feed is the amount of vertical movement from the print position of one line to the print position of the next line.

The line feed amount is specified with ESC 0, ESC 2, ESC A, and ESC 3.

 Within a single line of text, the tallest character is determined, and the baseline is moved so that the top

edge of that character is at the vertical print position.

 The tallest character within a line becomes the line height.  If characters are underlined, 4 dots are added to the line height.

The underline is placed underneath of the characters when horizontal writing and above of the characters when vertical writing. When underline for both horizontal and vertical characters are existing in the same line, 8 dots are added for the heght of the line.

 If the line height is greater than the specified line feed amount, the line height is used as the actual line

feed amount. In this way, even if the specified line feed amount is small, the upper and lower lines will not overlap.

- 18 -

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

ESC/P Command Reference

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC R

1B 52

Select international character set

ESC q

1B 71

Select character style

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC 4

1B 34

Apply italic style

ESC 5

1B 35

Cancel italic style

ESC E

1B 45

Apply bold style

ESC F

1B 46

Cancel bold style

ESC G

1B 47

Apply double-strike printing

ESC H

1B 48

Cancel double-strike printing

ESC P

1B 50

Apply pica pitch (10 cpi)

ESC M

1B 4D

Apply elite pitch (12 cpi)

ESC g

1B 67

Apply micron pitch

ESC p

1B 70

Specify proportional characters

ESC W

1B 57

Specify double-width characters

Specify auto-canceling stretched characters

ESC SO

1B 0E

Specify auto-canceling stretched characters

Specify compressed characters

ESC SI

1B 0F

Specify compressed characters

DC2

Cancel compressed characters

DC4

Cancel auto-canceling double-width characters

ESC -

1B 2D

Apply/cancel underlining

ESC !

1B 21

Global formatting

ESC SP

1B 20

Specify ANK character spacing

ESC X

1B 58

Specify ANK character size

4. Control Code List

Character/style selection commands (Refer to section 5.1 Character/style selection commands.)

Text printing commands (Refer to section 5.2 Text printing commands.)

- 19 -

4. Control Code List

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC 0

1B 30

Specify line feed of 1/8 inch

ESC 2

1B 32

Specify line feed of 1/6 inch

ESC 3

1B 33

Specify minimum line feed

ESC A

1B 41

Specify line feed of n/60 inch

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC l

1B 6C

Specify left margin

ESC Q

1B 51

Specify right margin

Carriage return

ESC D

1B 44

Specify horizontal tab position

Perform horizontal tab

ESC $

1B 24

Specify absolute horizontal position

ESC \

1B 5C

Specify relative horizontal position

ESC a

1B 61

Specify alignment

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

Line feed

Page feed

ESC J

1B 4A

Forward paper feed

ESC B

1B 42

Specify vertical tab position

Perform vertical tab

ESC ( V

1B 28 56

Specify absolute vertical position

ESC ( v

1B 28 76

Specify relative vertical position

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC ( c

1B 28 63

Specify page format

ESC ( C

1B 28 43

Specify page length

ESC U

1B 55

Specify minimum margin

Line feed commands (Refer to section 5.3 Line feed commands.)

Horizontal movement commands (Refer to section 5.4 Horizontal movement commands.)

ESC/P Command Reference

Vertical movement commands (Refer to section 5.5 Vertical movement commands.)

Paper formatting commands (Refer to section 5.6 Paper formatting commands.)

- 20 -

4. Control Code List

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC @

1B 40

Initialize (defaults)

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC *

1B 2A

Select bit image

ESC K

1B 4B

8-dot single-density bit image

ESC L

1B 4C

8-dot double-density bit image

ESC Y

1B 59

8-dot double-speed double-density bit image

ESC Z

1B 5A

8-dot quadruple-density bit image

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

FS &

1C 26

Specify Chinese character mode

FS .

1C 2E

Cancel Chinese character mode

FS J

1C 4A

Specify vertical writing

FS K

1C 4B

Specify horizontal writing

FS S

1C 53

Specify size of space for full size characters

FS T

1C 54

Specify size of space for half size characters

FS U

1C 55

Space adjustment between half size characters

Cancel space adjustment between half size characters

FS W

1C 57

Select double height and width characters

FS Y

1C 59

Specify Chinese character size

FS r

1C 72

Specify quarter square characters

FS -

1C 2D

Apply Chinese character underlining

FS !

1C 21

Global Formatting for Chinese character

FS SI

1C 0F

Specify half-width characters

FS DC2

1C 12

Cancel half-width characters

FS SO

1C 0E

Specify auto-canceling double-width character

FS DC4

1C 14

Cancel auto-canceling double-width character

Printer control commands (Refer to section 5.7 Printer control commands.)

Graphics commands (Refer to section 5.8 Graphics commands.)

Chinese character Commands (Refer to section 5.9 Chinese character commands.)

ESC/P Command Reference

FS V 1C 56

- 21 -

4. Control Code List

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC i B

1B 69 42

Barcode

ESC i Q

1B 69 51

2D barcode (QR Code)

ESC i P

1B 69 50

Specify QR Code version

ESC i V

1B 69 56

2D barcode (PDF417)

ESC i D

1B 69 44

2D barcode (DataMatrix)

ESC i M

1B 69 4D

2D barcode (MaxiCode)

ESC i J

1B 69 4A

2D barcode (Aztec)

ESC i F

1B 69 46

Print downloaded data

ESC i a

1B 69 61

Switch command mode

ESC i S

1B 69 53

Status information request

ESC i L

1B 69 4C

Specify landscape orientation

ESC i C

1B 69 43

Specify cutting

ESC i W

1B 69 57

Specify character color

ASCII Code

Binary Code

Description

ESC iXQ2

1B 69 58 51 32

Select default character style

ESC iXQ1

1B 69 58 51 31

Retrieve default character style

ESC iXX2

1B 69 58 58 32

Specify default ANK character size

ESC iXX1

1B 69 58 58 31

Retrieve default ANK character size

ESC iX32

1B 69 58 33 32

Specify default line feed

ESC iX31

1B 69 58 33 31

Retrieve default line feed

ESC iXA2

1B 69 58 41 32

Select default alignment

ESC iXA1

1B 69 58 41 31

Retrieve default alignment

ESC iX(2

1B 69 58 28 32

Specify default page length

ESC iX(1

1B 69 58 28 31

Retrieve default page length

ESC iXL2

1B 69 58 4C 32

Select default landscape orientation

ESC iXL1

1B 69 58 4C 31

Retrieve default landscape orientation

ESC iXj2

1B 69 58 6A 32

Select default international character set

ESC iXj1

1B 69 58 6A 31

Retrieve default international character set

ESC iXU2

1B 69 58 55 32

Specify default minimum margin

ESC iXU1

1B 69 58 55 31

Retrieve default minimum margin

Advanced commands (Refer to section 5.10 Advanced commands.)

ESC/P Command Reference

Advanced static commands (Refer to section 5.11 Advanced static commands.)

- 22 -

4. Control Code List

ESC/P Command Reference

n=0:

U.S.A.

n=1:

France

n=2:

Germany

n=3:

U.K.

n=4:

Denmark I

n=5:

Sweden

n=6:

Italy

n=7:

Spain I

n=8:

Japan

n=9:

Norway

n=10:

Denmark II

n=11:

Spain II

n=12:

Latin America

n=13:

South Korea

n=64:

Legal

5. Control Command Details

5.1 Character/style selection commands

ESC R Select international character set

ASCII: ESC R n Decimal: 27 82 n Hexadecimal: 1B 52 n

Parameters

0≤n≤13, 64

Description  Selects the character set, and switches some of the character codes in the code table according to the

value of n.

 The following 12 codes are switched.

 The default setting is n=0 (U.S.A.)

Example

23h, 24h, 40h, 5Bh, 5Ch, 5Dh, 5Eh, 60h, 7Bh, 7Ch, 7Dh, 7Eh

Code: 5Ch ESC R 08h 5Ch FF

Print result: \ ￥

- 23 -

5. Control Command Details

n=0:

None (normal characters)

n=1:

Outline

n=2:

Shadow

n=3:

Shadow and outline

ESC q Select character style

ASCII: ESC q n Decimal: 27 113 n Hexadecimal: 1B 71 n

Parameters

0≤n≤3

Description  Selects the character style.

ESC/P Command Reference

Example

Code: ABC ESC q 03h ABC ESC q 00h ABC FF Print result: ABCAAABBBCCCABC

- 24 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Bitmap Fonts

Outline Fonts

n=0 Helsinki, Simhei

n=8 Helsinki, AR UDJingxihei DB

ESC k Select font

ASCII: ESC k n Decimal: 27 107 n Hexadecimal: 1B 6B n

Parameters

n=0, 8

Description

 Selects the font.

 The default value is n=0 (Helsinki, Simhei).  If the font is changed from a bitmap font to outline font, the character size is changed to the default setting

(42 dots).

 If the font is changed from an outline font to bitmap font, the character size is changed to default setting

(32 dots).

- 25 -

5. Control Command Details

5.2 Text printing commands

ESC 4 Apply italic style

ASCII: ESC 4 Decimal: 27 52 Hexadecimal: 1B 34

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text in italics.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.  Valid when horizontal writing.

ESC/P Command Reference

 This command is valid anywhere in a text line.

ESC 5 Cancel italic style

ASCII: ESC 5 Decimal: 27 53 Hexadecimal: 1B 35

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancels the italic character style.  This command is valid anywhere in a text line.

Example

Code: ABC ESC 4 DEF ESC 5 GHI FF Print result: ABCDEFGHI

- 26 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC E Apply bold style

ASCII: ESC E Decimal: 27 69 Hexadecimal: 1B 45

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text in bold.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.  This command is valid anywhere in a text line.

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC F Cancel bold style

ASCII: ESC F Decimal: 27 70 Hexadecimal: 1B 46

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancels the bold style.  This command is valid anywhere in a text line.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.

Example

Code: ABC ESC E DEF ESC F GHI FF Print result: ABCDEFGHI

- 27 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC G Apply double-strike printing

ASCII: ESC G Decimal: 27 71 Hexadecimal: 1B 47

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text in bold.  This command is valid anywhere in a text line.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC H Cancel double-strike printing

ASCII: ESC H Decimal: 27 72 Hexadecimal: 1B 48

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancels the bold style.  This command is valid anywhere in a text line.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.

Example

Code: ABC ESC G DEF ESC H GHI FF Print result: ABCDEFGHI

- 28 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Ａ

Ｂ

6 dots

24 dots

Ａ

Ｂ

48 dots

12 dots

Full width

Double width

ESC P Apply pica pitch (10 cpi)

ASCII: ESC P Decimal: 27 80 Hexadecimal: 1B 50

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text (ANK character) with the pica pitch (10 characters/inch).  The character spacing is 30 dots (=300 dots/10 characters).  If the character width is 30 dots or less, the character spacing is specified as 30 minus the character width.  If the character width exceeds 30 dots, the character spacing is specified as the character width.

(The spacing between characters is 0 dot.) In this case, the pitch does not exactly equal the pica pitch.

 With double-width characters, the character spacing is doubled (60 dots).  With half-width characters, the character spacing is halved (15 dots).  When the character spacing is changed with ESC SP, the setting is updated.  This command is invalid when proportional pitch is selected.

Example For a 24-dot font at full width:

- 29 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Ａ

Ｂ

1 dot

24 dots

Ａ

48 dots

2 dots

Full width

Double width

Ｂ

ESC M Apply elite pitch (12 cpi)

ASCII: ESC M Decimal: 27 77 Hexadecimal: 1B 4D

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text (ANK character) with the elite pitch (12 characters/inch).  The character spacing is 25 dots (=300 dots/12 characters).  If the character width is 25 dots or less, the character spacing is specified as 25 minus the character width.  If the character width exceeds 25 dots, the character spacing is specified as the character width.

(The spacing between characters is 0 dot.) In this case, the pitch does not exactly equal the elite pitch.

 With double-width characters, the character spacing is doubled (50 dots).  With half-width characters, the character spacing is halved (13 dots).  When the character spacing is changed with ESC SP, the setting is updated.  This command is invalid when proportional pitch is selected.

Example For a 24-dot font at full width:

- 30 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Ａ

Ｂ

4 dot

16dots

Ａ

Ｂ

32 dots 8 dots

Full width

Double width

ESC g Apply micron pitch

ASCII: ESC g Decimal: 27 103 Hexadecimal: 1B 67

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text (ANK character) with the micron pitch (15 characters/inch).  The character spacing is 20 dots (=300 dots/15 characters).  If the character width is 20 dots or less, the character spacing is specified as 20 minus the character width.  If the character width exceeds 20 dots, the character spacing is specified as the character width.

(The spacing between characters is 0 dot.) In this case, the pitch does not exactly equal the micron pitch.

 With double-width characters, the character spacing is doubled (40 dots).  With half-width characters, the character spacing is halved (10 dots).  When the character spacing is changed with ESC SP, the setting is updated.  This command is invalid when proportional pitch is selected.

Example For a 16-dot font at full width:

- 31 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Specifies proportional characters.

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Cancels proportional characters.

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Specifies double-width characters.

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Cancels double-width characters.

ESC p Specify proportional characters

ASCII: ESC p n Decimal: 27 112 n Hexadecimal: 1B 70 n

Parameters

n=0, 1, 48 (“0”), 49 (“1”)

Description

 Specifies proportional characters.

 If proportional characters are specified, the character spacing specified with ESC SP is maintained as is.  Valid only for the ANK characters in ANK mode.

ESC W Specify double-width characters

ASCII: ESC W n Decimal: 27 87 n Hexadecimal: 1B 57 n

Parameters

n=0, 1 or 48 (“0”), 49 (“1”)

Description

 Specifies double-width characters.

 Double-width characters specified with this command are not canceled with the DC4, FS DC4 code or a

line feed.

 Canceling double width characters cancels both half width and quarter square character in Chinese

character mode and reducing character size in ANK mode.

 Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.

Example

Code: ABC ESC W 1 ABC ESC W 0 ABC FF Print result: ABC

ABC

- 32 -

5. Control Command Details

SO Specify auto-canceling stretched characters

ASCII: SO Decimal: 14 Hexadecimal: 0E

Parameters

None

Description

 Prints the subsequent text at double width.  This command is canceled with DC4, LF, VT, FF, CR or an automatic line feed.  This command is canceled with ESC $, ESC \, ESC J, ESC ( V or ESC ( v.  This command can also be canceled with ESC W+0.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC SO Specify auto-canceling stretched characters

ASCII: ESC SO Decimal: 27 14 Hexadecimal: 1B 0E

Parameters

None

Description  Same as SO

Example

Code: ABC ESC SO ABCDEFGHIJK…XYZ FF Print result: ABC XYZ

ABCDEFGHIJK…

(Automatic line feed)

- 33 -

5. Control Command Details

SI Specify compressed characters

ASCII: SI Decimal: 15 Hexadecimal: 0F

Parameters

None

Description  Prints the subsequent text at half width.

ESC SI Specify compressed characters

ESC/P Command Reference

ASCII: ESC SI Decimal: 27 15 Hexadecimal: 1B 0F

Parameters

None

Description  Same as SI

- 34 -

5. Control Command Details

DC2 Cancel compressed characters

ASCII: DC2 Decimal: 18 Hexadecimal: 12

Parameters

None

Description  Cancels compressed characters specified with SI or ESC SI.

DC4 Cancel auto-canceling double-width characters

ESC/P Command Reference

ASCII: DC4 Decimal: 20 Hexadecimal: 14

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancels double-width characters specified with ESC SO or SO.  Does not cancel the ESC W command.  Both ANK and Chinese characters are available.

Example

Code: ABC ESC SO ABCDEF DC4 GHIJK FF Print result: ABC

ABCDEF

GHIJK

- 35 -

5. Control Command Details

n=4 or 52 (“4”): Applies underlining with a width of 4 dots.

n=3 or 51 (“3”): Applies underlining with a width of 3 dots.

n=2 or 50 (“2”): Applies underlining with a width of 2 dots.

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Applies underlining with a width of 1 dot.

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Cancels underlining.

Underline

Underline Position

1 dot wide

2/300 inch (second dot) below the characters

2 dots wide

Between 2/300 inch (second dot) and 3/300 inch (third dot) below the characters

3 dots wide

Between 1/300 inch (first dot) and 3/300 inch (third dot) below the characters

4 dots wide

Between 1/300 inch (first dot) and 4/300 inch (fourth dot) below the characters

ABCDE ABCDE ABCDE (1-dot width) (3-dot width)

ESC – Apply/cancel underlining

ASCII: ESC - n Decimal: 27 45 n Hexadecimal: 1B 2D n

Parameters

n=0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 48 (“0”), 49 (“1”), 50 (“2”), 51 (“3”), 52 (“4”)

Description  Applies or cancels underlining.

ESC/P Command Reference

 This command is valid anywhere in a text line.  The underlining specified with this command is a continuous line.  Spaces between characters and words are also underlined.  Areas with the “specify absolute horizontal position” (ESC $) and “specify relative horizontal position”

(ESC \) commands are not underlined.

 Bit images and barcodes are not underlined either.  4/300 inch (4 dots) is added to the line feed amount for lines that include underlined characters.  The underline is positioned as follows:

Example

Code: ABC ESC - 1 ABC ESC - 0 ABC FF Print result: ABCABCABC

- 36 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

width

height

Cancel

10 cpi

ESC ! Global formatting

ASCII: ESC ! n Decimal: 27 33 n Hexadecimal: 1B 21 n

Parameters

0≤n≤255

Description

 Specifies a combination of print modes.  Specifies modes depending on the bit value of n.  When the ESC ! code is used, a combination of multiple print modes can be specified at one time.  Bold, Double width and Italics specified with this command are also valid in Chinese character mode.  The priority order is from Bit 5 to Bit 2.  Bit 0 is available only if Bit 1 is 0.  Selected character styles are canceled, and the characters return to the normal style.  Canceling double width characters cancels both half width and quarter square character in Chinese

character mode and reducing character size in ANK mode.

 Selected character styles are canceled.

1 Underline Italics

Double

Bold Compressed Proportional 12 cpi

Example  To apply underlining and specify double-width characters at the same time:

Code: ABC ESC ! A0h ABC ESC ! 00h ABC FF Print result: ABC

ABC

- 37 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC SP Specify character spacing

ASCII: ESC SP n Decimal: 27 32 n Hexadecimal: 1B 20 n

Parameters

0≤n≤127

Description

 Specifies the character spacing.  n indicates the number of dots.  The default setting is 0 dot.  With double-width characters, the character spacing is doubled; with half-width characters, it is halved.  Valid in ANK mode.

- 38 -

5. Control Command Details

Character width:

The value of m is irrelevant.

Character size:

nH=1

ESC X Specify character size

ASCII: ESC X m nL nH Decimal: 27 88 m nL nH Hexadecimal: 1B 58 m nL nH

Parameters

ESC/P Command Reference

Valid only with: nL=16, 24, 32 dots nH=0

Valid only with: nL=33, 38, 42, 46, 50, 58, 67, 75, 83, 92, 100, 117, 133, 150, 167, 200, 233 nH=0 nL=11, 44, 77, 111, 144

Description

 This command is used only to change the size.  The character width cannot be specified.  The character size is specified as n=nL+nH*256 dots.  The width and the height are the same.  With bitmap fonts, only n=16, 24 and 32 are valid.  With outline fonts, n is valid only when it is one of the following values:

33, 38, 42, 46, 50, 58, 67, 75, 83, 92, 100, 117, 133, 150, 167, 200, 233, 267, 300, 333, 367, 400

 The commands for specifying stretched characters, compressed characters and the character spacing

(SO, ESC W, SI, ESC !, ESC SP) remain available.

Example For “ABC” at a 24-dot size and “DEF” at a 50-dot size:

Code: ESC k 00h ESC X 00h 18h 00h ABC ESC k 08h ESC X 00h 32h 00h DEF FF

Print result: ABCDEF

- 39 -

5. Control Command Details

5.3 Line feed commands

ESC 0 Specify line feed of 1/8 inch

ASCII: ESC 0 Decimal: 27 48 Hexadecimal: 1B 30

Parameters

None

Description

 Specifies a line feed of 1/8 inch (about 0.32 cm).  Specifies a line feed of 38/300 inch (=38 dots).

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC 2 Specify line feed of 1/6 inch

ASCII: ESC 2 Decimal: 27 50 Hexadecimal: 1B 32

Parameters

None

Description

 Specifies a line feed of 1/6 inch (about 0.42 cm).  Specifies a line feed of 50/300 inch (=50 dots).

- 40 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC 3 Specify minimum line feed

ASCII: ESC 3 n Decimal: 27 51 n Hexadecimal: 1B 33 n

Parameters

0≤n≤255

Description

 Specifies a line feed of n/300 inch per line.  The line feed is specified in 1-dot units.

ESC A Specify line feed of n/60 inch

ESC/P Command Reference

ASCII: ESC A n Decimal: 27 65 n Hexadecimal: 1B 41 n

Parameters

0≤n≤255

Description

 Specifies a line feed of n/60 inch.  The line feed is specified in 5-dot units.

- 41 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Print area

Unprinted area

Left margin setting

Right margin setting

Left edge

Left margin position

Right margin position

Printable area

Example: Left margin=Column 5; right margin=Column 14

Columns

5.4 Horizontal movement commands

ESC l Specify left margin

ASCII: ESC l n Decimal: 27 108 n Hexadecimal: 1B 6C n

Parameters

0≤n≤255 0≤left margin<right margin

Description

 The left margin and the right margin use the left edge of the physically printable area as the reference.  The area between the left edge of the physically printable area and the specified number of columns is

specified as an unprinted area. The left margin position is the right edge of the specified column. (Character width*n)

 The setting is in the range 0≤ (character width*n) ≤x. Settings outside that range are ignored. However, x is

a value dependent on the media.

 The area between the left edge (first column) to the nth column is specified as an unprinted area.  The position of the left margin is the character width (when this command was specified)*n from the left

edge. The character width when the margin specified includes the settings for the space between characters, setting for full size or half size characters. In addition, when a pitch of 10 cpi (=30 dots), 12 cpi (=25 dots) or 15cpi (=20 dots), compressed characters or double-width characters are specified, that character width is considered as the unit. However, character styles that increase the character width are not applied.

- 42 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

 The horizontal print position is moved to the left margin position.  If the left margin setting is not at the beginning of the line, the left margin is specified after a line feed.

The beginning of the line indicates the left margin position for left alignment; for right and center alignment, it means that no image or character is entered on the line.

 Even if the character width is changed after the left margin has bee specified, the left margin position does

not change.

 A left margin setting that puts the left margin position to the right of the right margin position is ignored.  The left margin should be specified at least one column (10 cpi=30 dots) less than the right margin.

(If the character width (when the command was specified)*n is greater than the right margin-30 dots), the setting is ignored.)

 If the difference between the right margin position and the left margin position is less than one character,

that character is ignored.

 When proportional pitch is specified with the ESC p command, a character width of 10 cpi (=30 dot) is

applied.

 If the print media is continuous length tape, the printing orientation is landscape and the page length is not

specified, commands specifying the left margin are ignored.

 If the minimum margin has been set to 3 mm and the printing orientation is landscape, the left margin

increases by 1 mm.

Example To specify the left margin at Column 3:

Code: ABC CR ESC l 03h EFGHIJ FF Print result: ABC EFGHIJ

- 43 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC Q Specify right margin

ASCII: ESC Q n Decimal: 27 81 n Hexadecimal: 1B 51 n

Parameters

1≤n≤255 Left margin<character width (when the command was specified)*n≤printable area

Description

 The left margin and the right margin use the left edge of the physically printable area as the reference.  The right margin position is the right edge of the specified column. (Character width*n)  The setting is in the range 1≤(character width*n)≤x. Settings outside that range are ignored. However, x is

a value dependent on the media.

 Left margin≤print area<right margin  The position of the right margin is the character width (when the command was specified)*n from the left

edge. The character width when the margin specified includes the settings for the space between characters, setting for full size or half size characters. In addition, when a pitch of 10 cpi (=30 dots), 12 cpi (=25 dots) or 15 cpi (=20 dots), compressed characters or double-width characters are specified, that character width is considered as the unit. However, character styles that increase the character width are not applied.

 The horizontal print position is moved to the left margin position.  If the right margin setting is not at the beginning of the line, the right margin is specified after a line feed.

The beginning of the line indicates the left margin position for left alignment; for right and center alignment, it means that no image or character is entered on the line.

 Even if the character width is changed after the right margin has been specified, the right margin position

does not change.

 A right margin setting that puts the right margin position to the left of the left margin position is ignored.  The right margin should be specified at least one column (10 cpi=30 dots) greater than the left margin.

(If the character width (when the command was specified)*n is less than the left margin+30 dots, the setting is ignored.)

 If the difference between the right margin position and the left margin position is less than one character,

that character is ignored.

 When proportional pitch is specified with the ESC p command, a character width of 10 cpi (=30 dot) is

applied.

 If the print media is continuous length tape, the printing orientation is landscape and the page length is not

specified, commands specifying the right margin are ignored.

 If the minimum margin has been set to 3 mm and the printing orientation is landscape, the right margin

increases by 1 mm.

- 44 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

CR Carriage return

ASCII: CR Decimal: 13 Hexadecimal: 0D

Parameters

None

Description

 Ends input of a line, and waits for input of the next line.  The next print position becomes the beginning of the next line.  A line feed command immediately after the carriage return is ignored.  Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

 Same process as LF

- 45 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Unprinted area

HT code

Left edge

Left margin position

Right margin position

Printable area

Example: After the left margin is specified

Column 3 and the right margin as Column 15,

horizontal tabs were specified at Column 5 and Column 10, and HT were performed.

Column

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14

Tab position

HT code

Unprinted area

ESC D Specify horizontal tab position

ASCII: ESC D [n]k NUL Decimal: 27 68 [n]k 0 Hexadecimal: 1B 44 [n]k 00h

Parameters

1≤n≤255, 0≤k≤32

Description  The horizontal tab position is the character width (when the command was specified)*n from the left

margin.

 Enter n values in ascending order and end the settings with NUL.  If an n value is smaller than a previous one, tab setting is ended.  Even if the character width is changed after the horizontal tab positions have been specified, the horizontal

tab position settings do not change.

 ESC D NUL cancels all horizontal tab positions.  If the left margin is moved, the horizontal tab positions are also moved by the same amount.  Up to 32 horizontal tab positions can be specified. However, horizontal tab positions beyond the right

margin are invalid and only become valid when a change in the right margin setting or left margin setting moves the print area to include those tab positions.

 The character width when the horizontal tabs are specified includes the settings for the space between

characters, setting for full size or half size characters. In addition, when a pitch of 10 cpi, 12 cpi or 15 cpi compressed characters or double-width characters are specified, that character width is considered as the unit.

 When proportional pitch is specified with ESC p, horizontal tab positions are specified at 10 cpi.  When the printer is turned on, a horizontal tab position is specified every 8 columns at 10 cpi.

Even if the character width is changed before the horizontal tab positions has been specified, the horizontal tab positions do not change.

- 46 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

HT Perform horizontal tab

ASCII: HT Decimal: 9 Hexadecimal: 09

Parameters

None

Description

 Moves the horizontal print position to the nearest horizontal tab position to the right of the input position.  If there is no horizontal tab position to the right of the input position, or if the next horizontal tab position is

beyond the right margin, the HT command is ignored.

 If underlining is specified, the space between the current position and the next horizontal tab position is not

underlined.

 When the printer is turned on, a horizontal tab position is specified every 8 columns at 10 cpi.

Even if the character width is changed before the horizontal tab positions have been specified, the horizontal tab positions do not change.

 This command is available only with left alignment.

Example To specify horizontal tabs at Column 4, Column 8, and Column 12, and perform horizontal tabs:

Code: ESC D 04h 08h 0Ch 00h 123456789012 CR A HT B HT C HT D FF Print result: 123456789012 A B C D

- 47 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC $ Specify absolute horizontal position

ASCII: ESC $ n1 n2 Decimal: 27 36 n1 n2 Hexadecimal: 1B 24 n1 n2

Parameters

0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤255

Description

 Specifies the absolute print position (in dots) for the next data.  An absolute print position specifies the next print position as a number of dots from the left margin.  n1 and n2 indicate the number of dots from the left margin.

(Number of dots=n1+n2*256)

 The dot spacing is calculated as 1/300 inch.  The maximum number of dots that can be specified with n1 and n2 depends on the media.  This command is available only with left alignment.

ESC \ Specify relative horizontal position

ASCII: ESC \ n1 n2 Decimal: 27 92 n1 n2 Hexadecimal: 1B 5C n1 n2

Parameters

0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤255

Description

 Specifies the horizontal print position (in dots) as a relative position from the current position.  A relative position specifies the next print position as a number of dots from the current position.  n1 and n2 indicate the number of dots from the current position. (Number of dots=n1+n2*256)  The dot spacing is calculated as 1/300 inch.  Left margin position≤horizontal position after moving<right margin position

Horizontal position after moving=n1+n2*256

 The specified value for moving to the left is expressed as a two's complement. It is determined by the

following equation. n1+n2*256=65536-distance actually moved

 This command is available only with left alignment.

- 48 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Applies left alignment.

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Applies center alignment.

n=2 or 50 (“2”): Applies right alignment.

n=3 or 51 (“3”): Applies nothing.

ESC a Specify alignment

ASCII: ESC a n Decimal: 27 97 n Hexadecimal: 1B 61 n

Parameters

0≤n≤3 or “0”≤n≤“3”

Description

 Prints the subsequent text with the alignment described below, according to the value of n.

 The default setting is n=0.  Data is aligned between the left and right margins by entering a CR, LF, and FF code or by buffer printing.  If the alignment setting is not at the beginning of the line, the alignment is specified after a line feed.

The beginning of the line indicates the left margin position for left alignment; for right and center alignment, it means that no image or character is entered on the line.

 HT, ESC \ and ESC $ are ignored when n=1 or n=2.  If the print media is continuous length tape, the printing orientation is landscape and the page length is not

specified, commands specifying alignment are ignored.

- 49 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

5.5 Vertical movement commands

LF Line feed

ASCII: LF Decimal: 10 Hexadecimal: 0A

Parameters

None

Description

 Feeds the paper by the amount specified by a line feed command (ESC 0, ESC 2, ESC 3, ESC A).  The print position becomes the beginning of the next line.  The default value is a line feed of 48 dots.  A carriage return immediately after a line feed is ignored.  Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

 Same process as CR

FF Page feed

ASCII: FF Decimal: 12 Hexadecimal: 0C

Parameters

None

Description

 Starts the printing.  The previously entered data string of characters and commands is cleared after being printed.  Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

- 50 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Abcdefg

ABC

SDFASG

Left alignment

Abcdefg

ABC

SDFASG

Center alignment

Abcdefg

ABC

SDFASG

Right alignment

Example: Performing a forward paper feed after the second line

ESC J Forward paper feed

ASCII: ESC J n Decimal: 27 74 n Hexadecimal: 1B 4A n

Parameters

0≤n≤255

Description

 Ends input for the current line and moves the vertical print position forward by n/300 inch (=1 dot).  If the bottom margin setting is exceeded, printing starts.  With left alignment, the print position for the next line becomes the end position of the current line.

(The horizontal position does not move to the left margin.) With right alignment and center alignment, the horizontal position moves to the beginning of the line.

 Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

- 51 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC B Specify vertical tab position

ASCII: ESC B [n]k NUL Decimal: 27 66 [n]k 0 Hexadecimal: 1B 42 [n]k 00h

Parameters

1≤n≤255 0≤k≤16

Description  The vertical tab position is the line feed amount (when this command was specified)*n from the top

margin.

 Enter n values in ascending order and end the settings with NUL.  If an n value is smaller than a previous one, tab setting is ended.  Up to 16 vertical tabs can be specified.  ESC B NUL cancels all vertical tab positions.  Use VT to move to the vertical tab position.  When changing vertical tab positions, specify all positions again.  If the top margin is moved, the vertical tab positions are also moved by the same amount.  Even if the line feed amount is changed after the vertical tab positions have been specified, the vertical tab

position settings do not change.

 Performing a VT when no vertical tabs have been specified is equal to performing a CR.

- 52 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

6 7 8

VT code

Tab position

ABCD

EfghijkL

Abcdefg ABCDEFG

aiueo

VT code

Line feed

amount

Example: Vertical tabs are specified at Lines 6, 11, and 15, and

data is entered while VT are performed.

VT Perform vertical tab

ASCII: VT Decimal: 11 Hexadecimal: 0B

Parameters

None

Description

 Moves the print position to the nearest vertical tab position down from the input position.  The next horizontal print position becomes the beginning of the line.  If the next vertical tab position extends beyond the bottom margin, characters are placed at TOF position

fo the next page.

 When all vertical tab positions have been canceled by an initialization or with ESC B NUL, performing VT

is equal to performing CR.

 Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

- 53 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

ESC (V Specify absolute vertical position

ASCII: ESC ( V nL nH mL mH Decimal: 27 40 86 nL nH mL mH Hexadecimal: 1B 28 56 nL nH mL mH

Parameters

nL=2 nH=0

0≤mL≤255 0≤mH≤127

Description  Specifies the vertical print position as an absolute position from the top margin position.

Vertical position=mL+mH*256+top margin

 The absolute vertical position is measured from the top margin position when this command was specified.  If a position extending beyond the bottom margin is specified, printing starts.  There is no restriction on the amount of movement back (upward) from the current position.  With left alignment, the print position for the next line becomes the end position of the current line.

(The horizontal position does not move to the left margin.) With right alignment and center alignment, the horizontal position moves to the beginning of the line.

 Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

- 54 -

5. Control Command Details

Abcdefg

ABC

SDFASG

Abcdefg

ABC

SDFASG

Abcdefg

ABC

SDFASG

Example:

Moving to a vertical position specified after the second line

Left alignment

Center alignment

Right alignment

ESC (v Specify relative vertical position

ASCII: ESC ( v nL nH mL mH Decimal: 27 40 118 nL nH mL mH Hexadecimal: 1B 28 76 nL nH mL mH

Parameters

nL=2 nH=0

0≤mL≤255 0≤mH≤127

-16384≤(mL+mH*256)≤16383

Description  Specifies the vertical print position* as a relative position from the current position.

ESC/P Command Reference

Vertical position after movement=mL+mH*256+current position

 When moving upwards, the specified value is expressed as a two's complement.

It is determined by the following equation. mL+mH*256=65536–distance actually moved

 Settings moving the print position above the top margin are ignored.  If a position extending beyond the bottom margin is specified, printing starts.  With left alignment, the print position for the next line becomes the end position of the current line.

(The horizontal position does not move to the left margin.) With right alignment and center alignment, the horizontal position moves to the beginning of the line.

 Both Auto-canceling double-width characters specified in ANK mode with SO or ESC SO and Chinese

character mode with FS SO are canceled.

* Print position : The print position is the standard position for printing characters, bitmaps, and barcodes.

- 55 -

5. Control Command Details

5.6 Paper formatting commands

ESC (c Specify page format

ASCII: ESC ( c nL nH tL tH BL BH Decimal: 27 40 99 nL nH tL tH BL BH Hexadecimal: 1B 28 63 nL nH tL tH BL BH

Parameters

nL=4, nH=0 (tL+tH*256)<(BL+BH*256) Top margin<bottom margin

Description

 Specifies settings for the top and bottom margins.  The physically printable area depends on the media.

ESC/P Command Reference

The top margin and the bottom margin are specified in units of 1/300 inch (=1 dot) using the top edge of the physically printable area as the reference. (The left margin and the right margin use the left edge of the physically printable area as the reference.)

 Top margin=tL+tH*256  Bottom margin= BL+BH*256  The top margin position is the TOF in the vertical direction.  All previously entered text is cleared.  The character baseline for the first line of text is 24/300 inch (=24 dots) below the top margin.  When this command is used previously specified top and bottom margins are canceled.  A standard unit is not used.  If the print media is continuous length tape, the printing orientation is landscape and the page length is not

specified, commands specifying the page format are ignored.

 If the minimum margin has been set to 3 mm and the printing orientation is landscape, both the top and

bottom margins increase by 1 mm.

- 56 -

5. Control Command Details

inch

Number of dots

0.0

25.4

300

50.8

600

76.2

900

101.6

1200

127.0

1500

152.4

1800

177.8

2100

203.2

2400

228.6

2700

254.0

3000

279.4

3300

304.8

3600

330.2

3900

355.6

4200

381.0

4500

406.4

4800

431.8

5100

457.2

5400

482.6

5700

508.0

6000

ESC (C Specify page length

ASCII: ESC ( C nL nH mL mH Decimal: 27 40 67 nL nH mL mH Hexadecimal: 1B 28 43 nL nH mL mH

Parameters

nL=2, nH=0 0<(mL+mH*256)<12000

Description

 Specifies the page length.  The unit is 1/300 inch (=1 dot).

Page length=mL+mH*256

 The current paper position is the TOF.

ESC/P Command Reference

 The top and bottom margins are canceled with ESC ( c.  All previously entered text is cleared.  A standard unit is not used.  This command is available only with continuous length tape.

Inch, mm, and dot conversion table

- 57 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC U Specify minimum margin

ASCII: ESC U n Decimal: 27 85 n Hexadecimal: 1B 55 n

Parameters

2≤n≤3 or “2”≤n≤“3”

Description

 Specifies the minimum margin amount.  n=2 or 50 (“2”): Specifies a minimum margin of 2 mm.  n=3 or 51 (“3”): Specifies a minimum margin of 3 mm.  Using this command clears all text.

ESC/P Command Reference

- 58 -

5. Control Command Details

Item

Default

Input buffer

Saved

Text buffer

Cleared

Print buffer

Cleared

Top margin

0 dot

Bottom margin

Depends on media

Left margin

0 dot

Right margin

Depends on media

Line feed amount

48 dots*

Horizontal tab every 8 characters (based on a character width of 10 cpi)*

Vertical tab positions

None

Size of ANK characters

32 dots

Space between ANK characters

0 dot

Size of Chinese characters

32 dots

Left margin for full size characters

0 dot

Right margin for full size characters

0 dot

Left margin for half size characters

0 dot

Right margin for half size characters

0 dot

Proportional pitch

Canceled*

International character set

USA*

Style of ANK characters

Canceled

Compressed

Canceled

ANK mode/Chinese character mode

ANK mode

Vertical writing/Horizontal writing

Horizontal writing

Full size/Half size/quarter square characters

Full size

Adjustment for half size space

Canceled

Styale of Chinese characters

Canceled

Horizontal print position

Left margin position

Vertical print position

Top margin position (TOF position)

Landscape setting

Canceled*

Page length setting

Canceled*

Cut setting

Auto cut (manufacturer’s default)

Minimum margin amount

3 mm*

5.7 Printer control commands

ESC @ Initialize

ASCII: ESC @ Decimal: 27 64 Hexadecimal: 1B 40

Parameters

None

Description  Returns all commands to their default settings. (See below.)

ESC/P Command Reference

Horizontal tab positions

* May differ depending on the user settings.

- 59 -

5. Control Command Details

n1:

The remainder from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

n2:

The quotient from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

Horizontal Dot

Density

Vertical Dot

Density

Horizontal Dot

Resolution

Vertical Dot

Resolution

60 dpi

6/300 inch

120 dpi

60 dpi

3/300 inch

6/300 inch

120 dpi

60 dpi

3/300 inch

6/300 inch

240 dpi

60 dpi

2/300 inch

6/300 inch

80 dpi

60 dpi

4/300 inch

6/300 inch

90 dpi

60 dpi

4/300 inch

6/300 inch

60 dpi

180 dpi

6/300 inch

2/300 inch

120 dpi

180 dpi

3/300 inch

2/300 inch

90 dpi

180 dpi

4/300 inch

2/300 inch

180 dpi

2/300 inch

300 dpi

180 dpi

1/300 inch

2/300 inch

180 dpi

360 dpi

2/300 inch

1/300 inch

360 dpi

1/300 inch

360 dpi

1/300 inch

5.8 Graphics commands

ESC * Select bit image

ASCII: ESC * m n1 n2 Data Decimal: 27 42 m n1 n2 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 2A m n1 n2 Data

Parameters

m=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 71, 72, 73 0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤11 The image data is as follows:

- n1+n2*256 bytes when m=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

- (n1+n2*256)*3 bytes when m=32, 33, 38, 39, 40

- (n1+n2*256)*6 bytes when m=71, 72, 73

ESC/P Command Reference

Description

 Selects and outputs a bit image according to the value of m.  n1 and n2 indicate the number of dot positions.

 Horizontally neighboring dots are not omitted.

Limitations:

A maximum of 63 can be used with this command.

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5. Control Command Details

n1:

The remainder from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

n2:

The quotient from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

1byte

1byte … 1byte

1byte

n1+n2*256 byte

MSB

LSB

m=0

m =1

m =2

m =3

m =4

m =6

When m=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

 n1 and n2 indicate the number of dot positions.

Relationship between the image data and the dots

 First, the data is lined up in one row as follows:

ESC/P Command Reference

 One dot of the image data is enlarged as follows, according to the value of m.

 As a result, the image is sized depending on the value of m, as follows:

m=0 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*6 dots horizontally m=1 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*3 dots horizontally m=2 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*3 dots horizontally m=3 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*2 dots horizontally m=4 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*4 dots horizontally m=6 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*4 dots horizontally

- 61 -

5. Control Command Details

n1:

The remainder from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

n2:

The quotient from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

byte 2nd byte

3rd byte

B 7

B 6

B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 B 0

B 7

B 6

B 5

B 4

B3 B 2

B 1

B0 B7 B6 B 5

B4 B3 B2 B1 B 0

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

1byte

…

(n1+n2*256)*3 bytes

MSB

LSB

…

MSB

LSB

…

MSB

LSB

When m=32, 33, 38, 39, 40

 n1 and n2 indicate the number of dot positions.

ESC/P Command Reference

Relationship between the image data and the dots

First, the data is lined up in three rows as follows:

- 62 -

5. Control Command Details

m=32

m=33

m=38

m=39

m=40

 One dot of the image data is enlarged as follows, according to the value of m.

 As a result, the image is sized depending on the value of m, as follows:

m=32 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*6 dots horizontally m=33 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*3 dots horizontally m=38 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*4 dots horizontally m=39 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*2 dots horizontally m=40 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*1 dot horizontally

ESC/P Command Reference

- 63 -

5. Control Command Details

n1:

The remainder from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

n2:

The quotient from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

byte 2

- 5th byte 6th byte

B 7

B 6

B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 B 0

B 7

B 6

B 5

B 4

B3 B 2

B 1

B0 B7 B6 B 5

B4 B3 B2 B1 B 0

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

When m=71, 72, 73

 n1 and n2 indicate the number of dot positions.

ESC/P Command Reference

Relationship between the image data and the dots

- 64 -

5. Control Command Details

1byte

…

(n1+n2*256)*6 bytes

MSB

LSB

…

MSB

LSB

…

MSB

LSB

1byte

…

MSB

LSB

…

MSB

LSB

…

MSB

LSB

m=71

m=72

m=73

First, the data is lined up in six rows as follows:

ESC/P Command Reference

 One dot of the image data is enlarged as follows, according to the value of m.

 As a result, the image is sized depending on the value of m, as follows:

m=71 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*2 dots horizontally m=72 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*1 dot horizontally m=73 48 dots vertically×(n1+n2*256)*1 dot horizontally

- 65 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

n1:

The remainder from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

n2:

The quotient from dividing the number of dot positions by 256

1byte

…

n1+n2*256 bytes

MSB

LSB

ESC K 8-dot single-density bit image

ASCII: ESC K n1 n2 Data Decimal: 27 75 n1 n2 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 4B n1 n2 Data

Parameters

0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤3 The data contains n1+n2*256 bytes of image data.

Description Specifies that an 8-dot single-density bit image is printed with the number of dot positions indicated by n1 and n2.  n1 and n2 indicate the number of dot positions.

Relationship between the image data and the dots

 First, the data is lined up in one row as follows:

 One dot of image data is enlarged to 6 dots vertically by 6 dots horizontally.

 As a result, the image is 48 dots vertically by (n1+n2*256)*6 dots horizontally.

- 66 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1byte

…

1byte

n1+n2*256 bytes

MSB

LSB

ESC L 8-dot double-density bit image

ASCII: ESC L n1 n2 Data Decimal: 27 76 n1 n2 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 4C n1 n2 Data

Parameters

0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤3 The data contains n1+n2*256 bytes of image data.

Description Specifies that an 8-dot double-density bit image is printed with the number of dot positions indicated by n1 and n2.

 n1 and n2 are specified in the same way as with ESC K.  First, the data is lined up in one row as follows:

 One dot of image data is enlarged to 6 dots vertically by 3 dots horizontally.

 As a result, the image is 48 dots vertically by (n1+n2 *256)*3 dots horizontally.

- 67 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1byte

1byte … 1byte

1byte

n1+n2*256 bytes

MSB

LSB

ESC Y 8-dot double-speed double-density bit image

ASCII: ESC Y n1 n2 Data Decimal: 27 89 n1 n2 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 59 n1 n2 Data

Parameters

0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤3 The data contains n1+n2*256 bytes of image data.

Description  Same as for an 8-dot double-density bit image. Horizontally neighboring dots are not omitted.

ESC Z 8-dot quadruple-density bit image

ASCII: ESC Z n1 n2 Data Decimal: 27 90 n1 n2 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 5A n1 n2 Data

Parameters

0≤n1≤255, 0≤n2≤7 The data contains n1+n2*256 bytes of image data.

Description Specifies that an 8-dot quadruple-density bit image is printed with the number of dot positions indicated by n1 and n2.

 n1 and n2 are specified in the same way as with ESC K.  Horizontally neighboring dots are not omitted.  First, the data is lined up in one row as follows:

 One dot of image data is enlarged to 6 dots vertically by 2 dots horizontally.

 As a result, the image is 48 dots vertically by (n1+n2*256)*2 dots horizontally.

- 68 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

5.9 Chinese character commands

FS & Specify Chinese character mode

ASCII: FS & Decimal: 28 38 Hexadecimal: 1C 26

Parameters

None

Description

 Specifies the Chinese character mode.  Chinese characters are expressed in 2 or 4 bytes. Enter from upper byte to lower byte sequentially.  Chinese character code is based on GB18030-2000.

FS . Cancel Chinese character mode

ASCII: FS . Decimal: 28 46 Hexadecimal: 1C 2E

Parameters

None

Description  Cancel Chinese character mode.

- 69 -

5. Control Command Details

FS J Specify vertical writing

ASCII: FS J Decimal: 28 74 Hexadecimal: 1C 4A

Parameters

None

Description  All the Chinese characters written after this command are written in vertical writing.

FS K Specify horizontal writing

ASCII: FS K

ESC/P Command Reference

Decimal: 28 75 Hexadecimal: 1C 4B

Parameters

None

Description

 All the Chinese characters written after this commnad are written in horizontal writing.  Default setting is horizontal writing.

- 70 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

FS S Specify size of space for full size characters

ASCII: FS S n1 n2 Decimal: 28 83 n1 n2 Hexadecimal: 1C 53 n1 n2

Parameters

0≤n1≤127 0≤n2≤127

Description

 Specify size of space for both left and right of full size characters.  Space size for left is specified by "n1" and right is specified by "n2"in dot for each characters.  1dot = 1/300 inch  The default space size for both left and right are 0.  When it comes to double size characters, the size of space also becomes double.

FS T Specify size of space for half size characters

ASCII: FS T n1 n2 Decimal: 28 84 n1 n2 Hexadecimal: 1C 54 n1 n2

Parameters

0≤n1≤127 0≤n2≤127

Description

 Specify size of space for both left and right of half size characters.  Space size for left is specified by "n1" and right is specified by "n2"in dot for each characters.  1dot = 1/300 inch  The default space size for both left and right are 0.  Size set with this command is applied only for horizontal writing. When it comes to vertical writing, size set

for full size characters is applied.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

FS U Space adjustment between half size characters

ASCII: FS U Decimal: 28 85 Hexadecimal: 1C 55

Parameters

None

Description

 Add 1dot as adjustment to the right side of space for each half size characters.  1dot = 1/300 inch  Adjustment of size of space between half size characters is canceled by default setting.

FS V Cancel space adjustment between half size characters

ASCII: FS V Decimal: 28 86 Hexadecimal: 1C 56

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancel an adjustment of size of space between half size characters.  This command is valid in default setting.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Specify double height and width characters.

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Cancel double height and width characters.

FS W Select double height and width characters

ASCII: FS W n Decimal: 28 87 n Hexadecimal: 1C 57 n

Parameters

n=0, 1 or 48 (“0”), 49 (“1”)

Description

 Specify/Cancel double height and width characters.

 This command is valid for all the Chinese characters.  Double height and width character has double size of height and double seize of width compared to full

size character.

 Feed length is 24/300 inch longert than that of using full size characters.  When canceling double height and width characters, specification for both quarter square characters and

half size characters are aleso canceled.

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5. Control Command Details

Character width:

The value of mL and mH is irrelevant.

nH=1

Character size(horizontal):

The value of pL and pH is irrelevant.

FS Y Specify Chinese character size

ASCII: FS Y mL mH nL nH pL pH Decimal: 28 89 mL mH nL nH pL pH Hexadecimal: 1C 59 mL mH nL nH pL pH

Parameters

ESC/P Command Reference

Valid only with: nL=33, 38, 42, 46, 50, 58, 67, 75, 83, 92, 100, 117, 133, 150, 167, 200, 233 nH=0 nL=11, 44, 77, 111, 144

Character size(vertical):

<Bitmap fonts> Valid only with: nL=24, 32, 48 dots nH=0

The height and width are in the ratio of 1:1. A character size is specified by its height.

Description

 This command is used only to change the Chinese character size.  The character size of Chinese character is specified as n=nL+nH*256 dots.  The width and the height are the same.  With bitmap fonts, only n=16, 24, and 32 are valid.  With outline fonts, n is valid only when it is one of the following values:

33, 38, 42, 46, 50, 58, 67, 75, 83, 92, 100, 117, 133, 150, 167, 200, 233, 267, 300, 333, 367, 400

 The commands for specifing double width caracters, double height and width characters,half size

characters, quarter square characters, space size of full size characters, space size of half size characters (SO、ESC W、ESC !、FS !、FS W、FS SI、FS r、FS S、FS T、FS U) remain available.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Place a superscript.

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Place a subscript.

FS r Specify quarter square characters

ASCII: FS r n Decimal: 28 86 n Hexadecimal: 1C 56 n

Parameters

n=0, 1 or 48 (“0”), 49 (“1”)

Description

 Specify quarter square characters.  All the characters in the Chinese character code matrix are printed as a quarter square character.  "n" specifies the position of a quarter square character.

 This command is canceled by either FS S or FS DC2 command.  Space between quarter square characters is same as the one between half size characters.

FT T, FS U or FS V are the command to adjust a size of space for quarter square characters.

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5. Control Command Details

n=4 or 52 (“4”): Applies underlining with a width of 4 dots.

n=3 or 51 (“3”): Applies underlining with a width of 3 dots.

n=2 or 50 (“2”): Applies underlining with a width of 2 dots.

n=1 or 49 (“1”): Applies underlining with a width of 1 dot.

n=0 or 48 (“0”): Cancels underlining.

Underline

Underline Position

When horizontal writing: 2/300 inch (second dot) below the characters When vertical writing: 2/300 inch (second dot) above the characters

When horizontal writing: 2/300 inch (second dot) below the characters Between

2/300 inch (second dot) and 3/300 inch (third dot) above the characters

When horizontal writing: Between 1/300 inch (first dot) and 3/300 inch (third

above the characters

When horizontal writing: Between 1/300 inch (first dot) and 4/300 inch (fourth

above the characters

FS - Apply Chinese character underlining

ASCII: FS - n Decimal: 28 45 n Hexadecimal: 1C 2D n

Parameters

n=0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 48 (“0”), 49 (“1”), 50 (“2”), 51 (“3”), 52 (“4”)

Description  Applies or cancels underlining.

ESC/P Command Reference

 This command is valid anywhere in a text line.  The underlining specified by this code is a continuous line.  Spaces between characters and words are also underlined.  Areas with the “specify absolute horizontal position” (ESC $) and “specify relative horizontal position”

(ESC \) commands are not Chinese character underlined.

1 dot wide

2 dots wide

3 dots wide

2/300 inch (second dot) and 3/300 inch (third dot) below the characters When vertical writing: 2/300 inch (second dot) above the characters Between

dot) below the characters When vertical writing: Between 1/300 inch (first dot) and 3/300 inch (third dot)

4 dots wide

dot) below the characters When vertical writing: Between 1/300 inch (first dot) and 4/300 inch (fourth dot)

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5. Control Command Details

Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

square

FS ! Global Formatting for Chinese character

ASCII: FS ! n Decimal: 28 33 n Hexadecimal: 1C 21 n

Parameters

0≤n≤255

Description  Specify Global Format for Chinese character.

ESC/P Command Reference

1 Underline Italics

0 Cancel Cancel

Subscript

quarter

Superscript

quarter

Quarter

square

Cancel Cancel Cancel Cancel

Double

height

Double width Half width

Vertical

writing

Horizontal

writing

 Bit 1 is ignored when both bit 4 and bit 1 are 1.  Bit 6 is ignored when both bit 0 and bit 6 are 1.  Character data is handled sequentially from selecting character(including superscript and subscript),

vertical or horizonatl writing to magnification.

 The bit priority is below.

Bit 4 > Bit 3 > Bit1 Bit 4 > Bit 2 > Bit 1

 When Bit2 and Bit 3 become 1, the character becomes double height and width same as specifing with FS

W command.

 Bit 5 is available only when bit 4 is 1.

FS SI Specify half-width characters

ASCII: FS SI Decimal: 28 15 Hexadecimal: 1C 0F

Parameters

None

Description

 All the Chinese characters written after this command are printed as half size.  Full size characters are printed as half size.

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5. Control Command Details

FS DC2 Cancel half-width characters

ASCII: FS DC2 Decimal: 28 18 Hexadecimal: 1C 12

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancel half size specification by FS SI.  Quarter square character specification by FS r is also canceled with this command.

FS SO Specify auto-canceling double-width character

ESC/P Command Reference

ASCII: FS SO Decimal: 28 14 Hexadecimal: 1C 0E

Parameters

None

Description  All the characters written after this command are printed as double size characters. A double size

character is as twice wider as a full size character.

 Available for both ANK and Chinese characters.  Canceled by ESC $ or ESC \.

FS DC4 Cancel auto-canceling double-width character

ASCII: FS DC4 Decimal: 28 20 Hexadecimal: 1C 14

Parameters

None

Description

 Cancel double character specified ESC SO, SO, FE SO command.  Available for both ANK and Chinese characters.

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5. Control Command Details

T or t (type)

t0: CODE39

tg: MSI

s (style)

Ignored

p (number of passes)

Ignored

R or r (characters below barcode)

r0: OFF r1: ON

u (units of measurement)

Ignored

x (horizontal position)

Ignored

y (vertical offset)

Ignored

5.10 Advanced commands

ESC i B Barcode

ASCII: ESC i [Parameters] B or b [Barcode data] Backslash Decimal: 27 105 [Parameters] 66 or 98 [Barcode data] 92 Hexadecimal: 1B 69 [Parameters] 42 or 62 [Barcode data] 5C

Format: ESC i [Parameters] B or b [Barcode data] [Backslash] (1) (2) (3) (4)

Parameters

(1) [Parameters]: Barcode parameters

ESC/P Command Reference

t1: ITF (I-2/5) t5: EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A t6: UPC-E t9: CODABAR ta: CODE128 tb: GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) tc: RSS symbols td: CODE93 te: POSTNET tf: UPC/EAN EXTENTION

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

h (height)

h n1 n2

If height>480, height=480.

However, the height is as shown below with tc.

w0: extra small

w4: extra extra small

E or e (parentheses deletion)

e0: ON e1: OFF

o0: RSS-14 Standard

o6: RSS Expanded Stacked

Expanded Stacked)

c: No. of horizontal characters z

thin bars)

z0: (3:1)

z2: (2:1)

f (equalize bar lengths)

f0: OFF f1: ON

Height=n1+n2*256 (dots) 48≤height≤480 If height<48, height=48.

131≤height≤720 (RSS-14 Standard) 71≤height≤720 (RSS-14 Truncated) 71≤height≤720 (RSS-14 Stacked) 239≤height≤720 (RSS-14 Stacked Omni) 62≤height≤720 (RSS Limited) 134≤height≤720 (RSS Expanded) If height<min., height=min. If height>max., height=max.

(width)

(RSS symbols model)

(number of horizontal characters for RSS

(ratio between thick and

w1: small w2: medium w3: large

o1: RSS-14 Truncated o2: RSS-14 Stacked o3: RSS-14 Stacked Omnidirectional o4: RSS Limited o5: RSS Expanded Standard

This must be an even value where 2≤no. of horizontal characters≤20.

z1: (2.5:1)

(A barcode with a large number of stacked rows may be considered out of specifications and unreadable by the reader.)

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

t0:

1–50 characters (“*” is not included)

t1:

1–64 characters

t5:

7 characters (for EAN-8)

11 characters (for UPC-A)

t6:

6 characters

t9:

3–64 characters (Must begin and end with A, B, C, or D.)

will be printed are the uppercase letters “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”.

ta:

1–64 characters

tb:

1–64 characters

tc:

3–15 characters (begins with “01”) (except with RSS Expanded)

(numbers, letters, spaces, !, ”, %, &, ’, (, ), *, +, ,, -, ., /, :, ;, <, =, >, ? and _)

td:

1–64 characters (The full set of ASCII characters can be used.)

te:

5 characters, 9 characters, 11 characters

tf:

2 characters, 5 characters

Note

* For parameter numerals 0–9, both 00h–09h and 30h–39h are recognized. * For parameter hexadecimals a–f, both 0ah–0fh and 61h–66h are recognized. * The parameter types a, b, c, d, e and f are recognized even when uppercase. * The parameter “parentheses deletion” is available only when GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) is selected. * The parameter “ratio between thick and thin bars” is available only when t0, t1 or t9 is selected. * The parameter “equalize bar lengths” is available only when t5 or t6 is selected. * If any other type is selected, these parameters are ignored. * When there is no type command or an invalid type command has been specified, CODE39 is specified. * The number of characters that can be entered for each barcode type is as follows:

12 characters (for EAN-13)

Lowercase letters “a”, “b”, “c” or “d” can be entered at the beginning or end, but the text that

1–64 numbers or 1–40 letters*1 (for RSS Expanded)

ISO646 characters can be printed.

(2) B or b: Beginning of barcode data

(3) [Barcode data]: Barcode data

? (Generate check digit):

Generates a check digit when “?” is in the barcode data. The position of “?” is irrelevant as long as it is within the barcode data. With POSTNET, CODE93, UPC/EAN EXTENSION, CODE128 and GS1-128(UCC/EAN-128), no check digit is generated. If “?” is inserted, it is treated as barcode data.

With only UPC/EAN EXTENSION, the data is printed above the barcode.

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5. Control Command Details

Barcode Type

Command

POSTNET, UPC/EAN EXTENTION, CODE39,

CODABAR, RSS symbols

CODE93, CODE128, GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128)

(4) [Backslash]: End of barcode

ESC/P Command Reference

ITF(I-2/5), EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E,

ESC i [Parameter] B or b [Barcode data] \

ESC i [Parameter] B or b [Barcode data] \\\

Description

 Specifies a barcode image.  Any data extending beyond the right margin is ignored.  Since the check digit is generated automatically from the barcode data, the check digit is not sent as

barcode data. Since the length of the barcode data is also checked, the data would not be correctly recognized if the check digit data was present.

 With CODE39, ITF (I-2/5), CODABAR, CODE128, GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) or RSS Expanded, the buffer

length for the barcode image is about 22 cm. A barcode longer than 22 cm will not be printed.

 The characters that can be printed with CODE128 and GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) are the 128 ASCII

characters and the special codes FNC1, FNC2, FNC3 and FNC4. Codes assigned to the special codes:

FNC1: 86h, FNC2: 81h, FNC3: 80h, FNC4: 84h

 The control codes and special codes appear as spaces when characters are printed below CODE128 and

GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) barcodes.

 The control codes appear as spaces when characters are printed below CODE93 barcodes.  Special code FNC1 can also be printed with RSS Expanded.

This special code also appears as a space when characters are printed below the barcode. Code assigned to the special code:

FNC1: 86h

 The width can be set to extra extra small only with CODE128 and EAN128.  Characters are not printed below the barcode when the width is set to extra extra small.

Example For barcode type CODE39, with no characters printed below the barcode, a size of large (width) × 480 dots (height) and a ratio between thick and thin bars of 3:1, the command will be as shown below.

ESC i t0 r0 he0h 01h w3 z0 B 123456789 \

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1. Cell size

[1-byte decimal] 10

Specifies the dot size per cell side.

Prints 10 dots per cell side.

2. Symbol

[1-byte decimal] 1

[1-byte decimal] 3

Model 1

Micro QR

3. Structured

setting

[1-byte decimal] 0

Not partitioned. (default value)

4. Code

[1-byte decimal] 1–16

Indicates the number of the symbol in a partitioned QR

5. Number of

[1-byte decimal] 2–16

Indicates the total number of symbols in a partitioned QR

6. Parity data

[1-byte hexadecimal]

Value (in bytes) of exclusively OR’ing all the print data

7. Error

[1-byte decimal] 1

[1-byte decimal] 4

High-density level: L 7%

Ultra-high-reliability level: H 30% (*2)

8. Data input

[1-byte decimal] 0

Auto input (default value)

entered.

ESC i Q 2D barcode (QR Code)

ASCII: ESC i Q or q Data Decimal: 27 105 81 or 113 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 69 51 or 71 Data

Format: ESC i Q or q [Parameters] [Barcode data] \\\ (1) (2) (3)

Parameters

(1) [Parameters]

Unlike with 1D barcodes, all parameters must be specified in order, starting from the top. If a value other than those listed is entered for a parameter, that parameter is specified with its default value.

type

Append

number

partitions

[1-byte decimal] 3 [1-byte decimal] 4 [1-byte decimal] 5 [1-byte decimal] 6 [1-byte decimal] 8

[1-byte decimal] 2

[1-byte decimal] 1

00-FF

Prints 3 dots per cell side. (default value)

Prints 4 dots per cell side. Prints 5 dots per cell side. Prints 6 dots per cell side. Prints 8 dots per cell side.

Model 2 (default value)

Partitioned (*1)

Code.

(print data before partition)

correction level

method

[1-byte decimal] 2 [1-byte decimal] 3

[1-byte decimal] 1

Standard level: M 15% (default value)

High-reliability level: Q 25%

Manual input Selects whether numbers, English alphanumeric characters, Chinese characters or binary characters are

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5. Control Command Details

ESC i Q or q [1st parameter] [1st set of barcode data] \\\

ESC i Q or q [3rd parameter] [3rd set of barcode data] \\\

3. Structured append

This determines whether or not the barcode data is partitioned. If the data is

value for these parameters.

4. Code number:

This indicates which number the ESC/P command for that QR Code is.

this is 4.

5. Number of partitions:

This is the number of partitions.

6. Parity data:

This is the value (in bytes) of exclusively OR’ing all the print data (print data

ESC/P command indicates that these codes are linked.

Character

OR’ed (XOR’ed) in bytes

Results

XOR of 31h and 32h

0011 0001 ^= 0011 0010

0000 0011 (03h)

XOR of 03h and 33h

0000 0011 ^= 0011 0011

0011 0000 (30h)

0000 0100 (04h)

Therefore, the parity is 04h.

(*1) With Micro QR, the Structured Append setting is invalid, and the default setting is used. (*2) With Micro QR, error correction level 4 is invalid, and the default setting is used.

What is the QR Code Structured Append setting?

QR Codes have Structured Append settings. A long character string can be partitioned into 2 to 16 partitions and printed. With ESC/P commands, it is necessary to enter only the number of partitions. For example, if the print data is partitioned into 3 partitions, the barcode data is as follows:

ESC i Q or q [2nd parameter] [2nd set of barcode data] \\\

Refer to the following for specifying settings for 3 through 6 in [Parameters].

ESC/P Command Reference

setting:

not partitioned, enter 0. When not partitioning, the values of 4 (code number), 5 (number of partitions), and 6 (parity data) are ignored; therefore, enter 0 as a dummy

For example, if it is for the second of four partitions, this is 2; for the fourth

before partition). Entering the same value as for the partitioned QR Code

What is exclusive OR’ing in bytes?

The data is exclusively OR’ed (XOR’ed) in bytes and in order. For example, putting a character string into hexadecimal gives 31h, 32h, 33h, 34h.

XOR of 30h and 34h 0011 0000 ^= 0011 0100

Note

If this parity value is incorrect, the correct QR Code is not generated.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Without Structured Append

ESC i Q 04h 02h 00h 00h 00h 00h 02h 00h “123456789” \\\

With Structured

ESC i Q 04h 02h 01h 01h 03h 31h 02h 00h “123” \\\

(The parity for the character string “123456789” is 31h.)

Barcode

Type

Preceded

Character

Number input

N or n

ESC i Q [other parameters] 01h N123456789 \\\

Alphanumeric character input

Chinese character input

ESC i Q [other parameters] 01h K Chinese character input \\\

ESC i Q [other parameters] 01h B0005#### \\\

B 0012 (30h, 30h, 31h, 32h)

Model 1

707 English alphanumeric characters, 1167 numbers, 486 binary bytes, 299 Chinese characters

Model 2

4296 English alphanumeric characters, 7089 numbers, 2953 binary bytes, 1817 Chinese characters

Micro QR

21 English alphanumeric characters, 35 numbers, 15 binary bytes, 9 Chinese characters

Summary

Printing the character string “123456789” with a cell size of 4 dots, Model 2, standard error correction level, and automatic data input.

Append [Three partitions]

ESC i Q 04h 02h 01h 02h 03h 31h 02h 00h “456” \\\ ESC i Q 04h 02h 01h 03h 03h 31h 02h 00h “789” \\\

(2) [Barcode data]: Barcode data

When manual input is selected in 8 (data input method), the barcode data must be preceded with one of the following single-byte alphanumeric characters.

Example

A or a ESC i Q [other parameters] 01h A012345678aBcDe \\\

K or k

Binary character input

B or b+4-digit number

With the “4-digit number”, specify the number of binary characters to actually be entered. For example, if 12 binary characters are to be entered, specify:

The number of barcode data characters that can be entered depends on the model type and the input method.

Note

The numbers listed above are for an error correction level at a high-density level (L 7%).

If the standard level or higher is set, the number of characters that can be entered may decrease. In

addition, even if the characters are entered with the high-density level (L) specified, the number of

characters that can be entered may decrease due to compression.

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5. Control Command Details

(3) \\\: End of barcode

There must be three backslashes to end 2D barcode.

Example Refer to the section “Summary”.

ESC i P Specify QR Code version

ASCII: ESC i P n Decimal: 27 105 80 n Hexadecimal: 1B 69 50 n

Parameters

0≤n≤40

ESC/P Command Reference

Description

 The barcode size can be fixed.  The default value is 0.  The available versions differ depending on the symbol type used.

If a setting other than those listed is specified, the setting returns to its default. The following settings are available for each symbol type. Model1 (0–14), Model2 (0–40), MicroQR (0–4)

- 86 -

5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1. Cell size

[1-byte decimal] 10

Specifies the dot size per cell side.

Prints 10 dots per cell side.

2. Symbol type

[1-byte decimal] 0

[1-byte decimal] 3

Standard (default value)

MicroPDF417 Code128 emulation

3. Data input

[1-byte decimal] 0

Auto input (default value)

4. Error

capacity-type

[1-byte decimal] 0

Level input setting (default value)

5. Error correction capacity-value

- Level input

[2-byte decimal] 0–8

Specifies the level. (The default value is 0.)

- Percentage input

[2-byte decimal] 0–400

Specifies the percentage. (The default value is 10.)

6. Symbol size

[1-byte decimal] 0

*0 and 1–4 with MicroPDF417

Auto setting (default value)

7. Symbol size

[1-byte decimal] 0

*0 and 4–44 with MicroPDF417

Auto setting (default value)

ESC i V 2D barcode (PDF417)

ASCII: ESC i V or v Data Decimal: 27 105 86 or 118 Data Hexadecimal: 1B 69 56 or 76 Data

Format: ESC i V or v [Parameters] [Barcode data] \\\ (1) (2) (3)

Parameters

(1) [Parameters]

method

correction

[1-byte decimal] 3 [1-byte decimal] 4 [1-byte decimal] 5 [1-byte decimal] 6 [1-byte decimal] 8

[1-byte decimal] 1 [1-byte decimal] 2

[1-byte decimal] 1

Prints 3 dots per cell side. (default value)

Prints 4 dots per cell side. Prints 5 dots per cell side. Prints 6 dots per cell side. Prints 8 dots per cell side.

Truncate MicroPDF417 standard

Binary input

Percentage input setting

(X direction)

(Y direction)

[1-byte decimal] 1–30

[1-byte decimal] 3–90

Manual settings

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

8. Aspect

[2-byte decimal] 1–1000

Specifies the aspect value.

The default value is 50. (The actual value is 0.5.)

Symbol Size (X Direction)

Symbol Size (Y Direction)

Auto

1 Auto

2 Auto

26 3 Auto

6 8 10

4 Auto

4 6 8

value

Actually, this is 0.01–10.0, but since the decimal point cannot be entered, a value multiplied by 100 is entered.

Note

* If a setting for the symbol size (X direction) or symbol size (Y direction) has been specified

manually, the aspect value setting is ignored.

* If a setting for the symbol size (X direction) or the symbol size (Y direction) has been entered

manually, the bar code may not be printed or an unreadable bar code may be printed.

* If both a large cell size and a high level error correction capacity have been specified, printing

may not be possible due to a full print buffer.

[With symbol type MicroPDF417]

* Since the error correction capacity is automatically determined from the symbol size (X direction) setting, the settings for “error correction capacity and type” and “error correction capacity-value” are ignored. * The aspect value setting is ignored. * The following table shows the values available for the symbol size (Y direction) according to the symbol size (X direction) setting. If an invalid setting is specified for the symbol size (Y direction), the default setting is specified.

(2) Barcode data

The numbers of barcode data characters that can be entered are as follows. 1850 alphanumeric characters, 2710 numbers, 1108 binary bytes Chinese characters are babel to be used but handled as binary. 1 Chinese character is handled as 2 Bytes data.

Note

The numbers listed above are for an error correction level at the lowest level. If the standard level

or higher is set, the number of characters that can be entered may decrease. In addition, even if

the characters are entered with the lowest level specified, the number of characters that can be

entered may decrease due to compression.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Maximum Amount of Information Allowed

Alphanumeric

Characters

Numbers

Binary

11 6 8

2 8 14

105

3 6 10

3 8 18

132

114

167

138

202

162

237

4 4 14

4 6 22

4 8 34

111

106

155

142

208

178

261

106

214

313

128

250

366

150

[With symbol type MicroPDF417]

Maximum of 250 alphanumeric characters, maximum of 366 numbers, maximum of 150 bytes of binary data However, the following table shows the maximum amount of information allowed according to the settings for symbol size (X direction) and symbol size (Y direction).

X Y

(3) \\\: End of barcode

There must be three backslashes to end 2D barcodes.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1. Cell size

[1-byte decimal] 10

Specifies the dot size per cell side.

Prints 10 dots per cell side.

2. Symbol type

[1-byte decimal] 0 [1-byte decimal] 1

ECC200 square (default value)

ECC200 rectangular

3. Vertical

(continued to the next page)

[ECC200 square]

ESC i D 2D barcode (DataMatrix)

ASCII: ESC i D or d data Decimal: 27 105 68 or 100 data Hexadecimal: 1B 69 44 or 64 data

Format: ESC i D or d [Parameters] [Barcode data] \\\ (1) (2) (3)

Parameters

(1) [Parameters]

size

[1-byte decimal] 3 [1-byte decimal] 4 [1-byte decimal] 5 [1-byte decimal] 6 [1-byte decimal] 8

[1-byte decimal] 0 [1-byte decimal] 10 [1-byte decimal] 12 [1-byte decimal] 14 [1-byte decimal] 16 [1-byte decimal] 18 [1-byte decimal] 20 [1-byte decimal] 22 [1-byte decimal] 24 [1-byte decimal] 26 [1-byte decimal] 32 [1-byte decimal] 36 [1-byte decimal] 40 [1-byte decimal] 44 [1-byte decimal] 48 [1-byte decimal] 52 [1-byte decimal] 64 [1-byte decimal] 72 [1-byte decimal] 80 [1-byte decimal] 88 [1-byte decimal] 96

Prints 3 dots per cell side. (default value)

Prints 4 dots per cell side. Prints 5 dots per cell side. Prints 6 dots per cell side. Prints 8 dots per cell side.

Vertical no. of cells: AUTO (default value)

Vertical no. of cells: 10 cells Vertical no. of cells: 12 cells Vertical no. of cells: 14 cells Vertical no. of cells: 16 cells Vertical no. of cells: 18 cells Vertical no. of cells: 20 cells Vertical no. of cells: 22 cells Vertical no. of cells: 24 cells Vertical no. of cells: 26 cells Vertical no. of cells: 32 cells Vertical no. of cells: 36 cells Vertical no. of cells: 40 cells Vertical no. of cells: 44 cells Vertical no. of cells: 48 cells Vertical no. of cells: 52 cells Vertical no. of cells: 64 cells Vertical no. of cells: 72 cells Vertical no. of cells: 80 cells Vertical no. of cells: 88 cells Vertical no. of cells: 96 cells

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5. Control Command Details

3. Vertical

(continued from the previous page)

[1-byte decimal] 104

[1-byte decimal] 144

Vertical no. of cells: 104 cells

Vertical no. of cells: 144 cells

[1-byte decimal] 16

[ECC200 rectangular]

Vertical no. of cells: 16 cells

4. Horizontal

[1-byte decimal] x

[ECC200 square]

Horizontal no. of cells: Same value as vertical size (x)

[1-byte decimal] 0

[ECC200 rectangular]

Horizontal no. of cells: AUTO (default value)

[1-byte decimal] 32

(2) When the vertical size is 8 cells

Horizontal no. of cells: 32 cells

[1-byte decimal] 36

(3) When the vertical size is 12 cells

Horizontal no. of cells: 36 cells

[1-byte decimal] 48

(4) When the vertical size is 16 cells

Horizontal no. of cells: 48 cells

5. Reserved

[1-byte decimal]×5 0

5 bytes of dummy data (0) is sent.

size (continued)

[1-byte decimal] 120 [1-byte decimal] 132

ESC/P Command Reference

Vertical no. of cells: 120 cells Vertical no. of cells: 132 cells

[1-byte decimal] 0 [1-byte decimal] 8 [1-byte decimal] 12

Vertical no. of cells: AUTO (default value)

Vertical no. of cells: 8 cells Vertical no. of cells: 12 cells

size

[1-byte decimal] 18

[1-byte decimal] 26

[1-byte decimal] 36

(1) When the vertical size is AUTO

Horizontal no. of cells: 18 cells

Horizontal no. of cells: 26 cells

Horizontal no. of cells: 36 cells

Note

* If the vertical size is specified as a value other than those listed for ECC200 square, the AUTO

setting is selected. If the horizontal size is specified as a value different from the vertical size, the

setting is changed to the same value as the horizontal size.

* If the vertical or horizontal size for ECC200 rectangular is specified as a value other than those

listed, the AUTO setting is selected.

(2) [Barcode data]: Barcode data

The maximum number of barcode data characters that can be entered is listed below. 2335 alphanumeric characters, 3116 numbers, 1556 bytes of binary data

Note

The numbers of characters that can be entered (as listed above) are for the maximum vertical ×

horizontal cell settings (144 cells × 144 cells). The number of characters that can be entered may

decrease, depending on the specified settings.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

(3) \\\: End of barcode

There must be three backslashes to end 2D barcodes.

Example For data “12345” with symbol type ECC square at 40 × 40 with a 3-dot cell size, the command will be as shown below.

ESC i D 03h 00h 28h(40d) 28h 00h 00h 00h 00h 00h “12345” \\\

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

1. Symbol

[1-byte decimal] 2

Structured carrier message

2. Structured

setting

[1-byte decimal] 0

With Structured Append (default value)

Maximum Amount of Information Allowed

Alphanumeric Characters

Numbers

Standard

138

Full EEC

113

Structured carrier message

126

ESC i M 2D barcode (MaxiCode)

ASCII: ESC i M or m data Decimal: 27 105 77 or 109 data Hexadecimal: 1B 69 4D or 6D data

Format: ESC i M or m [Parameters] \ [Barcode data] \\\ (1) (2) (3) (4)

Parameters

(1) [Parameters]

If a value other than those listed is entered for a parameter, that parameter is specified with its default value.

type

Append

[1-byte decimal] 0 [1-byte decimal] 1

[1-byte decimal] 1

Standard (default value)

Full EEC

Without Structured Append

(2) \ (backslash)

Separator between parameters and barcode data

(3) [Barcode data]: Barcode data

The number of barcode data characters that can be entered is listed below.

Symbol Type

Note

The numbers of characters that can be entered (as listed above) are for when using only the

common character set (code set A in the MaxiCode specifications). The number of characters that

can be entered may decrease, depending on the characters that are used.

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5. Control Command Details

ESC/P Command Reference

Service class=default value Country code Postal code

Postal code

9 or less numbers, or 6 or less alphanumeric characters

Ignored when not structured carrier message.

Default value: 000000000

Country code

3 or less numbers

Ignored when not structured carrier message.

Default value: 000

Service class

3 or less numbers

Ignored when not structured carrier message.

Default value: 000

When the symbol type is the structured carrier message, the service class, country code and postal code can be specified separately from the normal data. Specify each value, separated by a backslash and comma (\,), immediately before the normal data.

<postal_code>\,<country_code>\,<service_class>\,<normal_barcode_data>

When “\,” is not used three times, the data is written as shown in the following example.

If a value other than those listed is entered for a parameter, that parameter is specified with its default value.

Note

If the postal code is specified as alphanumeric characters, characters other than those listed

below are invalid.

A to Z “ # $ % & ‘ ( ) * + , - . / 0 to 9 :

However, lowercase letters (a to z) are converted to the valid uppercase letters (A to Z).

(4) \\\: End of barcode

There must be three backslashes to end 2D barcodes.

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5. Control Command Details

Brother QL-810W, QL-820NWB Software Developer's Manual ESC/P Command Reference

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Note

Condition of Use

No Warranty

Contents

Introduction

What is ESC/P?

1. Using ESC/P Commands

2. Examples of Using ESC/P Commands

3. ESC/P Command Limitations

3.1 Print area

3.2 Characters

3.2.1 Character sizes

3.2.2 Character pitches

3.3 Print position

3.3.1 Characters

3.3.2 Bitmaps, barcodes and downloaded images

3.3.3 Same line

3.4 Line feed amount

4. Control Code List

5. Control Command Details

5.1 Character/style selection commands

ESC R Select international character set

ESC q Select character style

ESC k Select font

5.2 Text printing commands

ESC 4 Apply italic style

ESC 5 Cancel italic style

ESC E Apply bold style

ESC F Cancel bold style

ESC G Apply double-strike printing

ESC H Cancel double-strike printing

ESC P Apply pica pitch (10 cpi)

ESC M Apply elite pitch (12 cpi)

ESC g Apply micron pitch

ESC p Specify proportional characters

ESC W Specify double-width characters

SO Specify auto-canceling stretched characters

ESC SO Specify auto-canceling stretched characters

SI Specify compressed characters

ESC SI Specify compressed characters

DC2 Cancel compressed characters

DC4 Cancel auto-canceling double-width characters

ESC – Apply/cancel underlining

ESC ! Global formatting

ESC SP Specify character spacing

ESC X Specify character size

5.3 Line feed commands

ESC 0 Specify line feed of 1/8 inch

ESC 2 Specify line feed of 1/6 inch

ESC 3 Specify minimum line feed

ESC A Specify line feed of n/60 inch

5.4 Horizontal movement commands

ESC l Specify left margin

ESC Q Specify right margin

CR Carriage return

ESC D Specify horizontal tab position

HT Perform horizontal tab

ESC $ Specify absolute horizontal position

ESC \ Specify relative horizontal position

ESC a Specify alignment

5.5 Vertical movement commands

LF Line feed

FF Page feed

ESC J Forward paper feed

ESC B Specify vertical tab position

VT Perform vertical tab

ESC (V Specify absolute vertical position

ESC (v Specify relative vertical position

5.6 Paper formatting commands

ESC (c Specify page format

ESC (C Specify page length

ESC U Specify minimum margin

5.7 Printer control commands

ESC @ Initialize

5.8 Graphics commands