Epson CW-C6000Au, CW-C6000Pu, CW-C6000Ae, CW-C6000Pe, CW-C6010A Command Reference Guide
...
Command Reference Guide
M00097706
Rev. G
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ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
Rev. G Page 2
About this Document
Item
Description
expressions)
examples of ESC/Label commands
2 Primary Functions
Key features of the ESC/Label command
Specifications
Appendix
The list of the mode and the setting
ESC/Label commands.
(1) Scope of this document
This document describes ESC/Label commands. ESC/Label commands are used to control Epson’s
label printers.
This document is designed for those who use ESC/Label commands to develop programs to control
printers. Please refer to the ESC/Label Application Development Guide when developing programs.
Refer to the attached Command List for commands used and definition ranges for each model.
(2) Content of the specification
The content of this document is outlined below.
Content of the specification
About this Document Positioning and content of this document, definitions (terminology,
1 Commands Outline Characteristics, configuration, basic specifications, and usage
3 Detailed Command
Command List (Attachment) Indicates commands used by model and their corresponding
(3) Definitions
Hexadecimal values are expressed with numbers 0 – 9 and letters A – F, along with the letter H (first (a)
letter of HEX).
Example: 1AH
Outside of command code descriptions, commands are enclosed within double quotation marks and (b)
command codes are enclosed in parentheses.
Example: "^F(C" (field color settings)
Units are expressed by the unit name enclosed in square brackets. (c)
Examples: [dot], [mm]
The following are enclosed in angle brackets. (d)
Control codes Examples: <CR>, <STX>
Uniquely defined terms Example: <prefix character>
Non-alphanumeric characters Example: Comma <,>
Detailed specifications of the ESC/Label command
parameter definition ranges in the commands included in the
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
Rev. G Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Commands Outline ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1. Characteristics.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2. Structure ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Command Basic Specifications........................................................................................................................... 10
Format Commands and Control Commands .............................................................................................. 10 1.3.1
Basic Data Format for the Command ............................................................................................................ 10 1.3.2
Command Syntax ............................................................................................................................................. 12 1.3.3
About Saving the Graphics and Label Formats in the Printer .................................................................. 12 1.3.4
1.4.
Example of Command Use .................................................................................................................................. 13
Basic Label Printing .......................................................................................................................................... 13 1.4.1
Color Label Printing .......................................................................................................................................... 14 1.4.2
Serialized Printing ............................................................................................................................................. 15 1.4.3
Saving a File for a Label Format ..................................................................................................................... 16 1.4.4
Printing Using the Label Format File ............................................................................................................ 17 1.4.5
Getting Status .................................................................................................................................................... 18 1.4.6
2.
Primary Functions .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.1. Fonts ........................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Font type ............................................................................................................................................................ 20 2.1.1
Special symbols ................................................................................................................................................. 21 2.1.2
2.2.
Media settings ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Media coating type ........................................................................................................................................... 21 2.2.1
Media form ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.2
Label edge detection ....................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.3
Media source ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.4
Media shape ....................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.5
2.3.
Errors ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
2.4. Print area ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Leading edge and direction definitions ....................................................................................................... 25 2.4.1
Reference position definitions ....................................................................................................................... 26 2.4.2
Maximum printable area ................................................................................................................................. 27 2.4.3
Printable area and mount settings ................................................................................................................ 28 2.4.4
Print area and margin settings ....................................................................................................................... 29 2.4.5
Print requests outside the print area ............................................................................................................ 30 2.4.6
Print area settings using ZPL II commands .................................................................................................. 31 2.4.7
2.5.
Getting and Setting Printer Information .......................................................................................................... 32
Method for Setting Printer Information ....................................................................................................... 33 2.5.1
Method for Getting Printer Information ....................................................................................................... 34 2.5.2
2.6.
Designating Color ................................................................................................................................................. 36
2.7. Field color reversal ................................................................................................................................................ 38
2.8. Printing Graphics ................................................................................................................................................... 40
Registering a Graphic in a Printer and Printing It ....................................................................................... 40 2.8.1
Embedding a Graphic in the Field and Printing It ...................................................................................... 41 2.8.2
3.
Detailed Command Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 42
^A ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
^A@ .................................................................................................................................................................................. 44
^B(Q .................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
^B(R .................................................................................................................................................................................. 48
^B(V .................................................................................................................................................................................. 50
^B0 ^BO ........................................................................................................................................................................... 51
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^B2 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
^B3 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
^B7 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
^B8 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
^B9 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
^BA ................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
^BC ................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
^BD ................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
^BE .................................................................................................................................................................................... 70
^BF .................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
^BK .................................................................................................................................................................................... 73
^BQ ................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
^BR .................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
^BU ................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
^BX ................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
^BY .................................................................................................................................................................................... 85
^C(D .................................................................................................................................................................................. 86
^C(L .................................................................................................................................................................................. 87
^C(S .................................................................................................................................................................................. 88
^CC ~CC ....................................................................................................................................................................... 89
^CD ~CD ...................................................................................................................................................................... 90
^CF .................................................................................................................................................................................... 91
^CI ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 92
^CM .................................................................................................................................................................................. 94
^CT ~CT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 95
^CV ................................................................................................................................................................................... 96
^CW .................................................................................................................................................................................. 97
~DE ................................................................................................................................................................................... 98
^DF ................................................................................................................................................................................... 99
~DG ................................................................................................................................................................................. 100
~DN................................................................................................................................................................................. 102
~DU ................................................................................................................................................................................. 103
~DY ................................................................................................................................................................................. 104
^F(C ................................................................................................................................................................................ 107
^FB .................................................................................................................................................................................. 109
^FC .................................................................................................................................................................................. 110
^FD ................................................................................................................................................................................. 111
^FH ................................................................................................................................................................................. 112
^FM ................................................................................................................................................................................. 113
^FN ................................................................................................................................................................................. 114
^FO ................................................................................................................................................................................. 115
^FP .................................................................................................................................................................................. 117
^FR .................................................................................................................................................................................. 118
^FS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 119
^FT .................................................................................................................................................................................. 120
^FV .................................................................................................................................................................................. 123
^FW ................................................................................................................................................................................ 124
^FX .................................................................................................................................................................................. 126
^GB ................................................................................................................................................................................. 127
^GC ................................................................................................................................................................................. 128
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^GD ................................................................................................................................................................................. 129
^GE ................................................................................................................................................................................. 130
^GF ................................................................................................................................................................................. 131
^GS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 133
~H(C ................................................................................................................................................................................ 134
~H(I ................................................................................................................................................................................. 136
~H(Q ............................................................................................................................................................................... 139
~H(S ................................................................................................................................................................................ 142
~H(Y ................................................................................................................................................................................ 144
^HF ................................................................................................................................................................................. 146
^HG ................................................................................................................................................................................. 147
^HH ................................................................................................................................................................................. 148
~HI .................................................................................................................................................................................. 149
~HM ................................................................................................................................................................................ 150
~HS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 151
^HW ................................................................................................................................................................................ 153
^HY ................................................................................................................................................................................. 155
^ID .................................................................................................................................................................................. 156
^IL ................................................................................................................................................................................... 157
^IM .................................................................................................................................................................................. 158
^IS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 159
~J(C ................................................................................................................................................................................. 160
~J(M ................................................................................................................................................................................ 161
~JA .................................................................................................................................................................................. 162
^JB .................................................................................................................................................................................. 163
~JC .................................................................................................................................................................................. 164
^JM ................................................................................................................................................................................. 165
~JP .................................................................................................................................................................................. 166
~JR .................................................................................................................................................................................. 167
~JS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 168
^JU .................................................................................................................................................................................. 169
~JX .................................................................................................................................................................................. 170
^JZ .................................................................................................................................................................................. 171
^KL .................................................................................................................................................................................. 172
^LH ................................................................................................................................................................................. 173
^LR .................................................................................................................................................................................. 174
^LS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 175
^LT .................................................................................................................................................................................. 176
^MC ................................................................................................................................................................................ 177
^MF ................................................................................................................................................................................. 178
^MM ............................................................................................................................................................................... 179
^MN ................................................................................................................................................................................ 180
^MP ................................................................................................................................................................................ 181
^MU ................................................................................................................................................................................ 182
^PH ................................................................................................................................................................................. 184
~PH ................................................................................................................................................................................. 186
^PM ................................................................................................................................................................................ 187
^PO ................................................................................................................................................................................. 188
^PP .................................................................................................................................................................................. 191
~PP .................................................................................................................................................................................. 192
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^PQ ................................................................................................................................................................................. 193
~PS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 194
~RO ................................................................................................................................................................................. 195
^S(C ................................................................................................................................................................................ 196
^SE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 197
^SF .................................................................................................................................................................................. 198
^SL .................................................................................................................................................................................. 199
^SN ................................................................................................................................................................................. 200
^SO ................................................................................................................................................................................. 201
^ST .................................................................................................................................................................................. 202
~TA ................................................................................................................................................................................. 203
^TB .................................................................................................................................................................................. 204
^TO ................................................................................................................................................................................. 205
~W(P ............................................................................................................................................................................... 206
~WC ................................................................................................................................................................................ 207
^WD ................................................................................................................................................................................ 208
^XA ................................................................................................................................................................................. 209
^XB ................................................................................................................................................................................. 210
^XF .................................................................................................................................................................................. 211
^XG ................................................................................................................................................................................. 212
^XZ ................................................................................................................................................................................. 213
Appendix A: List of Printer Operation Modes .......................................................................................................... 214
Appendix B: List of Printer Operation Statuses ....................................................................................................... 227
Appendix C: List of Printer Information .................................................................................................................... 232
REVISION SHEET (Summary) ............................................................................................................................................... 233
REVISION SHEET (Detail) ...................................................................................................................................................... 234
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1. Commands Outline
1.1. Characteristics
ESC/Label command is a command system that has the following characteristics.
(1) It includes much of the ZPL II command and is highly compatible with your existing system.
(2) The command is primarily in the text data format and is highly compatible with database or Web
technology.
(3) It can arrange text, barcodes, or graphics in any position on the label and perform color printing.
(4) It is well-suited for batch printing through the serialized designation function and the print count
designation function.
(5) Due to its simple command syntax, it helps prevent printing mistakes from failing to control the printer.
(6) Because you can save the graphic and label format in the printer, you can print labels with a small
amount of transmitted data.
(7) You can get the printer operation status or the printer operation mode whenever you like.
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.2. Structure
Command type
Example
Thermal head device control commands
Setting the thermal head resistance value
RFID control commands
Reading, writing the RFID
Commands related to wireless
Wireless LAN settings
Commands related to battery control
Transmitting battery status
ESC/Label command consists of the major commands of the ZPL II command and Epson's original
extension.
(1) It includes the major commands for ZPL II, which is mainstream in the monochrome thermal label
printer market.
(2) Epson's original commands and parameter expansions are included to realize color label printing on an
inkjet printer.
ESC/label command
ZPL II
ZPL II
Commands necessary for label
printing and inkjet printer control
*Epson parameter expands on some
commands.
Commands not included in ESC/label
command
Epson additional
commands
Epson original expansions
Table1.2.1 indicates the parts of ZPL II commands not included in ESC/Label command.
Table 1.2.1 Excerpt of Commands Not Included in ESC/Label command
Figure 1.2.1 Structure of ESC/Label command
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.3. Command Basic Specifications
Type
Main purpose
Prefix character
Format Command
Defining and printing labels
Caret <^>
Control Command
Controlling the printer
Tilde <~>
<Prefix character>
<Command identifier>
<Parameter>
(,<Parameter>,...)
<Command code>
<Prefix character>:
Indicate a format command with a caret <^> and a control
command with a tilde <~>.
<Command identifier>:
Indicate the command type with 1 to 3 characters of ASCII
code.
<Parameters>:
Designate 1 character or more of ASCII code. This controls
and their number depend on the command type.
Format Commands and Control Commands 1.3.1
Commands for ESC/Label command belong to either format commands or control commands,
depending on their purpose and execution priority.
Format commands are used for defining and printing labels, and control commands are used for
controlling the printer. Format commands and control commands have their own fixed prefix character,
so the type can be determined based on the prefix character in the command code.
Format commands are executed FIFO (First In, First Out). A part of control commands are executed
with priority over format commands.
Table 1.3.1 Command Type by Purpose
Basic Data Format for the Command 1.3.2
ESC/Label command is defined in a character string of ASCII code (20h to 7Eh). The command
format is as follows.
The <command code> is defined as both the <prefix character> and the <command identifier>.
Commands without a parameter will be a command with just the command code. Commands with 2
or more parameters must be punctuated by a comma <,> when listed. The number of parameters a
command can have depends on the command type.
the command functions. Whether there are parameters or not
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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(1) ESC/Label command Additional Command Format
<(>, and 1 character ASCII code) indicate the command type.
Format
Conditions
Processing
designated
designated.
Value less than the lower limit is
designated
The printer assumes the lower limit was
designated.
string
Undefined length
Character string that exceeds the
designated
The printer assumes the character string
length was designated.
In order to differentiate the command added to ESC/Label command from the ZPL II command, use this
format, which has added the following limit to the command identifier.
<Command identifier>:
3 characters (1 character ASCII code, an opening parenthesis
(2) Omitted Designation of Parameters
If 2 commas <,> are input following one another and the parameters are omitted, the printer will assume
default parameters are being designated. Whether there are default command parameters depends on
the command. If you omit parameter for a command which the parameter cannot be omitted, the
command will be invalid.
(3) Parameter Rounding
Parameters must take the format of being a numerical value, a fixed character string, or an undefined
length character string. Depending on the format and conditions, the parameter may be invalid or may
be rounded.
Table 1.3.2 Parameter Rounding Processing
Numerical va lue Value that exceeds the upper limit is
Fixed character
character string
Undefined characters are designated Command invalid
maximum character string length is
The printer assumes the upper limit was
up until the maximum character string
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Command Syntax 1.3.3
Definition
Syntax rule
ends with "^XZ"(End label format).
Field
Command group that begins with "^FO"(Field position setting) and
ends with "^FS"(Field end).
Format commands have command syntax rules. Control commands do not have command syntax and
are effective with just a single command.
Table 1.3.3 Command Syntax Rules
Label format Command group that begins with "^XA"(Begin label format) and
Format commands not included between "^XA"(Begin label format) and "^XZ"(End label format) are
invalid.
"^XA"(Begin label format)
"^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation) "^FD"(Field data
setting) "^FS"(Field end)
"^FO"(Field position setting) "^B4"(Barcode designation) "^FD"(Field data
setting) "^FS"(Field end)
"^XZ"(End label format)
About Saving the Graphics and Label Formats in the Printer 1.3.4
With ESC/Label command, you can save graphics and label formats in the printer. The printer has a file
system. Data saved in the printer is handled as files and is managed in the following way.
The file system does not have a hierarchy.
The printer has a non-volatile saving device, such as Flash ROM, and a volatile saving device, such as
RAM, and different drive letters are allocated for each device.
Files are designated as
"<drive letter> colon <:> <file name> dot <.> <extension>".
Field
Label
format
Field
Figure 1.3.1 Format and Field
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.4. Example of Command Use
Basic Label Printing 1.4.1
Perform label printing using ESC/Label command in accordance with the syntax rules shown in Section
1.3.3.
Command
(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)
(2) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation)
"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)
(3) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode setting)
"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)
(4) "^XZ"(End label format)
Figure 1.4.1 Example of a Basic Label Printing Command
Ex: ABC in the field data setting
Ex: 12345 in the field data setting
Render the character string
Render the barcode
Print
Printer
Printed label
ABC
|||||||||
12345
The printer operates as follows.
In (2), the character string "ABC" is rendered in the rendering area.
In (3), the character string "12345" is rendered in the rendering area as a barcode.
In (4), the contents of the rendering area are printed.
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Color Label Printing 1.4.2
With ESC/Label command, add a command to set the field color to realize color rendering. When
printing a color label, designate the rendering color with "^F(C"(Field color setting).
Command
(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)
(2) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation)
"^F(C"(Field color setting) "^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field
end)
(3) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode setting)
"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)
(4) "^XZ"(End label format)
Ex: ABC in the field data setting,
red as the field color
Ex: 12345 in the field data setting
Print
Printer
Render the character
string
Render the barcode
ABC
|||||||||
12345
Figure 1.4.2 Example of a Command to Print a Color Label
The printer operates as follows.
In (2), the character string "ABC" is rendered in red in the rendering area.
In (3), the character string "12345" is rendered in the rendering area as a barcode.
In (4), the contents of the rendering area are printed.
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Serialized Printing 1.4.3
If performing serialized printing, designate the field data designation section in sequence, and designate
the number of copies to print.
Command
(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)
(2) "^FO" (Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation)
"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)
(3) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode designation)
"^SF"(Serialization field)
(4) "^PQ"(Print quantity)
Ex: Print 10 copies
(5) "^XZ"(End label format)
Ex: ABC in the field data setting
Ex: Set 001 as the initial number and 1 as the
increment value.
Print
Printer
Render the character string
Render the sequence
Printed label
ABC
|||||||||
010
:
: 10 copies
ABC
|||||||||
001
Figure 1.4.3 Example of Command for Serialized Printing
The printer operates as follows.
In (2), the fixed character string "ABC" is rendered in the rendering area.
In (5), the image is render in accordance with the serial setting from (3) and printed the number of times
in (4)
When the second label is being printed, the following processing is done in (3).
The character string "001" is rendered in the rendering area as a barcode.
The sequence adds 1, and renders the character string "002" in the rendering area as a barcode.
The content of the rendering area is printed.
This is repeated until the 10th copy, and 001, 002, ... 010 is printed on the sequence of 10 copies.
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Saving a File for a Label Format 1.4.4
Use "^DF"(Download label format) to save a label format. If designating a different value for each label,
designate the "^FN"(Field number) in the field.
Command
(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)
(2) "^DF"(Download label format)
(3) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation) "^FD"(Field
data setting) "^FS"(Field end)
(4) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode designation)
"^FN"(Field number)"^FS"(Field end)
(5) "^XZ"(End label format)
Figure1.4.4 Example of a Command to Save a Label Format File
The printer operates as follows.
In (2), the host orders the printer to save the label format with the designated file name.
In (5), the command group written between "^XA"(Begin label format) and "^XZ"(End label format) is
saved in the memory area of the printer as "SAMPLE.FMT".
Ex: The command group after this
command is saved as "SAMPLE.FMT".
Ex: ABC in the field data setting
Ex: The field is the barcode specification and
number 1 is applied to this field.
Save
Printer
SAMPLE.FMT
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Printing Using the Label Format File 1.4.5
If printing using the saved label format file, first call the command group in the label format by using
<Call the label format file>. Next, set the field data that will be the difference and perform printing.
Command
(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)
(2) "^XF"(Call label format)
Ex: 001 for the field data setting in number 1
(3) "^FN"(Field number) "^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field
end)
(4) "^XZ"(End label format)
Ex: Call "SAMPLE.FMT"
Load the contents of SAMPLE.FMT
Render the barcode
Print
Printer
SAMPLE.FMT
ABC
|||||||||
001
Figure 1.4.5 Example of Print Command Using the Label Format File
The printer operates as follows.
SAMPLE.FMT is called by the "^XF"(Call the command file) in (2).
"ABC" is rendered.
The barcode is designated in a field and the field number 1 is allocated.
The field for number 1 in (3) is barcode designation, so it is converted into a barcode and rendered.
In (4), the contents of the rendering area are printed.
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Getting Status 1.4.6
For control commands, there are no syntax rules like for format commands. The printer receives a
request for each control command.
Command
(1) "~HS"(Status request)
Figure 1.4.6 Example of a Command to Request the Status
The printer operates as follows.
In (1), the printer receives the "~HS"(Status request), and returns the status to the host.
Status request
Status response
Printer
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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2. Primary Functions
Item
Details
2.1 Font
Available fonts, and their appearance
2.2 Media settings
How to set the type and form of media used for printing
2.3 Errors
Types of error, and printer operation during error status
2.4 Print area
How to set printer’s print area for a sheet of paper
information
2.6 Designating color
How to specify colors for text and graphics
2.7 Field color reversal
How to specify reversed colors for fields
2.8 Printing Graphics
How to print color and monochrome graphics
The primary functions of the ESC/Label command added or modified in comparison with ZPL II
command are shown below.
Table 2.1 Primary Functions of the ESC/Label Command
2.5 Getting and setting printer
2.1. Fonts
A font is a set of attributes for text, including image and size.
To print text with a certain font, specify the font and then use the field to specify a character code. Only
one font can be specified per field.
Figure 2.1.1 shows examples of printed text with fonts specified in multiple fields.
Printer information, and how to get/set it
FontP sample
FontC sample
FontA sample
Figure 2.1.1 Examples of Printed Text Images by Specifying Fonts
Multiple fonts are included in the printer when shipped from the factory. The user can also download
fonts to the printer at a later time.
Font types include fixed-size fonts, for which the character width and height can be specified as fixed
values or integer multiples, and scalable fonts, for which the character width and height can be specified
separately in units of [dots].
The fonts included in the printer are both fixed-size fonts and scalable fonts. However, only scalable
fonts can be downloaded.
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Font type 2.1.1
Fonts that can be specified by the user are shown in Table 2.1.1.
Table 2.1.1 Font List
Font
identifier
Font
"A"
Font
"B"
Font
"C"("D")*1
Font
"E"
Font
"F"
Font
"G"
Font
"H"
Font
"GS"
Font
Sans serif 9 × 5 No
Sans serif
(All Caps)
Sans serif 18 × 10 No
OCR-B 42 × 20 No
Sans serif 26 × 13 No
Sans serif 60 × 40 No
OCR-A 34 × 19 No
SYMBOL 24 × 24 No
Size
(H × W dot)
11 × 7 No
Scalable Character image
Font
"P"
Font
"Q"
Font
"R"
Font
"S"
Font
"T"
Font
"U"
Font
"V"
Font
"0"*2
*1 Font "C" and "D" are the same font.
*2 Zero
Sans serif 20 × 18 No
Sans serif 28 × 24 No
Sans serif 35 × 31 No
Sans serif 40 × 35 No
Sans serif 48 × 42 No
Sans serif 59 × 53 No
Sans serif 80 × 71 No
Sans serif
15 × 12
(Default)
Yes
ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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Special symbols 2.1.2
Character code
Character image
Setting item type
Description
layer.
Media form
Sets differences between media forms, such as gap and adhesive.
of label, such as black mark and gap.
Media source
Sets the method for supplying paper to the printer
shape.
format
Plain Paper
Paper without ink receiving layer
^S(CLM,T,P*
Matte Paper
Paper with ink receiving layer
^S(CLM,T,M*
Synthetic
Synthetic with ink receiving layer
^S(CLM,T,S*
Glossy Paper
Paper with ink receiving layer and luster processing
^S(CLM,T,G*
Glossy Film
Glossy synthetic with an ink receiving layer on a film
^S(CLM,T,GS*
High Glossy Paper
Glossy paper that is glossier than regular glossy paper
^S(CLM,T,PG*
Font GS is a special symbol font. See Table 2.1.2 Special Symbols for details about character code and
character image.
Table 2.1.2 Special Symbols
2.2. Media settings
Media settings instruct the printer about the type and form of media to be used for printing. The
printer performs printing control and media control based on these settings. The media setting items
are shown in Table 2.2.1.
Media coating type Sets differences between media material, such as an ink receiving
Label edge detection Sets differences between methods of detecting leading edge position
Media shape Sets differences between media shape, such as roll shape and folded
41h
42h
43h
44h
45h
Table 2.2.1 Media Setting Items
Media coating type 2.2.1
Media coating type sets the differences between media material, such as ink receiving layer.
Name Description
"*" in the command format indicates a figure.
Table 2.2.2 Media Coating Type
Command
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Media form 2.2.2
Name
Description
Command
format
Continuous paper
Paper without adhesive
^S(CLM,F,CP
Die cut label
Labels with adhesive and cut to a specific size, with gaps
between labels
^S(CLM,F,DL
size like die cut labels
format
Black mark detection
The black mark attached at the leading edge of the label is
detected.
^S(CLM,D,M
Gap detection
The gap between labels is detected.
^S(CLM,D,W
No detection
Printer does not detect the leading edge of the label.
^S(CLM,D,N
Name
Description
Command
format
supply mechanism.
External feed
The printer receives paper from an external paper supply.
^S(CLM,P,ER
Name
Description
Command
format
Roll paper
Paper formed to roll shape.
^S(CLM,S,RP
Fanfold paper
Paper folded
^S(CLM,S,FP
Media form sets the differences between media forms, such as gap and adhesive.
Table 2.2.3 Media Forms
Continuous label Continuous label with adhesive, and not cut to a specific
Label edge detection 2.2.3
Label edge detection sets the detection methods, such as black mark and gap.
Table 2.2.4 Label edge detection
Name Description
Media source 2.2.4
The media source sets the method for supplying paper to the printer.
Table 2.2.5 Media Source
Internal roll media The printer receives paper from the internal roll paper
^S(CLM,F,CL
Command
^S(CLM,P,IR
Media shape 2.2.5
The media shape sets differences between media shape, such as roll shape and folded shape.
Table 2.2.6 Media Source
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2.3. Errors
Name
Description
Example causes
when the user removes the cause of the error.
Unrecoverable error
An error condition that cannot be reset by
cause of the error.
Detector failure or motor failure
Errors indicate that something has occurred to prevent the printer from printing or executing other
primary functions. Errors are classified as Table 2.3.1 according to their cause and how they are
resolved.
Table 2.3.1 Types of Error
Recoverable error An error condition that can be reset by the
user. The printer returns to normal status
the user because the user cannot remove the
Error status occurs when there is some cause of error in the printer. When the printer recognizes that
all causes of the error have been removed, it returns to idling status.
Power ON
Cause of recoverable error
Recoverable
error
All causes of recoverable
error removed
Idling
Error
Cause of unrecoverable error
Open cover, paper out, paper jam,
caused by aging equipment.
Unrecoverable error
When the printer is in error status, the printer behaves differently than the normal idling status as
described below.
Commands for printer mechanisms, such as print requests, cannot be executed.
Indicators (LEDs/LCDs) indicate errors.
"~H(SMA,S"(Send printer operation status ): ER (error status) is returned.
"~H(SEA,E"(Send error status): the cause of the error is returned.
Figure 2.3.1 Error Status Transition Diagram
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2.4. Print area
Print area is the area of a full sheet of paper where the printer will print. Print area is a logical
rectangular area in the printer, corresponding to one logical label on a sheet of paper. The top left
corner of the print area is the initial home position, which is used as the starting point for printing text
and graphics.
In the printer specifications, the printing limit area is defined as the maximum printable area.
Within the maximum printable area, the area minus the mount (gap) is defined as the printable
area.
Within the printable area, the area minus margins is defined as the print area.
Examples of maximum printable area, printable area, and print area are shown in Figure 2.4.1.
Printer
Home position
Mount (gap)
Label
Figure 2.4.1 Examples of Maximum printable area, Printable Area, and Print Area
Paper
Maximum printable area
Printable area
Print area
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Leading edge and direction definitions 2.4.1
The leading edge, top, bottom, left, and right directions, and X and Y directions of the paper are defined
as described below.
The edge in the feed direction of the paper is defined as the leading edge.
The direction of the leading edge of the paper is defined as the bottom direction, and its opposite
direction is defined as the top direction.
When looking at the print surface of the paper, the left side is defined as the left direction, and the
opposite side is defined as the right direction.
The left-right direction is defined as the X axis, with the right direction defined as the positive X
direction.
The up-down direction is defined as the Y axis, with the down direction defined as the positive Y
direction.
The leading edge, top, bottom, left, and right directions, and the X and Y directions of the paper are
shown in Figure 2.4.2.
X direction
Y direction
Paper
Top direction
Left direction Right direction
Bottom direction
Leading edge
Figure 2.4.2 Leading Edge and Directions
Feed direction
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Reference position definitions 2.4.2
Method of detecting leading edge
position of label
Description
edge position of the label.
Gap detection
The position where the leading edge of the label is detected
is the leading edge position of the label.
Setting item
Setting command format
Leading edge position adjustment
^S(CLE,T,c ¹
When the logical area for a sheet of paper in the printer is arranged on a physical sheet of paper, the 1st
dot position on the left edge of the paper and the leading edge position of the label on the bottom edge of
the paper are used as references. The 1st dot position is the left edge reference position for the
maximum printable area. One of the following methods is used to detect the leading edge position of
the label.
Table 2.4.1 Methods of Detecting the Leading Edge Position of Labels
Black mark detection The position where a black mark is detected is the leading
Paper with black mark
Paper consisting of mount and
labels
Leading edge position of label
Black mark detector
Leading edge position adjustment
1st dot position
Figure 2.4.3 Methods of Detecting the Leading Edge Position of Labels
The leading edge position of a label can be corrected by making changes to the leading edge position
adjustment, to account for detection deviation in the detector (caused by deterioration due to aging).
Table 2.4.2 Setting the Leading Edge Position Adjustment for Labels
Leading edge detector
1st dot position
¹ The unit of the setting value can be selected from dot/mm/inch by ^S(CMP,U or ^MU command.
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Maximum printable area 2.4.3
The maximum printable area is defined as shown below, using the 1st dot position and leading edge
position of the label as references.
The width of the maximum printable area is the maximum media width of the printer.
The length of the maximum printable area is the maximum paper length of the printer.
The left bottom edge of the maximum printable area is the point of intersection between the 1st
dot position and the leading edge position of the label.
Maximum printable
area
Maximum media width
1st dot position
Figure 2.4.4 Maximum printable area
Leading edge position of label
Maximum paper length
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Printable area and mount settings 2.4.4
Direction
Setting items
Setting command format
Left gap
^S(CLS,G,c ¹
Label width
^S(CLS,P,c ¹
Y direction
Label length
^S(CLS,L,c ¹
Within the maximum printable area, the area minus the mount area (gap) is defined as the printable area.
The size of the label area and mount area are set according to the actual paper printed on by the printer.
Table 2.4.3 Mount Settings
X direction
¹ The unit of the setting value can be selected from dot/mm/inch by ^S(CMP,U or ^MU command.
Paper
Next label
Maximum printable area
Left gap Label width
Printable area
Media width
Figure 2.4.5 Printable Area and Gap Settings
Label length
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Print area and margin settings 2.4.5
Direction
Setting items
Setting command format
Left margin
^S(CLW,L,c ¹
Right margin
^S(CLW,R,c ¹
Top mar g in
^S(CLW,T,c ¹
Bottom margin
^S(CLW,B,c ¹
Within the printable area, the area minus margins is defined as the print area. The size of margins is set
in the printer according to printer and paper specifications.
If all margins are set to 0, the printable area and print area will be the same.
Table 2.4.4 Margin Settings
X direction
Y direction
¹ The unit of the setting value can be selected from dot/mm/inch by ^S(CMP,U or ^MU command.
Paper
Left margin
Printable area
Top margin
Right margin
Print area
Bottom margin
Figure 2.4.6 Printable Area and Mount Settings
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Print requests outside the print area 2.4.6
The user prints text and graphics within the print area set in the printer, with the home position as the
starting point. If you attempt to print text or graphics outside the print area, the portion that falls
outside the print area will not be printed.
For example, if a portion of the text string "CDE" falls outside of the print area, as shown in Figure 2.4.7,
only the portion that falls within the print area will actually be printed on the paper.
Paper
Print area
Home
position
Figure 2.4.7 Example of Printing Outside the Print Area
CDE
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