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ZPL (Zebra Programming Language)

What is ZPL?

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) is a page description language from Zebra Technologies, used primarily for labeling applications. The original language was superseded by ZPL II, but it is not fully compatible with the older version. ZPL II is supported by some non-Zebra label printers.

How the Language Works

This simple programming language supports basic shapes such as circles, ellipses, horizontal and diagonal lines, and boxes. You can also use various parameters to manipulate these shapes. For instance, you can draw a simple horizontal line by typing the command GB.

You can adjust its height and width by adjusting the values in the respective fields. You can also draw embedded images using the same language.

Rather than using a graphical interface to design labels, ZPL uses coded instructions like:

ZPL

^XA
^CF0,30

^FO50,50^FDFrom:^FS
^FO50,90^FDInterShipping Inc.^FS
^FO50,130^FD123 Logistics Lane^FS
^FO50,170^FDSupplytown, NY 10001^FS

^FO50,230^FDTo:^FS
^FO50,270^FDJohn Doe^FS
^FO50,310^FD456 Main Street^FS
^FO50,350^FDShelbyville, TN 38102^FS

^FO50,410^GB700,3,3^FS
^FO50,430^FDShipping Method:^FS
^FO300,430^FDGROUND^FS

^FO50,490^GB700,3,3^FS

^FO50,510^FDTracking Number:^FS
^FO50,550^BY3
^FO50,580^BCN,100,Y,N,N
^FD123456789012^FS

^FO50,700^GB700,3,3^FS
^XZ

Why Use ZPL?

While label design tools like ZebraDesigner or MarkMagic allow for graphical label creation, ZPL gives you precise control and fast, programmable output. Here are a few reasons ZPL is preferred in industrial settings:

  • Speed: ZPL prints quickly and efficiently, especially when sent directly to a Zebra printer via network or USB.
  • Automation: Labels can be generated and printed programmatically from within business software.
  • Flexibility: You can dynamically insert variable data like barcodes, serial numbers, or product names at print time.
  • Portability: ZPL files are small and lightweight, making them easy to store, transmit, and replicate.

Key Components

Understanding a few key ZPL commands can help you get comfortable with how label instructions are structured:

1. Start and End Commands

  • ^XA – Start of label format
  • ^XZ – End of label format

2. Field Origin

  • ^FOx,y – Sets the x,y position where the field (text, barcode, image) will be printed

3. Fonts and Text

  • ^A – Specifies the font and orientation
  • ^FD – Field data (the actual text to print)
  • ^FS – Field separator (ends the current field)

4. Barcodes

  • ^BY – Barcode field default settings
  • ^BC – Code 128 barcode
  • ^B3 – Code 39 barcode

5. Graphics

  • ^GFA – Defines a graphic image field
  • ^XG – Reuse a graphic stored in memory

Common Use Cases

ZPL is heavily used in environments where speed, automation, and precision are non-negotiable. These include:

  • Warehouse shipping labels (e.g., FedEx, UPS, LTL)
  • Product barcode labels for retail, automotive, or electronics
  • Pallet labels and case-level compliance labeling
  • Inventory tags for bins, racks, and WIP tracking
  • Retail shelf labels and markdown stickers
  • Healthcare lab and specimen labels

Because the language is text-based and modular, labels can be created dynamically using variable data pulled from databases or applications—ideal for environments with high SKU variety or just-in-time production.

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