Global Settings: ZPL

Information regarding the Global Setting- ZPL

ZPL (Use ZPL Labels)- Use ZPL labels by default instead of PNG (warning: ZPL labels are not supported by all carriers and are less customizable than PNG labels).

What is ZPL?

ZPL is the most common label printer language for printing labels.

ZPL was created by Zebra, one of the most popular label printer manufacturers.

Why use ZPL instead of printing PNG images?

• Label printers have varying amounts of RAM (memory). Due to their character-based format, ZPL labels use minimal memory, leading to faster label processing.
• PNG labels, being graphic files, consume more memory, resulting in slightly slower processing and print times.
• In summary, ZPL labels offer faster printing and carrier transfer speeds as their main advantage.

Why do we recommend using PNG instead of ZPL?

• As mentioned in the option description, not all carriers support ZPL for their postage labels. Therefore, you will need to disable the ZPL option, as DesktopShipper cannot specify which carrier uses which label.
• ZPL labels are less customizable than PNG labels, so if you need to add data to the bottom of the carrier labels, like a list of line items or a P.O. number, you'll need a PNG label.
• ZPL does not work with laser printers or PDF labels.