Label Top

Label Top is a vertical print position adjustment a user can use to assure the top of a non-rotated image is at the correct position at the top of the label. The printer receives image coordinates from the label form based on an x-y position value. (x is the horizontal position and y is the vertical position). Looking at a label hanging out the front of the printer, the upper left corner is the 0,0 position. Read More>>  Label Top moves the printed image Up or Down in the vertical axis.

Factors that affect label movement or tolerances associated with sensors and drive components can affect the default 0,0 position. Label Top allows adjustment to compensate for any of these issues that affect the vertical Y axis placement.

Important - You must have previously calibrated the printer so there is consistent label to label positioning before you can successfully adjust the Top Position. To test proper calibration press the FEED button several times and note that it comes to rest in the same position each time.

Adjusting the Top Position

The Label Top can be adjusted using the ^LT ZPL command (Read More>>). In addition if the printer has an LCD Display you can use the LABEL TOP menu item. (Note: Some of the newer printers such as the ZT200 Series do not have a Label Top menu item).

To properly set the Label Top you should use a test format with known image placement values. Here is one we have created to send 5 labels altering the Label Top position for each label.  Click Here

Here is a video showing a typical label run with the script. Read More>>

Labels Top Position Test Script

Click to Enlarge		 ^XA^LH0,0^PON^PR2^XZ (Removes any programmed offsets and sets normal rotation)
^XA^LT-20^XZ  Sets the Label Top to -20
^XA
^FO0,0^GB400,4,2^FS
^FO10,10^A0N,20,20^FDMinus -20 Top Position (LT-20) ^FS
^FO150,150^A0N,60,60^FD(LT-20)^FS
^PQ1
^XZ
^XA^LT-10^XZ Sets the Label Top to -10
^XA
^FO0,0^GB400,4,2^FS
^FO10,10^A0N,20,20^FDMinus -10 Top Position (LT-10) ^FS
^FO150,150^A0N,60,60^FD(LT-10)^FS
^PQ1
^XZ
^XA^LT00^XZ Sets the Label Top to 00
^XA
^FO0,0^GB400,4,2^FS
^FO10,10^A0N,20,20^FDZero 0 Top Position (LT00) ^FS
^FO150,150^A0N,60,60^FD(LT00)^FS
^PQ1
^XZ
^XA^LT10^XZ Sets the Label Top to +10
^XA
^FO0,0^GB400,4,2^FS
^FO10,10^A0N,20,20^FDPlus +10 Top Position (LT+10)^FS
^FO150,150^A0N,60,60^FD(LT10)^FS
^PQ1
^XZ
^XA^LT20^XZ Sets the Label Top to 20
^XA
^FO0,0^GB400,4,2^FS
^FO10,10^A0N,20,20^FDPlus +20 Top Position (LT+20)^FS
^FO150,150^A0N,60,60^FD(LT20)^FS
^PQ1
^XZ

Click To Enlarge

 The image should include the line and text under the line. This will indicate the line is correctly positioned with the Label Top setting. The line should be fully visible at the very top edge of the label without being more than 1mm from the inter-label gap.
   
   

 

Positive numbers adjust the label top position farther down the label by the specified number of dots. Negative numbers adjust the position up the label.

Once you establish the correct Label Top Value send this ZPL replacing "xx" with the desired setting. ^JUS saves the setting.

^XA
^LTxx
^JUS^XZ

Remember, if your application sends another ^LTxx value it will overwrite the saved settings.

Common Mistakes 

  • Creating your label formats and moving the text, barcode or graphic position to compensate for the printer tolerances is a common mistake. This may work fine until you print too close to the bottom and the image begins to truncate or be cut off . This is because you may have exceeded the bit map length since the actual top of the label is incorrect. Adjusting for the Top Position first and then positioning your images is the correct way to position all your images.
  • Sending the same Top Position value in your ZPL to multiple printers is not a good practice. Printer to printer tolerances vary and you may need specific Top Position values unique to a given printer. In summary, set the Top Position for the printer and save the value then avoid sending the ^LT (Label Top ZPL command). This command may be generated as part of a printer setting in your software application or Zebra Drivers and will overwrite the printer settings regardless of the saved values.
  • If you have an application or software that has a Top Position setting value and are printing to a single printer, you can match the setting you saved on the printer. However, if you are printing to multiple printers determine if there is a method that avoids sending ZPL configurations to the printer. With the ZebraDesigner Driver you can set "Use Printer Settings" check box and the configuration commands will not be sent. If you have ZPL formats that you can edit remove the ^LT command to avoid overwriting the printer setting.