AUTOEXEC.ZPL Files

In some instances it may become necessary or advantageous to create an AUTOEXEC.ZPL file. It functions in much the same way as the autoexec.bat file in MS-DOS. It can be used for setting up various parameters at the time the printer is powered up. When the printer is powered on, it checks its non-volatile memory locations for the stored format called AUTOEXEC.ZPL. If found, the contents of the file are automatically executed as a stored format.

The AUTOEXEC.ZPL file would be stored in one of the following *non-volatile memory locations of the printer.

  • A: compact flash memory (not used in current printer)

  • B: PCMCIA memory ( last used in Xi3+ printers)

  • E: Flash memory (current in all later model printers)

The ZPL scripts shown below can be created and downloaded to the printer using the Zebra Setup Utility Read More>>

If you create a ZPL file using a text editor you can use the Send File Feature in the Zebra Setup Utility Read More>> ..... or any communications method that does not reformat the file content.

The following are examples of common AUTOEXEC.ZPL files that are used:

Note: An AUTOEXEC.ZPL file cannot be used to set the Command Character (i.e ^CCx command) and only one AUTOEXEC.ZPL file can reside on the printer.

Note: the E: memory references below can be substituted with A:, or B: memory

  1. Print width (^PW)

    ^XA
    ^DFE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^PW406
    ^XZ

  2. Left position (^LS Label Shift)

    ^XA
    ^DFE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^LS050
    ^XZ

  3. Font Identifier (^CW)

    ^XA
    ^DFE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^CWX,E:ARIAL.FNT^FS
    ^XZ

  4. Print Rate (^PR)

    ^XA
    ^DFE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^PR4
    ^XZ

  5. Printing a quantity of a canned format at power up: (100 labels will automatically print after powering up the printer.)

    ^XA
    ^DFE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^FO20,20^A0N,30,25^FDProperty of Acme Rental^FS
    ^FO20,60^A0N,30,25^FD847 Main Street^FS
    ^FO20,100^A0N,30,25^FDJupiter, FL 05002^FS
    ^PQ100
    ^XZ

  6. Combination of the above AUTOEXEC.ZPL files:

    ^XA
    ^DFE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^PW406
    ^LS050
    ^PR4
    ^CWX,E:ARIAL.FNT^FS
    ^FO20,20^AXN,30,25^FDProperty of Acme Rental^FS
    ^FO20,60^AXN,30,25^FD847 Main Street^FS
    ^FO20,100^AXN,30,25^FDJupiter, FL 05002^FS
    ^PQ100
    ^XZ

  7. Deleting an AUTOEXEC.ZPL file:

    ~JA
    ^XA
    ^IDE:AUTOEXEC.ZPL^FS
    ^XZ

    After the printer is powered up and finishes the POST it goes into the AUTOEXEC.ZPL routine which might block a command to delete the AUTOEXEC.ZPL file. The ~JA is used in the delete file sent to printer to break out of the AUTOEXEC.ZPL routine.