The print darkness setting allows a user to control the intensity of the transferred image to optimize the perceived print quality.
The darkness can be set from 0 to 30 for a ZPL-based printer while 0-15 for EPL, CPCL-based printer. The actual value you use is based on your media/ribbon combinations and application requirements.
While the darkness value can be set using the printer LCD, the application, driver or software can overwrite or change this setting based on the SD (Set Darkness ZPL command and MD (Media Darkness ZPL command).
For this reason, if you are experiencing problems with print darkness, you may have to determine if there are settings in your software or driver or with your ZPL format that unintentionally alter your darkness value.
Recommended darkness for the new printer is 15.
Procedure
Methods used to set the print darkness:
 | NOTE Software and driver settings can override the darkness level set on the printer.
If test labels print acceptably and then your label format, sent to the printer, changes the darkness, verify your application settings because software settings may alter the printer darkness setting. |
Use one of the following methods to view the printer's current ZPL configuration.
Darkness is listed on the configuration label. Typical values are 0-30.
On Legacy printers (Xi4, Z4M, 105SL), save the settings if you are using the front LCD. To do so, follow these instructions:
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