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Issue / Question	How to solve light print, faded images, broken bars, or lines in a barcode? What to do if the print is partially missing or cut off? How to solve white lines in the print, poor or low barcode ANSI grade?

Applicable To	ZT, ZM, RZ, Xi, RXi Series Printers

Resolution / Answer

End Of Service Life (EOSL) Zebra no longer provides services or support for ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, and RZ600 products. This knowledge article is for your reference only and is no longer proactively updated.
For more details, refer to Discontinued Printers. If you are interested in upgrading your products, Contact Zebra.

Proper printer setup and compatible media usage are key to optimal print quality.

Printer Setup Essentials

Thermal Transfer Printing:

Use a compatible ribbon with labels.

Direct Thermal Printing (no ribbon):

Ensure labels are approved for direct thermal use.

Key Setup Steps

Printhead Pressure:
- Ensure even pressure across the label width for consistent image quality.
Darkness (Burn Temperature):
- Set to achieve clear images without burning or spreading.
Print Speed:
- Use the lowest speed that maintains quality.

NOTE The Darkness and Print Speed can be adjusted in the printer driver.

Printhead Maintenance:

- Regularly clean to prevent build-up and ensure heat transfer.

Print Width:

- Set to match label width to avoid cutting off images.

NOTE Use the printer Pause Test Label when performing initial print quality adjustments. This will eliminate any issues introduced by the application or driver configurations. Read More>>

Problem	Example	Resolution
Print is Faded or Too Light Note: if the problem occurs after printing from your application, verify your driver/software configurations. Note: If there is a flood coating or preprint on the label surface where the print issue occurs, check with your supplier for corrective action.	Click to Enlarge	Clean the Printhead: Remove contaminants blocking heat transfer. Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure (With Video). Adjust darkness: Increase if prints are light. Setting the Darkness on a ZM Series, RZ, or ZT200 Series Printer To set the correct darkness, refer to the article Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 5 Settings or Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 8 and Version 10 Settings. Increase Printhead Pressure: ZM-Series Printhead Pressure Read More>> ZT-Series Printhead Pressure Read More>> Xi, RXi Printhead Pressure Read More>> Check Media Compatibility: Ensure labels/ribbon match. Verify Ribbon Loading: Ensure it's not slipping. Read More>>
Print is Faded on One Side.	Click to Enlarge	Balance Printhead Pressure: Adjust for even pressure. Balancing the Printhead Pressure Detail Read More>> ZM-Series Printhead Pressure Read More>> ZT-Series Printhead Pressure Read More>> Xi, RXi Printhead Pressure Read More>>
Barcode ANSI grade is low or will not scan		Adjust Darkness: Avoid setting too high to prevent bar spreading. Check the driver or application darkness settings Setting the Darkness on a ZM Series, RZ, or ZT200 Series Printer. Refer also to the article Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 5 Settings or Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 8 Settings. Print the Feed Selftest Labels and note the barcode quality as the darkness changes. Read More>> Check Quiet Zone: Ensure it is adequate for scanning. Inspect Printhead Elements: Run pause test for defects. Read More>>
The Print is Smearing or Rubbing Off	Click to Enlarge	Match Media and Ribbon: Ensure compatibility.
The Ribbon is Wrinkling	Click to Enlarge	Correct Ribbon Loading: Follow specific series instructions. ZM Series ZM Series -- Loading the Ribbon and Resolving Ribbon Issues (With Video). ZT Series ZT200 Series -- Loading the Ribbon and Resolving Ribbon Issues (With Video) Xi4 Media Load.
White Lines in the Print (Vertical)	Click to Enlarge	Clean Printhead Thoroughly: Use cleaning film if necessary. Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure (With Video). Check Printhead Element Failure: Service may be required.
The Image is Cut Off on the Right.	Click to Enlarge	Set Correct Print Width: Adjust in display and software. Ensure Ribbon is Wider than Labels: Avoid coverage issues. Remove Debris: Check for obstructions on the printhead.

NOTE: Because the ZT220 printer does not have an LCD, you can change the print width in your configuration utility or application, such as the ZDesigner Driver, Zebra Setup Utilities, or ZebraNet Bridge.

Helpful Information

URL Name	ZM-and-ZT-Series-Resolving-Print-Quality-Issues

Title	ZT and ZM Series: Resolving Print Quality Issues

ZT and ZM Series: Resolving Print Quality Issues

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