Zebra EPL2 Programming Language Programming Guide

Zebra EPL2（ELTRON ®  The official programming manual of Programming Language is aimed at label printer developers, fully defining the EPL2 command syntax, parameters, formats, and usage rules. It supports text, one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes (QR/DataMatrix/PDF417/Aztec/MaxiCode), graphics, lines, form storage, variables/counters, RTC clocks, and other printing elements. It provides SGD (Set/Get/Do) configuration instructions and wired/wireless network parameters, covering serial/parallel/Ethernet/wireless settings, error codes, memory management, character sets (including China, Japan, and South Korea), and is suitable for desktop printers such as G-Series, 2844, 3842. The core is used for label template design, batch printing, variable printing, and automation control.

EPL2 core command system

1. Image and page control

Key parameters of command function

N Clear image cache None

Set label width (dots) from 0 to 65535

Q Set label length+spacing length, spacing, offset

Set the left and right margins, as well as the top and bottom margins, of the reference origin point (X, Y) for R

Z sets the printing direction T=forward/B=reverse

Number of printed copies and sets executed by P

XA automatic detection label size none

2. Text Printing (Command A)

Function: Print text, supporting built-in fonts 1-5 and Asian fonts 8-9 (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean)

Grammar: A x, y, rotation, font, aspect ratio, aspect ratio, reversed color, “content”

Support: Variables, counters, RTC time/date (TT/TD), expression calculation

3. Barcode printing

One dimensional barcode (B command)

Support: Code 39/128, EAN-8/13, UPC-A/E, Codabar, ITF, Postnet, etc

2D barcode (b command)

QR Code、Data Matrix、PDF417、Aztec、MaxiCode、Aztec Mesa

PDF417 supports Macro PDF large data splitting

4. Graphics and Lines

Command function

LO/LE/LW black/XOR/white lines

LS diagonal line

X box

GM/GG/GK stores/calls/deletes PCX graphics

GW directly writes binary graphics

5. Forms, Variables, and Counters

Form storage: FS (Save) → FE (End) → FR (Call) → FK (Delete)

Variable (V): Supports 00~99, maximum 99 characters, left/right/center alignment

Counter (C): 0~9, steps ± 1~9, used for serial number printing

AUTOFR: Automatically run forms upon startup, enabling offline printing

6. Printer system configuration

Command function

Printing speed (1-6 ips)

D printing density (0~15)

Y serial port settings (baud rate/checksum/data bits/stop bits)

Hardware options (cutter, peeling, sensor)

Fine adjustment of cutting blade position

C Cut the paper immediately

^@Printer reset

^Default factory reset

SGD (Set/Get/Do) configuration instruction

Format:! U1 setvar/getvar/do “Parameters” “Values”

Core purpose:

Setvar: Set network, serial port, and print mode

Getvar: query firmware IP、 Mileage and status

Do: Perform actions (clean the cutting blade, calibrate the sensor)

Support:

Network: IP, DHCP, FTP, HTTP, SNMP, TELNET

Wireless: SSID, Security, Roaming, Signal

Milemeter: total print length, print head lifespan, media count

Character set and multilingual support

Latin characters: Code Page 437/850/852/1252

Asian Double Byte:

Simplified Chinese GBK 936

Japanese Shift JIS 932

Korean 949

Command: I select the code page; Set the spacing between Asian characters; Replace Euro symbol with oR

Error and Status Report

^Ee: Immediately return error code

Common errors:

00: No errors

01: Grammar error

03: Barcode data length error

07: Paper/ribbon shortage

11: Print head turned on

US/UT: Enable serial port error feedback (ACK/NACK)

Memory management

M: Allocate memory for forms/graphics/soft fonts

FI/UE/UG: Query Form/Font/Graphic Information

FK/GK/EK: Delete Forms/Graphics/Soft Fonts

Key questions and answers

Question 1: What is the most core tag template structure in EPL2? What are the minimum commands required?

Answer: The simplest template fixed structure is: N → q (width) → Q (length) → content (A/B/X, etc.) → P (printing). The cache must be cleared with N, the paper defined with q/Q, and finally output with P. Example: Nq400Q200,24A50,50,0,1,1,1, N, “Hello Zebra” P1

Question 2: How does EPL2 achieve continuous printing of serial numbers? What is the difference between a counter and a variable?

answer:

Counter (C command): dedicated to increasing/decreasing numbers from 0 to 9, supports stepping, suitable for serial numbers.

Variable (V command): can store any string, numbered from 00 to 99, used for custom content such as product name and batch.

Usage: Define V/C in the form first, use when printing? Incoming data, with reference method V01/C1.

Question 3: What is the relationship between EPL2 and SGD instructions? What scenarios are they used for?

answer:

EPL2: Used for label content design (text, barcode, graphics, forms).

SGD: Used for printer system configuration (IP, speed, density, network, status query).

Both can coexist but must be sent separately and cannot be written on the same line; SGD is here! Starting with U1, EPL2 directly starts with the command.