This article explains how to print a ZPL file using a text editor and the Windows Generic Text Driver Printer.
In order to use the HME360 Web app for printing RFID tags with a AZ you must install a generic ZPL printer on the device from which you are printing.
To print a file that contains the ZPL command (the extension of the file is not important as long as it is possible to open the file with a text editor, it can be .txt, .zpl, .prn.), you can use the Generic Text Printer Driver provided by Windows.
After installing the printer using Windows driver, you can use this feature by installing a second instance of the same printer on the same port where the standard printer is already installed by following these steps:
Check which port your computer is using to communicate with the printer:
- Open the Windows > Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on the required printer.
- Select the Ports tab and check for the selected port.
Proceed with the installation of the second instance of the printer by using the Generic Text Driver:
Open the Printer Properties window and click Add a printer.
Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Select the Add a local printer or a network printer with manual settings option, then click Next.
Select the Use an existing port option and select the same port where the printer is already installed from the drop-down menu. Click Next.
Select Generic as the Manufacturer and Generic / Text Only under Printers. Click Next.
Select Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended) option and click Next.
Optionally, you can change the printer’s name if needed and click Next.
Select either to share or not to share the printer and click Next.
Now you have successfully added the printer of your choice. Click Finish to complete the installation.
In the screenshot below, now there are 2 printers installed on the same computer port. The first one in the screenshot uses the standard driver that will work as usual with applications such as the ZebraDesigner, while the second one will print the ZPL files from a text editor.
Now you can open the file with a Text editor and select the printer that you have just installed.
