Send raw ZPL to Zebra printer via USB

Question

Typically, when I plug in my Zebra LP 2844-Z to the USB port, the computer sees it as a printer and I can print to it from notepad like any other generic printer. However, my application has some bar code features. My application parses some input and generates an in-memory string of ZPL. How would I send this ZPL data to my USB device?

Answer 1

I found the answer... or at least, the easiest answer (if there are multiple). When I installed the printer, I renamed it to "ICS Label Printer". Here's how to change the options to allow pass-through ZPL commands:

1. Right-click on the "ICS Label Printer" and choose "Properties".
2. On the "General" tab, click on the "Printing Preferences..." button.
3. On the "Advanced Setup" tab, click on the "Other" button.
4. Make sure there is a check in the box labeled "Enable Passthrough Mode".
5. Make sure the "Start sequence:" is "${".
6. Make sure the "End sequence:" is "}$".
7. Click on the "Close" button.
8. Click on the "OK" button.
9. Click on the "OK" button.

In my code, I just have to add "${" to the beginning of my ZPL and "}$" to the end and print it as plain text. This is with the "Windows driver for ZDesigner LP 2844-Z printer Version 2.6.42 (Build 2382)". Works like a charm!