How to print a logo on labels using a Zebra printer and sending ZPL instructions to it
I would like send ZPL instructions to a Zebra printer (GK420t for now). I'm printing 50mm x 20mm labels. I would like a logo (small ~ 5mm x 5mm image) to be printed on the upper left corner of the label.
I would like to know the steps I should follow to do this.
I have been reading and trying a few things from the ZPL manual but I don't really understand how it works and couldn't find a working example.
It looks like I have to "load" the image into the printer first (in a so-called "storage area"/DRAM?) and then print it.
The .GRF file extension is mentioned many times in the manual.
I couldn't find the tool to convert a .PNG or .BMP image into a .GRF file.
I read that a .GRF file is an ASCII HEX representation of a graphic image... but it didn't help me do the work.
I could print the logo on the labels using the "Zebra Setup Utilities", by "Downloading Fonts and Graphics", choosing any available .MMF file, adding a .BMP picture, downloading it [to the printer] and printing a test page. But until now, I couldn't do it using ZPL instructions.
I am also wondering what are the best dimensions I should use given the fact that I need a small image ~5mm x 5mm to be printed on the labels. The image I printed is a 40px x 40px image. Also, if I have to make a .GRF file from an original image what should be the type of this file (.BMP, .PNG, .JPG)?
Can you advise me how to proceed?
Answer
It sounds like you have some existing ZPL code, and all you want to do is add an image to it.
If that's the case, the easiest solution is probably to go to the Labelary online ZPL viewer, paste your ZPL into the viewer, click "Add image", and upload the image that you want to add to the ZPL.
This should modify your ZPL by adding the image ZPL commands that you need, and you can then tweak the position, etc.