Brother P-Touch QL-500 User Manual
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Brother P-Touch QL-500 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Brother P-Touch QL-500

  • Page 1 www.brother.com...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Uninstalling Software ... 29 Uninstalling P-touch Editor Version 4.1 ... 29 Uninstalling the Printer Driver ... 30 Connecting the QL-500/550 to Multiple Computers ... 31 Using the QL-500/550 as a Shared Printer... 31 Using the PS-9000 Print Server... 31 CREATING LABELS ... 32 Overview ...

  • Page 4: Contents

    Cleaning the Roller ... 62 Changing Cutter Unit ... 64 Troubleshooting ... 65 What to do when... 65 Specifications ... 66 QL-500 / QL-550... 66 Operating Environment... 66 Accessories (For USA Only) ... 67 DK Rolls ... 67 Replacement Cutter... 67 Cleaning Sheet ...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Congratulations on purchasing the QL-500/550. Your new QL-500/550 is a label printer that connects to your personal computer, enabling you to quickly and easily print professional custom labels that you have created on your personal computer using the label editing software provided.

  • Page 6: Brother® One-Year Limited Warranty And Replacement Service (Usa Only)

    (collectively referred to in this warranty as "this Product"). • If you purchased a product from someone other than an authorized Brother reseller in the United States or if the product was used (including but not limited to floor models or refurbished product), prior to your purchase you are not the Original Purchaser and the product that you purchased is not covered by this warranty.
  • Page 7 If the problem reported concerning your Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items is covered by this warranty and if you first reported the problem to Brother or an Authorized Service Center within the applicable warranty period, Brother or its Authorized Service Center will repair or replace the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items at no charge to you for parts or labor.
  • Page 8 • This Limited Warranty (and Brother's obligation to you) may not be changed in any way unless you and Brother sign the same piece of paper in which we (1) refer to this Product and your bill of sale date, (2) describe the change to this warranty and (3) agree to make that change.

  • Page 9: Important Information

    Important Information Should you have questions, or need information about your Brother Product, we have a variety of support options for you to choose from: USA-Customer Service: Customer Service 877-478-6824 (voice) Customer Service 901-379-1210 (fax) Automated Faxback 800-521-2846 World Wide Web www.brother.com...

  • Page 10: General Precautions

    Doing so may cause damage to the surface finish. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the dirty QL-500/550. • Do not place any heavy objects or objects containing water on top of the QL-500/550. If water or any foreign object enters the QL-500/550, contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was purchased or your local authorized service center.

  • Page 11: Cd-Rom & Software

    AC power cord • Use only the AC power cord included with the QL-500/550. • If the QL-500/550 will not be used for an extended period, remove the power supply cord from the electrical outlet. • Always hold the plug when removing the power cord from or inserting it into the outlet. Pulling on the cord could cause a problem with the power cord.

  • Page 12: Symbols Used In This Guide

    This symbol indicates information or directions that should be followed - if ignored, the result may be damage, injury, or failed operations. This symbol indicates information or directions that can help you better understand or use the QL-500/550 more efficiently. Symbols Used in this Guide Symbols Used in this Guide...

  • Page 13: Getting Started

    GETTING STARTED Unpacking Your QL-500/550 Check that the package contains the following before using your QL-500/550. If any item is missing or damaged, please contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was purchased. P-touch QL-500/550 QL-500 USB cable CD-ROM Starter roll The QL-500 includes one starter roll of DK Die-cut Standard Address Labels (100 labels).

  • Page 14: Ql-500/550 Components

    If the DK Roll compartment cover is left open, dust will collect on the print head. Always close the cover. Back QL-500/QL-550 Do not connect the QL-500/550 to the USB port of your personal computer yet. Do not connect the QL-500/550 to your personal computer until directed to do so when installing the printer driver. If the QL-...

  • Page 15: Button Descriptions

    System error Turns off after flashing fast ten times Turn the QL-500/550 off and then on again. If this error re-occurs, contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was purchased or your local authorized service center. Condition Condition QL-500/550 Components...

  • Page 16: Connecting To The Power Supply

    • Do not pull the cord when removing it from the electrical outlet. The wire in the cord may become damaged. Do not connect the QL-500/550 to the USB port of your personal computer yet. Do not connect the QL-500/550 to your personal computer until directed to do so when installing the printer driver.

  • Page 17: Installing The Dk Roll

    There is a wide range of DK Rolls available for use with your QL-500/550, allowing you to create almost any type of label you need. Available supplies The types of DK Rolls that may be used with the QL-500/550 are listed below.

  • Page 18: Installing The Paper Guide

    Lower the label lever and then close the DK Roll compartment cover. Your QL-500/550 comes with a paper guide that collects a strip of printed labels that have been printed and not yet cut off from the machine. Attach the paper guide to the front of the QL-500/550 as shown in the figure.

  • Page 19: Installing Software

    , using the Add-In icon in the tool bar of each application. Printer Driver This software enables your personal computer to print labels on your QL-500/550. The CD contains the printer driver for the specific model purchased. Software and Compatible Operating Systems The software is compatible with the following operating systems and versions of Microsoft applications.

  • Page 20: Installing The Software

    INSTALLING SOFTWARE The installation procedure differs depending on the operating system running on your personal computer. Refer to the installation procedure for the appropriate operating system to install the software. Refer to “When using Microsoft operating system.  When using Microsoft Start your personal computer and insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 21 Carefully read the license agreement. If you agree to the terms and conditions of the license agreement, click [Yes] to continue installation. The Customer Information dialog box appears. Enter your “User Name” and the “Company Name”, and then click [Next]. The Setup Type dialog box appears.
  • Page 22 The Add Shortcut dialog box appears. Specify where to add shortcuts (for easy, one click access) for the Brother software, and then click [Next]. If you do not want a shortcut created for an area, clear the check box for that area.
  • Page 23 The Driver Setup dialog box does not appear if “Driver” is not selected in Custom installation. When the Driver Setup dialog box instructs you to connect the QL-500/ 550, plug the connector on the USB cable into the USB port on the back of the QL-500/550.
  • Page 24 When connecting the QL-500/550 to a personal computer via a USB hub, a proper connection may not be possible due to the type of hub used. If this occurs, connect the QL-500/ 550 directly to the personal computer. When using Microsoft The error dialog box shown to the right may appear during the installation.
  • Page 25  When using Microsoft Windows Start your personal computer and insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. A dialog box appears briefly while the InstallShield Wizard prepares for installation. When the preparation is complete, the InstallShield Wizard welcome dialog box appears.
  • Page 26 INSTALLING SOFTWARE Enter your “User Name” and the “Company Name”, and then click [Next]. The Setup Type dialog box appears. Select the type of setup you prefer. Change the default destination folder if you wish to place the program files elsewhere, and then click [Next].
  • Page 27 Specify where to add shortcuts (for easy, one click access) for Brother Software, and then click [Next]. If you do not want a shortcut created for an area, clear the check box for that area. Clear all check boxes to add no shortcuts.
  • Page 28 550, plug the connector on the USB cable into the USB port on the back of the QL-500/550. Check that the QL-500/550 is turned on, and then plug the connector on the USB cable into the USB port on your personal computer.
  • Page 29 Click [Next]. The next Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears. The settings displayed on the screen may vary depending on the operating environment the software is being installed on. The software will automatically make the appropriate settings, so it is not necessary to change these settings.
  • Page 30 INSTALLING SOFTWARE Proceed with one of the following. When the Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears. Click [Finish]. The new hardware has been detected. Return to step 10. When an error dialog box appears. Refer to Error Recovery on page 28 to correct the error.
  • Page 31 Select on option and then click [Next]. When “Yes, display the page.” is selected, the online user registration web page is opened in your web browser. When “No, do not display the page.” is selected, installation continues. The InstallShield Wizard Complete dialog box appears.
  • Page 32 You can also follow the above procedure to install the QL-500 or QL-550 printer driver on additional computers with Windows 98 SE installed.

  • Page 33: Uninstalling Software

    This procedure removes the P-touch Editor software and associated software files. The printer driver is not removed by this procedure. Start (→ Settings) → Control Panel → Add or Remove Programs → Brother P-touch Editor Version 4.1 (/Brother P-touch Quick Editor) → Change/Remove (Add/Remove...) The InstallShield Wizard dialog box appears.

  • Page 34: Uninstalling The Printer Driver

    Open the Printer control panel (Printers and Faxes for Windows Professional)). For details, refer to Windows Help. Select the Brother QL-500 (or Brother QL-550) icon and then select “Delete” from the “File” menu. Refer to Windows Help for other methods of removing a printer driver from your personal computer.

  • Page 35: Connecting The Ql-500/550 To Multiple Computers

    The QL-500/550 can be shared by multiple personal computers connected by a network. To share the QL-500/550, connect the QL-500/550 to a computer and set it to be a shared device. The QL-500/550 can now used as a network label printer.

  • Page 36: Creating Labels

    This section describes the general procedure for creating labels using your QL-500/550. Refer to the sections indicated for details and additional information related to each operation. Choose the label you want to create shown below are a few label samples. Your QL-500/ 550 includes a standard address label.
  • Page 37 51 or P-touch Editor Help Object dock The object dock contains icons for functions to add text, graphics, tables, frames and other decorative objects to the label. P-touch Editor Help The label is printed from the QL-500/550. p. 37 Overview...

  • Page 38: Starting P-Touch Editor

    CREATING LABELS To start P-touch Editor, click the Start button on the task bar, point to All Programs (or Programs), point to P- touch Editor 4.1, and then click P-touch Editor. You can also start P-touch Editor by double-clicking the short-cut icon on the desktop or clicking the short-cut icon in the Quick Launch Tray if these were created during installation.

  • Page 39: Using P-Touch Editor

    After installing and starting the software, you are now ready to create your own labels. While you can create a wide range of labels using P-touch Editor, there is generally a common work flow for creating any label. Select the type and size of label Add decorative objects to the label Each process in this work flow is described in the following sections.

  • Page 40: Creating An Address Label

    CREATING LABELS Creating an Address Label This section describes the process of creating an address label as an example. In this example we will create a standard sized address label with the addressee’s name in bold and a slightly larger font size, and with a simple single-line frame with rounded corners. In the Page properties box, select Standard Address from the pull-down list of label types.

  • Page 41: Printing The Label

    When Printing Speed over Quality has been checked, some objects may not print or the printed image may appear slightly different. Click to open the Brother QL-500/550 Properties dialog box and then select one of the Quality radio buttons. Print Options Details Checked - the printed labels are automatically cut after printing.

  • Page 42: Saving The Label

    CREATING LABELS Saving the Label You can save the label you have created in a file for later use. Click in the Standard toolbar. The Save As dialog box appears. When the current label layout has already been saved, changes are saved to the existing file name. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the file, enter the file name, and then click The label layout is saved in the location specified.

  • Page 43: Creating Bar Code Labels

    Creating Bar Code Labels You can create labels with bar codes for use with cash registers, stock control systems or other bar code reader systems. In the Page properties box, select Normal Format from the pull-down list of label types. The tape length and width settings are automatically set to the size of a standard address label.
  • Page 44 • The bar code reader may not be able to read bar code labels with narrow bar codes. • The QL-500/550 is not designed exclusively for creating bar code labels. Always check that bar code labels can be read by the bar code reader.

  • Page 45: Creating Other Types Of Labels

    Creating Other Types of Labels The following are examples of the variety of labels that can be created using P-touch Editor and some optional features. Refer to How To in the online P-touch Editor Help for further details. Sample 1: Making an address label with P-touch Editor 2: Changing the font of the...

  • Page 46: Using Help

    CREATING LABELS Using Help P-touch Editor has its own Help application that offers further detailed information on the features available with P-touch Editor and how to use these features. Opening Help Start P-touch Editor. Refer to “Starting P-touch Editor” on page 34. The layout window appears.
  • Page 47 Printing Help The contents of the Help topics can be printed to a standard printer (not the QL-500/550). Select a topic in the Contents tab. Click on the toolbar. The Print Topics dialog box appears. Select the range of topics to be printed, and then click The Print dialog box appears.

  • Page 48: The Label List

    CREATING LABELS The Label List is a built-in database for storing information from previously created labels or for potentially new labels. How the Label List Works The Label List is displayed in the Label List window, and works similarly to a Database connection. Refer to “Using a Database”...

  • Page 49: Using The Label List

    Form view Displays the selected record data in a form rather than as a list. Field name Using the Label List As an example we will create a set of address labels using the Label List. Before beginning, create a new layout and select the label size. Refer to “Creating an Address Label”...
  • Page 50 CREATING LABELS To add the next record, right click in the Label List window, and select “Create New Record” from the pull down menu. A new record appears in the list. Enter the name and address, etc., in the new record. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to add more records.

  • Page 51: Creating Labels Using A Layout Style And Data From The Label List

    To set a default layout style for a particular DK roll type. Load the DK roll, for the type you wish to set the default style for, into the QL-500/550. Click the Format menu, and then click Apply Layout Style to open the list of available layout styles to select from.
  • Page 52 CREATING LABELS Select the appropriate layout for the label you want to create, and then click The Merge Fields dialog box appears. Each label size has default Layout Style. For each, the layout style used the last time for that specific label size will be automatically saved and used the next time.
  • Page 53 To add the field from the Label List to the label layout, click on the field selector of the field you want to add to the label, and then drag and drop it on the layout. A pop-up menu appears. Select “Text”...
  • Page 54 Print dialog box and select the print options. Refer to “Print Options” on page 37 for details. The “Auto Cut” option is not available when using the QL-500. Select a Print Range option to select which records are printed. Refer to the Print Range Options table for details.

  • Page 55: Using P-Touch Editor With Other Applications

    P-touch Editor 4.1, point to P-touch Tools, and then click Add-In Utility. In the Brother P-touch Add-In Settings dialog box, check the checkbox of the applications that you want to use the P-touch Add-In with, or uncheck the checkbox of the applications that you do not want to use the P-touch Add-In with.

  • Page 56: Microsoft Word

    CREATING LABELS Microsoft Word You can start the P-touch Add-In and copy the highlighted data directly onto a label from Microsoft Word. The highlighted data is copied as text and automatically added to a new record created in the Label List. The Title and Body fields of the new record are then merged into a new label layout, which is displayed in the Add-In Preview window.

  • Page 57: Print Button

    Prints the current label. Print Settings button Opens the Print dialog box. Check Media button Checks the size of the DK Roll currently inserted in the QL-500/550. Change Paper Setting Opens the Paper Settings dialog box. Zoom controls Zoom in or zoom out on the label layout, or select the magnification using the pull-down list.

  • Page 58: Microsoft Excel

    CREATING LABELS Click to print the label. To edit or customize the text or label layout, click The full P-touch Editor screen appears and you can edit the label. How Microsoft Word data is added to the Label List A new record is automatically created and the text in the selected data is added to the following fields.
  • Page 59 Click in Microsoft Excel’s standard toolbar. P-touch Editor starts and the Add-In Preview window appears showing the newly created label. • Refer to P-touch Editor Help for other methods of starting P-touch Editor from within Microsoft Excel. • An error message appears if there is no data highlighted, or if the data highlighted contains an object not supported by P-touch Editor.

  • Page 60: Microsoft Outlook

    CREATING LABELS • Uncheck the "Label List" checkbox in the Add-In Preview window when you do not want to register the data in the Label List. • The data is copied onto a label formatted with the default Layout Style. To change the Layout Style, click to open the full P-touch Editor screen and edit the layout or apply a different Layout Style.
  • Page 61 • Refer to P-touch Editor Help for other methods of starting P-touch Editor from within Microsoft Outlook. • An error message appears if there is no data highlighted, or if the data highlighted contains an object not supported by P-touch Editor. •...

  • Page 62: Using A Database

    CREATING LABELS Using a Database What is the database function? The database function allows you to use existing data from another source to quickly create custom labels containing database content - for example name/address labels or inventory labels with codes. The supported formats are mdb (MS Access), csv (generic format) and xls (MS Excel). Creating a name badge label using a database This procedure describes how to retrieve the database information and associate it to the layout.
  • Page 63 Navigate to the file containing the data to be used for the labels and open the file. We will be using MS Excel data for this example. After opening the database file, the Database window appears below the Layout work area. Click on the field selector of the field you want to add to the label, for this example we will use the Name field, and then drag and drop it on the layout.
  • Page 64 CREATING LABELS Use the Text Properties dialog box to update the font, position and size of the new field. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to add more fields to the layout. Once you have competed editing the layout, the label is ready to be printed. You can check the layout and content of each label by selecting the corresponding record in the Database window.
  • Page 65 • To print several labels, hold down the [Ctrl] key and select the records in the Database window for the labels you want to print, and then click The “Auto Cut” option is not available when using the QL-500. in the Print Properties box.

  • Page 66: Appendix

    APPENDIX Your QL-500/550 may need cleaning from time to time, particularly if you are using it in a dusty environment. Cleaning the Print Head The DK Paper Roll used in the QL-500/550 is designed to automatically clean the print head. As the DK Paper Roll passes over the head during printing or label feeding, the print head is cleaned.
  • Page 67 After the Cleaning Sheet is inserted in the slot, peel of section ( ) of the sheet. Turn on the QL-500/550. Press and hold the FEED button for at least one second. The roller rotates for 4" (10 cm). • The length of the Cleaning Sheet is 3" (8.5 cm).

  • Page 68: Changing Cutter Unit

    Refer to Accessories on page 67 for details on purchasing a replacement cutter. Turn off the QL-500/550 and unplug the power code from the electrical outlet. Open the DK Roll compartment cover, lift up the label lever, and remove the DK Roll from the compartment.

  • Page 69: Troubleshooting

    Check that the power supply cord is connected and plugged in. If flash. connected correctly, try connecting it to another electrical outlet. * If the power button still does not light up or flash, contact Brother The printed label Is the print head or roller dirty?

  • Page 70: Specifications

    APPENDIX QL-500 / QL-550 Item Display LED lamp (green) Printing method Printing speed Printing Print head Maximum Printing Width Minimum printing length ON/OFF button Buttons FEED button CUT button (QL-550 only) Interface USB (USB Spec. 1.1 protocol) Power source AC 120 V 60 Hz (0.8A) Dimensions 5-3/4"...

  • Page 71: Accessories (For Usa Only)

    Accessories (For USA Only) Brother recommends the use of genuine Brother accessories with your QL-500/550. The use of other products may effect the print quality or may damage your QL-500/550. The following supplies and accessories are available for your QL-500/550 and can be ordered directly from Brother should your retailer not stock them.

  • Page 72: Index

    APPENDIX APPENDIX AC power cord ... 7 Accessories ... 67 Add-In function ... 51 Add-In Preview window Add-In software ... 15 Add-Ins ... 22 Administrator ... 15 Auto Cut ... 37 Auto Format Templates Bar Code ... 39, 49 Body field ...
  • Page 73 Entering data ... 45 How it works ... 44 Opening ... 45 Printing labels from ... 50 Using ... 45 Views ... 44 Label List Object ... 48 Label List window ... 35 Label List/Database window Labels Printing ... 37 Saving ...

  • Page 74: Typical Setup

    All titles and copyrights to the software on bundled CD (including but not limited to the program, images, clipboard, templates and text incorporated into the software) and any copies of the software are owned by Brother Industries, Ltd. (and its suppliers). The user may not resale, duplicate, change, reverse-engineer, disassemble or decompile any part or all of the software on bundled CD without prior written permission.

  • Page 75: Contact Information

    For purchasing accessories and certain Brother products: http://www.brothermall.com Accessories and Supplies To order Brother accessories or supplies by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, you may call toll tree 1-888-879-3232, or complete the order form in your user’s guide and fax both sides of the form to 1-800-947-1445.

This manual is also suitable for:

Ql 500 - p-touch b/w thermal transfer printerAndtrade; ql-500Andtrade; ql-550

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