Epson LW-400 - Label Maker Manual
- 1 Button names and functions
- 2 Turning the power off
- 3 Display indicators
- 4 Display settings
- 5 Setup
- 6 Creating labels
-
7
Useful functions
- 7.1 Changing the font size
- 7.2 Changing the font
- 7.3 Available fonts
- 7.4 Changing the font style
- 7.5 Available styles
- 7.6 Adding a frame
- 7.7 Specifying the length of labels
- 7.8 Adjusting the space between characters
- 7.9 Changing the font width
- 7.10 Creating vertical text
- 7.11 Creating mirror image text
- 8 Creating special formats
- 9 Printing labels
- 10 Cleaning
- 11 Troubleshooting
- 12 Specifications
- 13 Epson technical support
- 14 Recycling
- 15 Purchase supplies and accessories
- 16 References
- 17 Download manual
- 18 In Other Languages

Button names and functions

- Power
- Font
- Font size
- Frame
- Font style
- Settings
- Character keys
- Shift key
- Caps lock
- Accent
- Space
- Shift key
- Select/Enter
- Punctuation
- Delete (
+
deletes all text) - Symbols
- Special formats
- Print copies
- Preview
- Cursor keys (
+
,
+
goes to previous or next label) - Print (
+
feeds the tape)
Cut button - Display
Turning the power off
Press
to turn off the power. If using an AC adapter, disconnect it from the wall outlet and the product. If batteries are inserted, remove them only if the product will not be used for a long period of time.
Display indicators
Indicators on the display show whether or not settings are enabled.

- Font size
- Font width
- Frame
- Font style
- Vertical text
- Battery level
- Accent mark options
- Upper/lower case
- Cursor (blinks to indicate current position)
- Line number (appears when multiple lines exist)
Note: You can print up to four lines of text.
- Label number (you can save up to 50 labels)
Display settings
You can adjust the following display settings:
Backlight: Turns the backlight of the display on or off. Contrast: Adjusts the density of the fonts on the display. (Value: -5 to +5)
Language: Changes the language of the settings and messages on the display.
inch: cm: Selects the unit of measurement for length.
To adjust display settings, follow the steps below:
- Press
to turn on the product. - Press
+
. - Press
or
to highlight a setting, then press
to select it. - Press or t
or
select setting options, then press
.
Setup
This product operates with batteries (not included) or with an AC adapter (not included).
Inserting batteries
- Remove the rear cover.
![Epson - LW-400 - Inserting batteries - Step 1 Inserting batteries - Step 1]()
- Insert 6 AA alkaline batteries.
![Epson - LW-400 - Inserting batteries - Step 2 Inserting batteries - Step 2]()
Note: If you need to install a tape cartridge, see "Inserting a tape cartridge" below.
- Replace the cover and snap it into place.
![Epson - LW-400 - Inserting batteries - Step 3 Inserting batteries - Step 3]()
Optional AC adapter (APT0615Z1-1)
Make sure to use AC adapter APT0615Z1-1 or damage may occur.
- Plug one end of the AC adapter into the product.
- Plug the the other end of the AC adapter into the wall outlet.
![Epson - LW-400 - Optional AC adapter (APT0615Z1-1) Optional AC adapter (APT0615Z1-1)]()
Inserting a tape cartridge
- Remove any slack from the ink ribbon.
![]()
- Remove the rear cover, if necessary.
![Epson - LW-400 - Inserting a tape cartridge - Step 1 Inserting a tape cartridge - Step 1]()
- Insert the tape cartridge and press it down firmly until it snaps into place. If there is excess tape, feed the end of the tape through the tape guide slot.
![Epson - LW-400 - Inserting a tape cartridge - Step 2 Inserting a tape cartridge - Step 2]()
- Replace the cover and snap it into place.
Preparing the tape
After inserting a tape cartridge, make sure to feed some tape through the tape guide slot to position it for printing.
- Press
to turn on the product. - Press
+
. - Press
to confirm. - Press the
Cut button to cut the tape.
Do not press the
Cut button until the tape stops moving or the tape cartridge may be damaged.
Removing a tape cartridge
- Remove the rear cover.
- Hold the cartridge by the tabs, and lift it straight up.
![Epson - LW-400 - Removing a tape cartridge Removing a tape cartridge]()
Language selection
- Press
to turn on the product. - Press
+
. - Press
or
to highlight Language, then press
. - Press
or
to select your language, then press
.
Creating labels
Use the character keys to enter text, then see below.
Changing the letter case
Press
to enter upper case or lower case for all letters or
+ character for a single letter.
Deleting characters
Press
.
Deletes one character backward.
Deleting a label
- Press
+
. - When a confirmation message appears, press
.
All entered text will be deleted.
Breaking lines
Press
.
Breaks the line from the character next to the cursor.
The line number is indicated on the display.
Note: You can print a maximum of four lines of text. If you try to exceed the maximum,
appears and you will not be able to print. Press
to delete the
and print your label.
Adding punctuation
There are two groups of available punctuation marks.

Press repeatedly to scroll through the available marks.- Press
to select the desired mark.
- Press
+
, then press
repeatedly to scroll through the available marks. - Press
to select the desired mark.
Adding symbols
- Press
. - Press
or
to scroll through the categories, then press
to select a category. - Press
or
to select a symbol, then press
.
Note: To cancel and return to the previous menu, press
.
Adding characters with an accent mark
If a character can include an accent mark, you can choose it from a list indicated on the display.
- Press
+ letter. - Press
.
A list of options appears on the display (e.g.
). - Press
or
to select an item, then press
.

Creating sequentially numbered labels

- Press
or
to move the cursor to a position where you want to add a serial number, then press
+
. - Enter a number for the first label, then press
.
The number increases by one when printing multiple copies.
Saving labels
You can create and save up to 50 labels at a time.
To create multiple labels, type in your text, then press
+
or
+
to move to the next label (the label number appears to the left of the text).
To print a label, press
+
or
+
to select the label you want to print, then press 
Useful functions
Below are some common functions that will help you customize your labels.
Changing the font size
- Press
- P ress
or
to select a line layout, then press
Note: You can select a maximum of four lines of text. "Equal" indicates the same font size for all lines.
- Press
or
to select a font size, then press
.
![Epson - LW-400 - Changing the font size Changing the font size]()
Tip: The setting is indicated on the display.
Changing the font
- Press
. - Press
or
to select a font, then press
.
The font used for the entire line of text will change. Available fonts
Available fonts

Changing the font style
- Press
. - Press
or
to select a style, then press
.
Note: Styles applied to small or elaborate characters may not print clearly.
Available styles

Adding a frame
- Press
. - Press
or
to scroll through the options, then press
, or enter the frame number, to select the desired frame.
![Epson - LW-400 - Adding a frame Adding a frame]()
Specifying the length of labels
- Press
. - Press
or
to select Label length, then press
. - Press
or
to select a value (up to 15 inches [40 cm]), then press
.
Tip: Selecting Auto will adjust to the proper length automatically.
Adjusting the space between characters
- Press
. - Press
or
to select Char. spacing, then press
. - Press
or
to select Narrow or Wide, then press ![]()
.
Note: The default setting (Narrow) is recommended.
Changing the font width
- Press
. - Press
or
to select Narrow, then press
. - Repeat step 2.
![]()
Creating vertical text
- Press
. - Press
or
to select Vertical, then press
. - Press
or
to select On, then press
.
![]()
Creating mirror image text
- Press
. - Press
or
to select Mirror print, then press
. - Press
or
to select On then press
.
![]()
Creating special formats
Some of the functions in this section require the format to be selected before entering text. If prompted, press
to delete the current text and show the Special label menu. Then type your label text.
Note: To exit out of Special label mode, press
, press
or
to select Exit, then press 
Creating an index tab label

- Press
. - Press
or
to select a size, then press
. - Press
or
to select a value or enter a number for the label length, then press
.
(Maximum length is 5.0 inches (12.5 cm).) - Enter text.
The same text entered in step 4 is automatically entered in the next line.
![Epson - LW-400 - Creating an index tab label Creating an index tab label]()
Creating labels for cables
Flag labels

- Press
. - Press
or
to select a flag type (Flag: Hori., Flag: Vert. or Flag: Edge), then press
. - Press
or
to select the length, then press
.
(Maximum length is 5.0 inches (12.5 cm).) - Enter text.
Note: If you want to print more than one line of text, repeat step 4 for each line (up to 4). When you are ready to print the label, press
.

Wrapped labels

- Press
. - Press
or
to select Wrap, then press. - Press
or
to select a value or enter a number for the label length, then press
.
(Maximum length is 5.0 inches (12.5 cm).) - Enter text.
Note: If you want to print more than one line of text, repeat step 4 for each line (up to 4). When you are ready to print the label, press
.

Creating a barcode label
- Press
+
. - Press
or
to select a barcode format, then press
. - Make any necessary settings (width, ratio, etc.), then enter the code.
![]()
- Supported barcode formats: CODE39, CODE128, ITF, CODABAR, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13
- Enter barcodes according to their standards.
- Check the created labels with your barcode reader to make sure they can be read correctly.
Printing labels
Previewing a label
Press
.
Entered text scrolls across the display.
Note: Only the text and the length of the label can be previewed. The actual print image will not show on the display.
Printing a label
- Press
.
The length of the label and the number of copies shows on the display while the label prints. - When printing stops, press the
Cut button.
Do not press the
Cut button until the tape stops moving or the tape cartridge may be damaged.
Printing multiple copies
- Press
. - At the next screen, press the number keys or the
or
buttons to enter the number of copies (2-9). - Press
. The length of the label and the number of copies shows on the display while the label prints. - When printing stops, press the
Cut button to cut the tape. A cut mark will be printed between each copy. Using scissors, cut along the marks to separate each label.
![]()
Adjusting print density
- When the power is off, press
+
. - Press
. - Use the
or
buttons to adjust the print density, then press
.
Note: The default value (0) is recommended.
Attaching labels
- Peel off the backing paper.
- Place the label on the desired surface and press it down firmly.
Cleaning
Exterior
Use a dry, soft cloth or, for stubborn stains, a moist cloth that has been wrung dry.
Never use chemicals or solvents such as benzine, thinner, or alcohol, or use a chemical duster. This could damage your product.
Cleaning the print head
If the print becomes faint or distorted, the print head may need cleaning.
Remove the tape cartridge and clean the print head using a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol, as shown.

Troubleshooting
Messages
| Message | Problem and solution |
| Insert tape | No tape cartridge is installed. Turn the power off and install a tape cartridge. |
| Check tape! | An incompatible tape cartridge has been installed. Check the tape cartridge. |
| Check tape cartridge | An incompatible tape cartridge has been installed. Check the tape cartridge. |
| Check battery | The batteries may be running out, the batteries may be installed incorrectly, non-alkaline batteries are being used with alkaline batteries, or old and new batteries are being used together. Turn the power off and replace batteries with new ones, or use the optional AC adapter. Make sure new batteries are installed correctly. |
| Too many lines | You have exceeded the maximum number of lines (4). Press to delete the lines. (See "Breaking lines" in "Editing text".) |
| Text too long | Entered text is too long for the specified label length. Press and adjust the Label length or make text shorter. |
| Seq. num. only 1 | Sequence numbers have already been set. You can only enter one sequence number per label. |
| Text will be deleted. OK? | When creating a label with a special format, the current text will be deleted. Press to delete the text and show the special format. |
| Fill every digit | Entered values for barcodes are incorrect. Make sure the barcode format is supported and that the correct number of values is entered. |
| Load wider tape | Unable to print on the current tape. Use a wider tape. |
| Txt is too long Continue? | Entered text is too long for the specified label length. Press to confirm and continue printing. The label length will be adjusted automatically. |
| Overheated! | The print head is too hot. Turn the power off and remove the tape cartridge. Allow the print head to cool for a while before trying to print again. |
| Cover open! powering off | If you open the rear cover while the power is on, this message displays and the power turns off automatically. Always turn the power off before opening the rear cover. |
| Motor error! | An error occurred in the motor operation. Turn the power off, then turn it back on. If the same message appears, turn the power off and contact Epson. |
Problems and solutions
Check the solutions below if you are having trouble using your product.
The product does not function normally
The product may stop functioning due to static electricity or other causes. If your product does not function normally (i.e. the power doesn't turn on/off or the display is distorted), reset your product by following the procedure below.
Resetting your product will erase all saved labels and formatting and return your product to default settings.
- Press
to turn the power off. - Press and hold
+
, and press
. - When a message appears, press
(to cancel, press any other button
).
The product will be reset.
Power is on but no images appear on the display
- Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly.
- Replace the batteries with new ones, or use the optional AC adapter (APT0615Z1-1).
Make sure to use AC adapter APT0615Z1-1 or damage may occur.
- If you are using an AC adapter, make sure that it is securely connected to both the wall outlet and the product.
- Adjust the contrast (see "Display settings").
The display turns off
- The power turns off automatically if the product is idle for more than 5 minutes.
- If an incorrect button sequence is entered, the display may flicker or turn off for an instant.
Nothing prints
- Make sure that text has been entered.
- Replace the tape cartridge, if necessary.
- Check the display for an error message and perform the suggested solution.
- Replace the batteries with new ones, or use the optional AC adapter (APT0615Z1-1).
- Make sure the rear cover is closed.
Characters do not print properly
- Make sure the tape cartridge is correctly seated.
- Clean the print head.
- Change the font (sometimes symbols do not print properly when certain fonts are selected).
Printing stops in the middle of text
- Install a new tape cartridge.
- Replace the batteries or use the optional AC adapter (APT0615Z1-1).
Saved labels are missing
- You may have accidentally deleted the text by pressing
. - If the product is reset, all of the previously entered text will be deleted.
- If the AC adapter is unplugged or the batteries are removed during operation, the text may be deleted.
Cannot attach the label
- Make sure to peel off the backing paper before attaching the label.
- Make sure the surface you are attaching to is clean and dry. The label may not adhere to some materials, rough or uneven surfaces, or surfaces subjected to extreme environmental conditions, such as high humidity or heat.
Specifications
| Dimensions (approximate) | Width 4.33 inches (110 mm) Depth 6.70 inches (170 mm) Height 2.20 inches (56 mm) | |
| Weight (approximate) | 14 oz (400 g) (excluding batteries, tape cartridge) | |
| Operating temperature | 50 to 95 ºF (10 to 35 ºC) | |
| Storage temperature | 14 to 131 ºF (-10 to 55 ºC) | |
| Power supply - optional AC adapter | Model | APT0615Z1-1 |
| Manufacturer | Seiko Epson Corp. | |
| Input | AC100-240 V, 0.3 A, 50-60 Hz | |
| Output | DC6.5 V, 1.5 A | |
| Total output power | 10 W | |
| Power supply - batteries | AA alkaline battery x 6 | |
| Supported tape widths (approximate) | 1/4" (6 mm), 3/8" (9 mm), 1/2" (12 mm), 3/4" (19 mm) | |
Epson technical support
Visit epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada) where you can view manuals, get FAQs, or email Epson.
To speak with a support specialist, call:
U.S.: (562) 276-7245, 6 am to 8 pm, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, and 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday.
Canada: (905) 709-2567, 6 am to 8 pm, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Days and hours of support are subject to change without notice. Toll or long distance charges may apply.
Recycling
Epson offers a recycling program for end of life products. Please go to www.epson.com/recycle for information on how to return your products for proper disposal.
Purchase supplies and accessories
Epson offers a wide array of tapes for multiple uses.
See the table below for a list of recommended tapes (1/2" [12 mm] widths are listed). For a complete list of available tapes, including additional widths, visit epson.com/LW400Tapes.
You can purchase tape cartridges and accessories at www.epson.com/LabelWorks (U.S. sales) or www.epson.ca/LabelWorks (Canadian sales). You can also purchase supplies from an Epson authorized reseller. To find the nearest one, call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766).


References
Epson® Official Support
Epson® Official Support
Recycling Program - For Printers, Hardware, Ink Cartridges | Epson US
Commercial & Business Label Printer (Makers) | Epson US
Technology Products & Solutions for Manufacturing | Epson Canada
Download manual
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Epson LW-400 - Label Maker Manual
+
deletes all text)
+
,
goes to previous or next label)
feeds the tape)
to turn on the product.
+
.
or
to highlight a setting, then press
to select it.






to turn on the product.
+
.
to confirm.
+
.
+
Press repeatedly to scroll through the available marks.
+
or
to select a symbol, then press
.
).

.
.
.
.
.




+
.
.
.
Cut button to cut the tape. A cut mark will be printed between each copy. Using scissors, cut along the marks to separate each label.
+
.
to delete the lines. (See "Breaking lines" in "Editing text".)
and adjust the Label length or make text shorter.
to delete the text and show the special format.
to turn the power off.
+
, and press
.
.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the LW-400 and is the answer not in the manual?