Read this manual carefully before starting and keep the manual in a handy place for future reference.
Safety Precautions
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injuries.
Follow these guidelines to avoid the risk of fire, burns, injury, electric shocks, rupture, overheating, abnormal odours or smoke.
Always use the specified voltage and the suggested AC adapter (AD-24ES/AD-24ESA/AD-24ESAW/AD-24ESA-01/AD-24ESAW-01) for the P-touch labeler to prevent any damage or failure.
Do not touch the P-touch labeler during a lightning storm.
Do not use the P-touch labeler/AC adapter in places of high humidity such as bathrooms.
Do not overload the power cord.
Do not place heavy objects on, or damage the power cord or plug. Do not forcibly bend or pull the power cord. Always hold the AC adapter when disconnecting from the power outlet.
Make sure that the plug is fully inserted to the power outlet. Do not use an outlet that is loose.
Do not allow the P-touch labeler/AC adapter/power plug/batteries to get wet, for example, by handling them with wet hands or spilling beverages on to them.
Since loss of eyesight may result when leaked fluid from batteries gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with a large amount of clean water, and then seek medical attention.
Do not disassemble or modify the P-touch labeler/AC adapter/batteries.
Do not allow a metal object to contact both the plus and minus ends of a battery.
Do not use sharp objects, such as tweezers or a metallic pen, to change the batteries.
Do not throw the batteries into fire or expose to heat.
Disconnect the AC adapter and remove batteries immediately and stop using the P-touch labeler if you notice abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual while using or storing it.
Do not use a damaged or leaking battery as the fluid may get on your hands.
Do not use a deformed or leaking battery or one whose label is damaged. There is a possibility of generating heat.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injuries.
Follow these guidelines to avoid personal injury, liquid leakage, burns or heat.
When the P-touch labeler is not being used, store it out of the reach of children. In addition, do not allow children to put the P-touch labeler parts or labels in their mouths. If any object has been swallowed, seek medical attention.
Do not touch metal parts around the print head immediately after printing.
Do not touch the cutter blade.
If leaked fluid from batteries gets on your skin or clothes, immediately rinse them with clean water.
Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter if you do not intend to use the P-touch labeler.
Do not use a battery other than that specified. Do not use combinations of old and new batteries or combinations of different types, different charging levels, different manufacturers or different models. Do not insert a battery with its plus and minus ends reversed.
Do not drop or hit the P-touch labeler/AC adapter.
Do not press on the LCD display.
Do not put your finger inside the P-touch labeler when you close the cassette cover.
Before using Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, carefully read the instructions for the batteries and battery charger, and be sure to use them correctly.
When using Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, charge the batteries with a specialized battery charger before using the batteries.
General Precautions
Depending on the location, material, and environmental conditions, the label may unpeel or become irremovable, the color of the label may change or be transferred to other objects. Before applying the label, check the environmental conditions and the material.
Do not use the P-touch labeler in any way or for any purpose not described in this guide. Doing so may result in accidents or damage the P-touch labeler.
Use only Brother TZe tapes with the P-touch labeler. Do not use tapes that do not have the mark.
Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the labeler; never use alcohol or other organic solvents.
Use a soft, lint free cloth to clean the print head. Never touch the print head directly with your hands.
Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot, AC adapter connector, battery compartment, etc.
Do not place the P-touch labeler/batteries/AC adapter in direct sunlight or rain, near heaters or other hot appliances, in any location exposed to extremely high or low temperatures (e.g., on the dashboard or in the back of your car) or high humidity, or in dusty locations.
Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter lever.
Do not try to print if the cassette is empty; it will damage the print head.
Do not pull the tape while printing or feeding; it will damage the tape and the P-touch labeler.
Any data stored in memory will be lost due to failure, repair of the P-touch labeler, or if the battery expires.
The P-touch labeler is not equipped with a charging feature for rechargeable batteries.
The printed text may differ from the text that appears in the LCD.
The length of the printed label may differ from the displayed label length.
A protective clear plastic sticker it placed over the display during manufacturing and shipping. This sticker should be removed prior to use.
When power is disconnected for more than three minutes, all text, format settings and any text files stored in the memory will be cleared.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice (For USA Only)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
GETTING STARTED
Power Supply and Tape Cassette
Open the cassette cover by pressing the above indicated area at the top end of the machine.
If a tape cassette is already installed, remove it by pulling it straight up. Also, if batteries are already installed, remove them.
Make sure that the power is turned off when replacing batteries or tape cassettes.
Insert six new AAA alkaline batteries (LR03) or fully charged Ni-MH batteries (HR03), making sure that their poles point in the correct directions.
Users of alkaline batteries: Always replace all six batteries at the same time with brand new ones.
Users of Ni-MH batteries: Always replace all six batteries at the same time with fully charged ones.
Insert a tape cassette, making sure that it snaps into place.
Make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
Use only Brother TZe tapes with this machine.
Securely close the cassette cover, making sure that it snaps into place.
NOTE
When using optional AC adapter
Insert the plug on the adapter cord into the AC adapter jack on the top end of the machine.
Insert the plug into the nearest standard electrical outlet. For memory back up, we recommend using AAA alkaline batteries (LR03) or NiMH batteries (HR03) together when using the AC adapter.
LCD Display & Keyboard
Size
Cursor
Underline/Frame
Width
Style
Caps
Label Length If a specific label length has been selected, also appears.
OK key
Cursor key: Right (Use with Shift key to go to end of the text.)
Cursor key: Left (Use with Shift key to go to top of the text.)
Escape key
Power key
Menu key
Label key
Font key
Character key
Tab key
Caps key
Shift key
File key
Tape cutter lever
Print key
Preview key
Frame key
Symbol key
Template Library key
Backspace key
Enter key
Accent key
Space key
NOTE
The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the text that you enter can be up to 80 characters in length.
While selecting the settings, press to go back to the default item.
Pressing the Preview key displays a generated image of the label, and may differ from the actual label when printed.
Label length shown on LCD may differ slightly from the actual label length when printed.
Specifications
Dimensions: (W x D x H)
Approx. 6.2" X 5.9" X 2.7" (Approx. 157(W) x 150(D) x 68(H)mm)
If the cutter blade becomes blunt after repetitive use and the tape cannot be cut cleanly, replace with new cutter unit (stock no. TC-4) by obtaining from an authorized Brother reseller.
► Replacing the Cutter Unit
Pull out the two sections of the cutter unit (green) in the direction of the arrows shown in the illustration.
Install a new cutter unit. Push it in until it snaps into place.
Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
BASIC USAGE
Entering Text
► Switching Upper Case/Lower Case
► Creating Two-Line Labels
Move the cursor to where you want to start the next line and press . Use either 0.35" (9mm) or 0.47" (12mm) wide tape for two line printing.
NOTE
The return symbol () will be displayed when the Enter key is pressed.
► Entering Tabs
You can also set a tab by pressing .
A will appear on the screen when a tab is inserted into the text.
The maximum number of tabs for a label is 80 without text. If you enter 1 letter, you can set 79 tabs.
► Changing Tab Length
To change setting back to default, press . The default setting is [Auto].
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
► Entering Accented Characters
Refer to the table of accented characters included in this insertion sheet.
To cancel operations, press .
The order of accented characters differs by the selected LCD language.
► Changing Label Length
NOTE
After the label is printed, cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors so that the label length matches what is shown on the LCD.
If a specific label length has been selected, also appears in the LCD.
By pressing , [Auto] will be displayed.
To change setting back to default, press .
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
► To Clear
By pressing , the letters will be deleted one by one.
To delete all text and settings:
To delete text only:
NOTE
You can also delete all text and settings or text only by pressing
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
Printing Labels
► Preview
You can preview the text before printing.
Pressing the Preview key displays a generated image of the label, and may differ from the actual label when printed.
When the LCD cannot display all the text at once, press to display the hidden text.
Press to leave the preview mode.
► Feeding (Tape Feed)
This function will feed approximately 1" (25mm) of blank tape.
► Printing
If you need only 1 copy of the label, press without selecting the number of copies.
You can print up to 9 copies of each label.
The number of copies can also be specified by pressing a number key.
To cut the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-right corner of the machine after the message "Please Cut" is displayed. "Please Cut" is displayed on the screen for 2 seconds.
To prevent damage to the tape, do not touch the cutter lever while the message "Please Wait" is displayed.
To remove the backing, fold the label lengthwise with the text facing inward, to expose the inside edges of the backing. Peel off the backing one piece at a time and apply.
► Using Print Options ()
[Numbering]
You can print a series of up to 9 labels at a time using auto-numbering. Using this feature you can automatically increase a selected number by 1 after each label is printed. The numbers of labels you can print at one time are dependant upon the initial number.
Example: To print copies of a label containing a serial number (0123, 0124 and 0125)
Select the highest number you wish to be printed when setting the number.
[Mirror]
Example: If you want to Mirror Print "J.SMITH", follow the instructions below after entering "J.SMITH".
Use clear tape in [Mirror], so the labels can be read correctly from the opposite side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.
► Setting Margin ()
[Full]/[Half]/[Narrow]
For leaving equal margins on both sides of the text.
[Chain Print]
Use this setting when printing several labels with minimum margins.
Enter text.
Press , then [Copies: ] appears.
Press or enter number with number keys to select the number of copies.
Press . Printing will start, and then the message "Feed OK?" appears.
Press to enter more text.
Clear the text, enter the text for the next label, and then press .
When the message "Feed OK?" appears after the last label is printed, press .
After the tape is fed, press the cutter lever to cut off the chain of labels.
NOTE
When [Chain Print] is set, feed the tape before using the cutter otherwise a part of the text may be cut off.
When [Half] or [Narrow] is set, displayed label length is the length from the printed dots (:) to the end of the label. Cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors.
LCD display
Label image
Full
Half
Narrow
To print more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin, set the margin to [Narrow].
Do not pull the tape since this may damage the tape cassette.
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
Saving Label Files
You can save up to 30 labels and recall them for printing at a later date. A maximum of 80 characters can be saved per file, a maximum of 2400 characters can be saved in total memory. You can also edit and overwrite the stored labels.
► Save
► Print
► Open
You can also enter the File menu by pressing .
If you try to store a label when there is already a label stored to that number, a message "Overwrite OK?" will appear. Press to save your new label. Press to cancel.
You must type text before starting the save function.
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
USING TEMPLATES
Text Label
This function allows you to create various labels using the built-in templates. Refer to the Text Label templates table included in this insertion sheet.
► Example 1: [Template that includes one repeated graphic]
There are three additional Text Label templates that allow you to use two different fonts on one label. The procedure is similar to the steps in Example 1; however, you will be prompted to enter [Input Text 2].
► Example 2: [Template that includes two fonts]
► Example 3: [Template that includes two fonts and a frame]
The procedure is similar to the steps in Example 2. Please see proceedure under Example 2.
► Example 4: [Template that includes two fonts on two lines]
The procedure is similar to the steps in Example 2. Please see proceedure under Example 2.
Pattern Label
This function allows you to create unique labels by using built-in templates. Refer to the Pattern Label templates table included in this insertion sheet. You cannot enter text when using Pattern Label templates.
Example:
NOTE
► For Text Label Templates
You cannot set label length when printing Text Label templates.
To clear the text, move the cursor to the right side where you wish to clear and then press .
To clear all text, press and , then "All Clear" appears. Press to clear. Press to cancel.
You are able to preview labels by pressing the Preview key when [Print] is displayed on the LCD display.
You cannot use the copy print function when using Text Label templates.
► For Pattern Label Templates
Press to return to the initial setting for "Label Length" mode. The initial setting is [3.9"(100 mm)].
You cannot use preview feature when using Pattern Label templates.
► For Text Label and Pattern Label Templates
These templates are only available when using 0.47" (12mm) wide tape cassettes.
The templates cannot be edited.
To exit templates and return to the text input screen, do one of following:
Press .
Press to select [Quit], and then press when "Print" appears.
You cannot save labels created using templates to memory.
When you access Text Label or Pattern Label templates, your most recently printed Text Label or Pattern Label template label length will be recalled.
"Please Cut" is displayed on the screen for 2 seconds after pressing when "Print" appears.
FORMATTING KEYS
Font Key
Press to change the font settings.
Press to select the settings and press .
Font
Helsinki
Brussels
US
Florida
Belgium
San Diego
Los Angeles
Calgary
Atlanta
Adams
Brunei
Istanbul
Sofia
Germany
Size
Large
Medium
Small
Width
Normal
× 2
× 1/2
Style
Normal
Bold
Outline
Shadow
Solid
Italic
I+Bold
I+Outline
I+Shadow
Vertical
Alignment
Left
Center
Right
Justify
NOTE
To cancel operations, press .
Refer to the Font samples table included in this insertion sheet.
The actual printed font size depends on the tape width, number of characters and number of input lines. Once characters reach a minimum size, the selected font will default to a custom font which is based on the Helsinki style. This allows labels to be printed using the smallest text possible on narrow or multi-line labels.
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
Frame Key
Press to select the frame design. Refer to the Frame designs table included in this insertion sheet.
NOTE
To cancel operations, press .
If the message () appears on the right side of the display when selecting a frame, it means that frame is only available when using 0.47" (12mm) wide tape cassettes.
You can select the frame design by pressing a number key of the Frame designs table included in this insertion sheet.
After pressing , "Accepted" will be displayed for approximately 1 second.
Symbol Key
Press to select various symbols. Refer to the table of symbols included in this insertion sheet.
NOTE
To cancel operations, press .
*1 Once you select symbols, up to 7 recently used symbols are added to History.
If you choose History, you cannot select the category.
You can also select from basic and pictograph categories by pressing the shortcut keys included in this insertion sheet.
► Basic
Punctuation
Greek Letter
Mathematics
Number 1
Brackets
Number 2
Arrows
Number 3
Unit
Shape
► Pictograph
Fun
Kitchen
Family
Garden
Clothing
DIY
Vehicle
School
Sports
Office
Animal
Signs
Astrology
Datacom/AV
Event/Season
Electrical
Food
HELPFUL HINTS
Short Cut
File
Tab
Unit
LCD Contrast
Clear
Language
Helpful Tips
Clear
Feed
Print Options
Resetting the P-touch
You can reset the P-touch labeler when you want to initialize the settings, or in the event it not working properly. All text, settings and stored files are cleared.
Turn off the P-touch labeler, hold down and and then press to turn the P-touch labeler back on.
First release the power button, and then release and . The P-touch labeler turns on with the internal memory reset.
Should you encounter any problems with your product, please do not return your product to the store.
After referring to the User's guide, if you still need assistance, contact Brother Customer Service at:
If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-877-BROTHER or visit us at www.brother-usa.com
USING A COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT BATTERIES (SUCH AS Ni-MH AND ALKALINE), MAY RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Battery Recommendations
Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use the P-touch labeler for an extended period of time.
Dispose of the batteries at an appropriate collection point, not in the general waste stream. In addition, be sure to observe all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
When storing or discarding the batteries, wrap it (for example with cellophane tape), to prevent it from short-circuiting. (Refer to the picture below) (Battery insulation example)
Cellophane tape
Alkaline or Ni-MH battery
Troubleshooting
► Error message
Message
Cause/Remedy
Battery Low!
The batteries are weak. If using AAA alkaline batteries: Replace them with new ones. If using Ni-MH batteries: Charge them fully.
Battery Empty!
The installed batteries are running low and will need to be changed for continued operation.
Invalid!
There is no text above the cursor when you selected [Numbering].
Invalid character is selected for [Numbering].
Invalid number is selected for [Tab Length] or [Label Length].
An invalid value was entered as the label length while using templates.
No Text!
You tried to print a text file when there is no data stored in the memory.
is pressed when no text is entered.
+ is pressed when no text is entered.
is pressed when no text is entered.
or was pressed when no text was entered while using templates.
2 Line Limit! / 1 Line Limit!
You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing .
You tried to print or preview two lines of text while 0.13" (3.5mm) or 0.23" (6 mm) tape is installed. Install larger tape size.
No Cassette!
You tried to print, feed or preview a label when there is no cassette installed.
Cutter Pressed
Tape cutter lever is pressed in the middle of printing process.
Text Full!
The maximum number of characters (80 characters for text, 50 characters for templates) have already been entered.
Change Length
Since the number of entered characters exceeds the label length, reduce the text, or select [Auto] as the label length.
No Frame OK?
Printing on 0.13" (3.5mm) tape with invalid Frame setting ON.
Using tape cassette smaller than 0.47"(12mm) wide though you selected a frame which is only available for 0.47"(12mm) wide tape cassettes. (Select to print with no Frame, to cancel.)
Feed OK?
Feeding tape after printing when [Chain Print] is selected. Refer to "Setting Margin".
Insert 0.47"
Only 0.47"(12mm) tape cassette is available for templates.
Use TZe Tape!
Use a tape cassette with the mark.
► What to do when...
Problem
Solution
The display stays blank after you have turned on the machine.
Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
If the batteries are weak, replace them.
Check that the adapter is correctly connected.
When the label is printed out, there is too much margin (space) on both sides of the text.
See "Setting Margin" in this users guide and select [Half] or [Narrow] to have smaller margins for your label.
The machine does not print, or the printed characters are not formed properly.
Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
Check the cassette cover is properly closed.
The setting has cleared on its own.
The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
When power is disconnected for more than three minutes, all text & formats in the display will be lost.
A blank horizontal line appears through the printed label.
There may be some dust on the print head. Remove the tape cassette and use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the print head with an up-and-down motion.
The machine has "locked up" (i.e., nothing happens when a key is pressed, even though the machine is on.)
Refer to "Resetting the P-touch".
The power turns off when you try to print.
The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
A wrong adapter is used; the recommended adapter is the AD-24ES/AD-24ESA/AD-24ESAW/AD-24ESA-01/AD-24ESAW-01.
The tape does not feed properly or the tape gets stuck inside the machine.
Check that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
The cutter lever is pressed while printing. Do not touch the cutter lever during printing.
All text and format settings need to be cleared to create a new label.
Press + and select [Text&Format].
Press [Clear] [Text&Format]
To change language setting.
Refer to "Initial Settings".
Symbols
Basic
Category
Symbols (Basic)
Punctuation
Mathematics
Brackets
Arrows
Unit
Greek Letter
Number 1
Number 2
Number 3
Shape
Pictograph
Category
Symbols (Pictograph)
Fun
Family
Clothing
Vehicle
Sports
Animal
Astrology
Event/Season
Food
Kitchen
Garden
DIY
School
Office
Signs
Datacom/AV
Electrical
Accented Characters
A
a
C
D
c
d
E
e
G
I
g
i
K
L
k
l
N
R
n
r
O
o
S
T
s
t
U
u
Y
Z
y
z
Font Samples
Helsinki
Calgary
Brussels
Atlanta
US
Adams
Florida
Brunei
Belgium
Istanbul
San Diego
Sofia
Los Angeles
Germany
Text Label Templates
01
07
13
02
08
14
03
09
15
04
10
16
05
11
17
06
12
Pattern Label Templates
01
05
09
02
06
10
03
07
04
08
Frame Designs
01
34
67
02
35
68
03
36
69
04
37
70
05
38
71
06
39
72
07
40
73
08
41
74
09
42
75
10
43
76
11
44
77
12
45
78
13
46
79
14
47
80
15
48
81
16
49
82
17
50
83
18
51
84
19
52
85
20
53
86
21
54
87
22
55
88
23
56
89
24
57
90
25
58
91
26
59
92
27
60
93
28
61
94
29
62
95
30
63
96
31
64
97
32
65
98
33
66
99
* Images are for illustrative purposes only.
* Frames with highlighted numbers are only available when using 0.47" (12mm) wide tape cassettes.
Need Assistance?
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