Zebra Printer Labels, Ribbons and Wristbands

To install a ribbon on a Zebra printer, please follow the steps below. The steps to install a Zebra ribbon may vary slightly depending on your printer model and the media status indicator might start flashing orange when the Zebra ribbon needs replacing.

 • Release the label printer lid by pulling forward the two green tabs on either sides of the printer.

 • Lift to open the label printer lid, revealing the upper and lower ribbon "take up" spools.

 • You should now see your ribbon "take up" spools on the top and bottom of the print head cartridge inside the lid.

 • Some Zebra label printers come with a spare "take up" spool for the ribbon.

 • The idea behind Zebra take up spools is using the empty "take up" spool from the old ribbon for the new ribbon.

 • Unwind part of the Zebra ribbon to be wrapped around the "take up" spool, This part should have some adhesive already applied.

 • Take note of the notches on either sides of the ribbon's core.

 • There are two sets of spindles on the upper and lower parts of the printhead on the inside of the label printer lid.

 • The upper set is for the "take up" roll spool and the lower set is for the ribbon roll core.

 • Place the ribbon roll on the lower spindle and rotate the roll until the notch is locked into place.

 • Insert the "take up" roll into the upper spindle and rotate until the notch is locked into place.

 • Extend the the ribbon from the lower spindle and centre it on the "take up" roll, attaching with the adhesive on the end of the ribbon roll.

 • Rotate the "take up" spindle until there's no slack on the ribbon roll and it's fully stretched over the printhead.

 • Close the label printer lid and press to click or lock in place.

 • You have now finished installing the ribbon and ready to print.

To install a label on a Zebra printer, please follow the steps below. The steps to install a Zebra label may vary slightly depending on your printer model.

 • Release and open the label printer lid by pulling forward the two green tabs on either sides of the printer.

 • Remove the old label core which will still be present on the spool.

 • You should now see roll guides coloured green, inside the base of the label printer.

 • Slide the roll guides apart and install the new label roll between them.

 • Make sure the label roll spool is held in place by the roll guides and the end of the label is over the top of the roll.

 • Extend the new label rolls so the end of the label is slightly out of the printer.

 • Some Zebra models require the new label roll to run underneath two black guides close the front of the label spool.

 • Close the label printer lid and that's it. Your label is now loaded.

Zebra printers do not use or take ink. There are two main Zebra thermal printing technologies. Direct thermal and Thermal transfer label printers. The Thermal transfer models require ribbon replacements periodically but the direct thermal models do not. Your printer model number will indicate what you need.

 • If your printer model ends with a "D" then you have the direct thermal model, which does not require ribbon changes.

 • If your printer model ends with a "T" then you have the thermal transfer model, which does require ribbon changes periodically.

 • Zebra printer model numbers are always printed on the top front of the printer.

 • Alternatively open the lid of your printer to find out which model you own. You'll either see a label spindle or label and ribbon spindles.

The answer is yes. Zebra label printers are an excellent choice for printing Royal mail and various courier 6x4 inches shipping labels.

 • To find which Zebra printer is suitable for you needs, visit our Royal Mail Printers section.

 • Alternatively, if you need further help, please visit our Contact Us page and talk to us by Live Chat, Phone or Email.