ZPL memory and stored object commands
ZPL commands to map and initialise printer memory, size the font cache, copy objects, save and reload label images and upload stored objects to the host.
Printer storage devices are addressed by letter: R: (DRAM), E: (internal flash), B: (optional memory) and A: (option flash). Objects keep an 8-character name and an extension such as .GRF, .PNG, .ZPL or .FNT. The commands here manage that storage; ^IL is the one that puts a stored image on the label.
Commands on this page: ^CM · ^CO · ^JB · ~JB · ^TO · ~DN · ^IS · ^IL · ^HF · ^HG · ^HY · ^HW
^CM — Change Memory Letter Designation
Syntax: ^CMa,b,c,d · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Reassigns the memory letters B:, E:, R: and A: to devices (or NONE); with e=M several letters can point to one device. Duplicate letters reset all to defaults; save with ^JUS.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 160. Zebra guide page →
^CO — Cache On
Syntax: ^COa,b,c · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Sizes the character cache for scalable fonts: on/off, extra memory 1–9999 K (default 40) and cache type (0 normal, 1 internal buffer for Asian fonts). Characters too large for the cache do not print; the largest is 1500 × 1500 dots.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 163. Zebra guide page →
^JB — Initialize Flash Memory
Syntax: ^JBa · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Initialises flash memory: A option flash, B flash card, E internal flash. It can take several minutes; do not switch off meanwhile.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 252. Zebra guide page →
~JB — Reset Optional Memory
Syntax: ~JB · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Reinitialises the battery-powered B: memory card — required after its battery is replaced, and also usable to clear the card.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 253. Zebra guide page →
^TO — Transfer Object
Syntax: ^TOs:o.x,d:o.x · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Copies an object or a group of objects (wildcard *) from one storage device to another; source and destination must differ.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 357. Zebra guide page →
~DN — Abort Download Graphic
Syntax: ~DN · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Aborts a ~DG graphic download and returns the printer to normal print mode.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 177. Zebra guide page →
^IS — Image Save
Syntax: ^ISd:o.x,p · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Saves the current format as an image (.GRF or .PNG) instead of a ZPL script; p=Y (default) also prints it. Recall it with ^IL to overlay variable data quickly.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 249. Zebra guide page →
^IL — Image Load
Syntax: ^ILd:o.x · In Labelixa's preview: Drawn in the preview
Loads an image saved with ^IS at ^FO0,0 at the start of a format and overlays the rest of the format on it — faster than rebuilding constant content for every label.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 247. Zebra guide page →
^HF — Host Format
Syntax: ^HFd,o,x · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Sends a stored format (.ZPL) back to the host as ZPL.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 220. Zebra guide page →
^HG — Host Graphic
Syntax: ^HGd:o.x · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Uploads a stored .GRF graphic to the host, for later use or for downloading to another printer.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 221. Zebra guide page →
^HY — Upload Graphics
Syntax: ^HYd:o.x · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Uploads a graphic object as .GRF (G) or .PNG (P); it comes back as a ~DY command with ZB64-encoded data.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 242. Zebra guide page →
^HW — Host Directory List
Syntax: ^HWd:o.x · In Labelixa's preview: Printer setting — no visual effect
Returns a directory listing of a storage device (R:, E:, B:, A:, Z:) to the host: object names, sizes and free bytes.
Zebra ZPL II Programming Guide (P1134473-11EN Rev A), page 240. Zebra guide page →
^DF · ^XF · ~DG · ^XG · ~DY · ^ID · ~EG
ZPL commands list and reference →
Try ZPL in the online viewer
