Zebra ZD421 Label Printer Initial Setup

How to set up your Zebra ZD421 label printer.

1. Download and install the recommended Windows printer driver v8.

Download the driver from the driver section.

Follow the instructions in Installing the Driver and Running the Printer Setup Wizard. See Install Zebra Printer Using Driver v8.

2. Download and install the Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU) printer configuration utility.

How to download ZSU from the driver area below and install it. See the article Zebra Setup Utilities: Downloading ZSU and Configuring Printer Setting.

Connect the printer to your computer's USB port and power it on.

Learn how to use Zebra Setup Utilities to configure your printer with a wired or wireless connection. See Configuring Printer Connectivity for Wired or Wireless Networks Using the Zebra Setup Utilities.

You can also refer to the How-to Videos section on the ZD421 support page to view videos on the Serial/Ethernet options and Cutter/Striper options.

Load media (media usually refers to labels but also includes label paper, receipt paper, and other items that can be printed on).

You can watch the video in the How-to Videos section on the support page.

The media settings must match the actual media you are using.

Identify Type of Media.

When using thermal transfer media, install the ribbon or insert the ribbon cartridge.

This step does not apply to the ZD421 direct thermal printer.

You can watch the video in the How-to Videos section on the support page.

How to determine if it is thermal transfer media?

Perform a media scratch test. See the article Testing Labels for Direct Thermal Printing Applications.

Run SmartCal Media Calibration and print the configuration report. Videos can also be found in the How-to Videos section on the support page.

Manually calibrate the ribbon and media sensors.

When changing the size or type of media.

If you notice printing issues such as skipped labels and vertical image/label drift media errors.

The printer settings must match the actual supplies and options on the printer you are using for the print job. Adjust printer settings as needed using Zebra Setup Utilities software or Windows printer driver v8.

The Zebra ZD421 label printer is available here on the Digital ID website.

Labels for the Zebra ZD421 label printer are available here on the Digital ID website.