Brother P-touch QL-500 Manual

The Brother P-touch QL-500 is a direct thermal label printer designed for high-speed, high-quality label printing. It supports various label sizes, features a built-in cutter, and can be connected via USB. Compatible with P-touch Editor software for advanced label design. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Indicators 5. Loading Labels 6. Printing Labels 7. Using P-touch Editor 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct thermal print mechanism, built-in automatic cutter, USB port, Power connector, Feed button, Status LED.

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct thermal
Print Speed	Up to 50mm/sec
Maximum Print Width	62mm (2.4 inches)
Label Types	Die-cut labels, continuous length tape
Cutter	Built-in automatic cutter
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (Type B)
Power Supply	AC adapter (included)
Status LED	Indicates power, error, and data reception
Feed Button	Manually feeds and cuts labels
Compatibility	P-touch Editor software, Windows, Mac

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a stable, flat surface.

Connect power: Plug the AC adapter into the printer and a wall outlet.
Connect to computer: Use the USB cable to connect the printer to your computer.
Install software: Insert the included CD or download P-touch Editor from the Brother website.
Load labels: Open the cover and insert a label roll (see Loading Labels section).
Install driver: Follow on-screen instructions to install the printer driver.

WARNING! Use only the supplied AC adapter. Ensure the printer is on a stable surface to prevent falls.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch QL-500.
Print Resolution: 300 dpi.
Label Width: 12mm to 62mm (0.47" to 2.4").
Label Roll Diameter: Up to 83mm (3.3 inches).
Interface: USB 2.0.
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS X.
Power Consumption: 24V DC, 1.5A (via AC adapter).
Dimensions (WxDxH): 155mm x 189mm x 146mm.
Weight: Approximately 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs).

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: Power button, Feed button, Status LED.

Status LED Indicators: - Green (steady): Power on, ready. - Green (blinking): Receiving data. - Red (steady): Error (e.g., cover open, out of labels). - Red (blinking): Serious error (requires troubleshooting).

Feed Button: Press to feed and cut a label manually. Hold for 2 seconds to feed without cutting.

Loading Labels

Turn off the printer.
Open the printer cover by pressing the cover release button.
Insert a label roll onto the spindle with the label facing outward (printing side away from the roll).
Pull the label end under the guide and through the exit slot.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Turn on the printer. The printer will automatically calibrate.

CAUTION! Use only Brother genuine labels. Do not touch the print head with fingers.

Printing Labels

Using P-touch Editor or other compatible software.

Open your design software (e.g., P-touch Editor).
Create or open a label design.
Select the QL-500 as the printer.
Set the label size in the software to match the loaded label.
Click Print. The printer will print and automatically cut the label.
For manual feed/cut, press the Feed button on the printer.

Tip: Always perform a test print on a small area first to check alignment.

Using P-touch Editor

P-touch Editor allows advanced label design.

Launch P-touch Editor.
Select "New" to create a new label.
Choose template or start blank.
Add text, images, barcodes, and shapes using the toolbar.
Format text (font, size, style, alignment).
Preview the label.
Print or save the design.

Note: Ensure the printer driver is installed correctly for P-touch Editor to detect the QL-500.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal print quality.

Cleaning print head: Turn off printer. Open cover. Gently wipe the print head with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Let dry completely.
Cleaning roller: Wipe the rubber roller with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Replacing labels: Always store unused labels in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

WARNING! Unplug the printer before cleaning. Do not use abrasive materials.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. CE marked. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not powering on	Power connection	Check AC adapter connection; ensure outlet is working.
No print output (blank labels)	Label loading, print head	Reload labels correctly; clean print head; check software settings.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head, low-quality labels	Clean print head; use genuine Brother labels.
Printer not detected by computer	USB connection, driver	Reconnect USB cable; reinstall printer driver.
Label jam or misfeed	Misaligned labels, foreign object	Open cover, remove jammed label; ensure path is clear.
Cutter not working	Blunt blade, obstruction	Check for label debris; contact service if blade is damaged.

Reset: Turn printer off and on. Reinstall driver if issues persist.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; support.brother.com