Brother QL-500 Manual

The Brother QL-500 is a compact, high-speed label printer designed for home and office use. It features direct thermal printing technology, supports a variety of label sizes, offers USB connectivity, and includes P-touch Editor software for label design. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Computer 7. Printing Labels 8. Software Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct thermal print mechanism, USB port, Power connector, Feed button, Status LED, Label exit slot.

Feature	Description
Print Technology	Direct thermal, no ink or toner required
Connectivity	USB 2.0 for computer connection
Label Sizes	Supports 3.5mm to 62mm width continuous labels
Print Speed	Up to 50mm per second
Resolution	300 dpi for sharp text and graphics
Media Types	Continuous length die-cut labels, laminated labels
Feed Button	Manually feeds label media
Status LED	Indicates power, error, and data reception
P-touch Editor	Included software for label design
Power Supply	External AC adapter

Installation

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

Connect power: Plug AC adapter into printer and wall outlet.
Load label roll: Open cover, insert roll with adhesive side down, feed through guide.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer USB port.
Install software: Insert CD or download P-touch Editor from Brother website.

WARNING! Keep fingers clear of moving parts during operation. Use only Brother-approved media.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; install drivers and software.

Install software: Run setup from CD or downloaded file, follow on-screen instructions.
Configure printer: In Windows/Mac, add printer via Devices and Printers.
Test print: Use P-touch Editor to create and print a sample label.
Adjust settings: Access printer properties to set default label size and orientation.

CAUTION! Ensure printer is on a stable surface; avoid blocking ventilation openings.

Specifications

Model: Brother QL-500.
Print Method: Direct thermal.
Print Speed: Approx. 50mm/sec.
Resolution: 300 dpi.
Media Width: 3.5mm to 62mm.
Connectivity: USB 2.0.
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS X.
Power Consumption: 24V DC, 1.5A via AC adapter.
Dimensions: 142mm (W) x 178mm (D) x 117mm (H).
Weight: Approx. 1.1 kg.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Power button, Feed button, Status LED. Software: P-touch Editor for design, Printer Properties for configuration.

Status LED: Green (power on), Blinking green (receiving data), Red (error/cover open).

Printer Settings: Access via OS printer properties; set media size, print quality, orientation. P-touch Editor: Create labels with text, graphics, barcodes; adjust font, size, alignment.

Connecting to Computer

USB: Standard USB cable connection.

Ensure printer and computer are off before connecting.
Connect USB cable to printer and computer USB port.
Power on printer; computer should detect new hardware.
Install drivers if prompted or via software setup.

Tip: Use a high-quality USB cable; avoid using USB hubs for direct connection.

Printing Labels

Supports text, graphics, barcodes via P-touch Editor.

Design label: Open P-touch Editor, create layout with desired elements.
Select media: Choose correct label size in printer settings.
Print: Click Print; ensure printer is on and media loaded.
Feed manually: Press Feed button to advance label if needed.
Cut label: Labels are continuous; cut manually after printing.
Multiple copies: Set quantity in print dialog.

WARNING! Do not touch print head; it may be hot. Use only approved media to avoid damage.

Software Features

P-touch Editor: Design labels with various fonts, frames, symbols, barcodes (Code 39, 128, etc.). Templates: Pre-designed layouts for addresses, file folders, name badges. Database: Import data from CSV for batch printing.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Exterior: Wipe with dry, soft cloth. Print head: Clean with approved cleaning swab if print quality degrades.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol or solvents on print head. Store media in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.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	Media/software	Ensure label roll loaded correctly; check print queue; reinstall drivers.
Poor print quality	Print head/media	Clean print head; use genuine Brother media; adjust print density.
Computer not detecting printer	USB cable/drivers	Try different USB cable/port; reinstall drivers; restart computer.
Paper jam	Media misalignment	Open cover, remove jammed media; reload correctly.

Reset: Turn off printer, wait 10 seconds, restart.

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