Brother QL-Series Manual

The Brother QL-Series is a line of direct thermal label printers designed for fast, reliable printing of shipping labels, barcodes, tags, and more. Featuring high-speed printing, versatile connectivity options (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi on select models), compatibility with various label sizes, and Brother's 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 Devices 7. Printing Labels 8. Software & Tools 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct thermal print mechanism, Paper exit cover, Control panel (buttons/LEDs), Connectivity ports, Label holder/cutter (auto or manual).

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct thermal
Print Speed	Up to X inches per second (model dependent)
Maximum Print Width	X inches (e.g., 4.1" for QL-1100)
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Ethernet (select models), Wi-Fi (select models)
Label Compatibility	Die-cut labels, continuous length labels, tags
Cutter	Built-in automatic or manual cutter
Control Panel	Power, Feed, Cancel buttons; status LEDs
Software	Brother P-touch Editor, Drivers, Utilities
Power Supply	AC adapter (included)
Media Sensor	Auto-detects label gap/black mark

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface near power outlet.

Install labels: Open paper exit cover, load label roll onto holder, feed through guide.
Connect power: Plug AC adapter into printer and wall outlet.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to PC/Mac.
Install software: Insert included CD or download from Brother website.

WARNING! Do not touch print head; it becomes hot during operation. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; install drivers and software.

Install drivers: Run setup from CD or downloaded file; follow on-screen instructions.
Configure printer settings: Use control panel or software to set default label size, print density.
Test print: Print a configuration or test label to verify operation.
Calibrate sensor: Perform media calibration if labels are not feeding correctly.

CAUTION! Use only Brother-approved labels and accessories to avoid damage.

Specifications

Print Technology: Direct thermal.
Resolution: X dpi (e.g., 300 dpi).
Label Width Range: X" to X" (model dependent).
Maximum Label Length: Up to X feet.
Memory: Built-in flash memory for stored formats.
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Power Consumption: XX watts (operating), XX watts (standby).
Operating Environment: Temperature X°F to X°F, humidity X% to X%.
Dimensions & Weight: Varies by model.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER button (on/off), FEED button (advances label), CANCEL button (stops print job), Status LEDs (Power/Error).

Software Settings: Access via P-touch Editor or printer driver properties: Label size, print density, orientation, cutter options, mirror printing.

Printer Settings Menu (via buttons): Calibration, default density, serial interface settings (if applicable), network configuration (Wi-Fi/Ethernet models).

Connecting to Devices

USB: Standard connection to computer. Network: Ethernet for shared office use. Wi-Fi: Wireless printing on supported models.

Turn off printer before connecting cables.
Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
For network: Connect Ethernet cable to router and printer.
For Wi-Fi: Use WPS or software to connect to wireless network.
Install corresponding drivers for connection type.

Tip: Ensure latest drivers are installed from Brother support site.

Printing Labels

Supports printing from various applications: P-touch Editor, word processors, shipping software, databases.

Design label: Use P-touch Editor to create label with text, barcodes, graphics.
Select printer: Choose QL-Series printer in print dialog.
Set properties: Verify label size, orientation, quantity in printer settings.
Print: Click Print; printer will feed and cut label (if auto cutter enabled).
Manual feed/cut: Use FEED button to advance, use cutter lever for manual cut.
Continuous printing: For long labels, disable auto cutter.

WARNING! Do not touch cutter blade. Keep hands clear during automatic cutting.

Software & Tools

P-touch Editor: Design labels with templates, fonts, barcodes. Brother Utilities: Monitor status, update firmware, adjust settings. Integration: Compatible with popular shipping platforms (e.g., ShipStation, EasyPost).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug printer before cleaning. Use dry, lint-free cloth to clean exterior. Clean print head with approved cleaning swab if print quality degrades.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Replace label roll when nearly empty to avoid jams.

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 1-877-552-6255.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not powering on	Power connection	Check AC adapter connections; ensure outlet is working.
Labels not feeding	Media loading/sensor	Reload labels correctly; perform media calibration.
Poor print quality	Print head/density	Clean print head; adjust print density in settings.
Printer not detected	Driver/USB cable	Reinstall drivers; try different USB cable/port.
Network/Wi-Fi issues	Configuration	Verify network settings; restart printer/router.
Cutter not working	Settings/jam	Enable auto cutter in software; check for label jam.

Reset: Turn off printer, hold FEED button while turning on to reset settings.

Service: 1-877-552-6255; www.brother.com