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Label Printing with Zebra Printers from Scispot

Print barcodes directly from Scispot to Zebra printers using your custom ZPL templates with Zebra Browser Print.

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Written by Satya Singh
Updated over 2 months ago

Scispot now supports seamless integration with Zebra printers, allowing you to print custom label barcodes directly from your LIMS environment. This guide walks you through the setup process and highlights key considerations to ensure smooth operation.

Integration Overview:

  • Printer Discovery: Zebra Browser Print(ZBP) detects networked Zebra printers automatically, avoiding manual network setup.

  • Print Execution: ZPL/EPL commands flow securely from your browser to the printer without exposing your network.

  • Template Management: Design once, upload anywhere—templates stored in scispot make label updates a breeze.

You’ll learn how to connect your web app to Zebra printers on your local network quickly and securely, with no deep technical background required.

1. What is Zebra Browser Print?

Zebra Browser Print is a small desktop app from Zebra Technologies. It connects your web browser to Zebra label printers on the same local network, so you can print labels directly without changing firewall settings.
​https://www.zebra.com/ap/en/support-downloads/software/printer-software/browser-print.html

Why use it?

  • Simple setup: Install one app and go.

  • Secure: No need to open your network to the internet.

  • Fast: Prints over your local Wi‑Fi or Ethernet.
    ​

2. How do I install Zebra Browser Print?

  1. Download the installer from Zebra’s official website. https://www.zebra.com/ap/en/support-downloads/software/printer-software/browser-print.html

  2. Run the installer and follow the on‑screen steps. Turn on the Driver Search option.

  3. Trust the security prompt when it appears.

  4. Check for the Zebra icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Linux).

3. What do I need before starting?

4. How to setup this Integration and connect Zebra Browser Print to Scispot?

Use Scispot’s built‑in Zebra Printing Integration page:

  1. Open Integrations: In Scispot, click your profile icon (bottom-left) and select Integrations, then click Zebra.

  2. Enable Integration: If it's not already enabled, click Enable, and confirm your Scispot workspace.

  3. Trust the security prompt when it appears. It'll allow scispot app to communicate with your zebra printers.

  4. Check Connection: Under Printer Status, verify it shows “Connected to Zebra Browser Print.” If not, ensure the ZBP desktop app is running.

  5. Select a Printer: Scroll to Available Printers, click on a printer entry (e.g., ZDesigner iMZ220 (ZPL)), then click Test to send a test label. A green Ready indicator confirms it’s working.

  6. Add or Refresh Printers: Click Refresh to rediscover printers at any time.

Tip: Keep the Zebra Browser Print app open whenever you plan to print from Scispot.

Label Templates: What, Why, and How

  1. What are label templates?

    Label templates are reusable layouts—written in Zebra’s ZPL format—that define how your labels look. They include elements like barcodes, text, logos, and placeholders for dynamic data.

  2. Why use templates?

    • Consistency: Ensure every label matches your brand and data format.

    • Efficiency: Design once, then print hundreds without redesigning.

    • Flexibility: Insert variables (e.g., {{scispot.labsheet.sampleId}}) to personalize each label automatically.

  3. Creating a new label template:

    1. Click + New template above the template list.

    2. Fill in:

      • Template Name: A clear, descriptive title.

      • Template Type: Choose the relevant category (e.g., Inventory Item, Sample Tube).

      • Description (optional): Notes or usage hints.

      • ZPL Template Code: Paste your ZPL or .prn contents. Use {{variable}} syntax for dynamic fields.

    3. (Optional) Click Refresh Preview to see how your label will look.

    4. Click Create to save.

  4. Editing an existing template:

    1. In the Label templates list, find the template and click Edit.

    2. Update the fields or ZPL code as needed.

    3. (Optional) Use Refresh Preview to confirm changes.

    4. Click Update Template to apply your edits.

  5. Can I preview the labels template before printing?

    Yes! Scispot supports previewing of label templates based on your ZPL content.
    ​
    ​Note: We recommend test-printing your label template a few times before regular use to ensure everything aligns perfectly. Minor adjustments to the ZPL may be needed for optimal print quality.

How do I design and use label templates?

Designing templates ahead of time ensures consistent, professional labels every time. You’ll first create your template in a ZPL tool, then upload it to Scispot.

a. Choose your design tool

  • Zebra Designer Essentials (Windows): Free from Zebra.com.

  • Other ZPL tools: Labelary, BarTender, NiceLabel, or any software that can export ZPL (.prn).

Note for Mac Users: Zebra Designer isn’t supported on macOS. Use a ZPL-compatible alternative that runs on your platform.

b. Create a new label in Zebra Designer Essentials

  1. Launch Zebra Designer Essentials and click Create New Label.

  2. Select Printer: Choose your Zebra model (e.g., ZD420) and click Next.

  3. Set Page Size: Pick the correct media size (e.g., 50mm x 50mm) and click Next.

  4. Orientation: Choose Portrait or Landscape, then Next.

  5. Dimensions & Finish: Confirm width, height, and margins, then click Finish to open the design canvas.

c. Add barcodes and text in Zebra Designer

  1. Add a Barcode:

    • On the left toolbar, click Barcode, then drag onto the canvas.

    • In the Properties panel, set Data Source to Text and enter {{item_barcode}}.

  2. Add Text Fields:

    • Click Text in the toolbar, drag to place.

    • For labels like item name or date, type static text or insert placeholders (e.g., {{item_name}}).

    • In Font settings, select a Zebra font (e.g., Zebra OS Font) for static text.

  3. Insert Logo (Optional):

    • Click Graphic → Picture, choose your logo file, and position it.

  4. Adjust Layout:

    • Use alignment guides to center objects.

    • Resize and space elements evenly for clarity.

d. Export to ZPL

  1. Go to File → Print (or Export).

  2. Check Print to file or Export as .prn.

  3. Set printer speed (lower is clearer) and darkness (15+ recommended).

  4. Click Print to generate your .prn file containing ZPL code.

e. Upload and use in Scispot

  1. In Scispot’s Zebra Integration page, scroll to Label templates and click + New template.

  2. Enter your Template Name and Type.

  3. Open the .prn file in a text editor, copy all ZPL, then paste into ZPL Template Code.

  4. (Optional) Click Refresh Preview to see a render.

  5. Click Create to save.

  6. To print, select this template in your label action—Scispot will merge real data into your placeholders and send ZPL to the printer via ZBP.

Dynamic Placeholders for Scispot Data

Question 1: How do I insert labsheet data into my label?
​Answer: Use the {{scispot.labsheet.column_name}} syntax, where column_name matches one of your labsheet columns. Currently supported column types are TEXT, ID, NUMBER, LIST, STATUS, DATE AND LOCATION.
​Example: {{scispot.labsheet.sample_id}}, {{scispot.labsheet.description}}, {{scispot.labsheet.quantity}}, or {{scispot.labsheet.status}}

Question 2: How can I display the name of a manifest or box?
​Answer: Use {{scispot.manifest.name}}. This placeholder fetches the manifest’s or box’s name directly.

Question 3: What placeholder shows the human-readable ID of a manifest?
​Answer: Use {{scispot.manifest.hrid}} to display the manifest’s human-readable ID (HRID).

Question 4: How do I include the actual barcode value on any label?
​Answer: Use {{scispot.label.barcode}}. This works for labsheets, manifests, boxes, or well plates to show the generated barcode value.

Question5: Can I mix static text and placeholders?
​A: Yes. For example: Product: {{scispot.labsheet.product_name}} will show “Product: ” followed by the dynamic value.

Example: Adding placeholders in Zebra Designer Essentials

  1. In Zebra Designer Essentials, select Text and drag it onto the canvas.

  2. In the Properties panel under Data Source -> Text, enter: Item ID: {{scispot.labsheet.sample_id}}

  3. Add a Barcode object and in Data Source, enter: {{scispot.label.barcode}}

  4. Optionally, add another Text object for a manifest name: Manifest: {{scispot.manifest.name}}

  5. Use Preview in Scispot or Refresh Preview on the templates page to verify these placeholders render correctly with real data.

How to print Label Barcodes to Zebra Printers from Labsheets?

To use Zebra printers as a printing method in Labsheets, ensure the following are set up in your Scispot account:

  1. Zebra Integration Enabled
    Zebra integration must be enabled for your account. If it's not, follow the setup instructions provided above. Also, make sure Zebra Browser Print is running on your system during printing.

  2. Label Templates Configured
    Set up your label templates with the necessary placeholders you want to include in the final label output.

  3. Printer Connection Verified
    Ensure your printers are connected to Scispot and that you've successfully tested the connection before printing.

Step 1: Select the samples from Labsheets for which you want to print labels. Then, click the Printer icon in the floating toolbar to begin the printing process.

Step 2: A prompt will appear asking for permission to allow Scispot to communicate with your Zebra printers. If you’ve already granted this permission during the integration setup, you won’t see it again—this is a one-time process. Click Yes to allow access.

Step 3: Change the Print Gateway from Manual Print to Zebra Printer. Select the ZPL template you want to use, and choose the printer where you’d like to send the print command.

Please note: Label previews are only rough representations of the expected output. The final print may vary based on your printer’s configuration. If the preview fails to load, it doesn’t necessarily mean the actual print will fail—your labels will still print correctly as long as your template and placeholders are properly set up.
​
Note: We recommend test-printing your label template a few times before regular use to ensure everything aligns perfectly. Minor adjustments to the ZPL may be needed for optimal print quality.

Step 4: You can now click the Print button to send a command to your selected printer. This command includes the final ZPL file, which the printer will convert into barcode labels.

A Few Important Points:

  1. Verify Printer Connectivity and Configuration
    Before proceeding with final printing, ensure your printer is properly connected and configured. Double-check settings such as page layout, darkness, and print speed—these are managed on your printer and not controlled by Scispot.

  2. Print in Small Batches
    Always print in small batches and wait for the printing process to complete before refreshing the page or closing the browser. Interrupting the session can disrupt the print commands and lead to incomplete prints.

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