ZPL Commands Reference: Essential Syntax and Practical Examples
Zebra Programming Language, or ZPL, is a markup-style language that defines how text, barcodes, and graphics are printed on Zebra printers. Although it’s been around for decades, ZPL remains the industry standard for label automation — primarily because of its simplicity, precision, and compatibility across printer models. If you’ve ever found yourself digging through outdated […]
ZPL.ai vs Traditional Simulators — Why Real-Time ZPL Rendering Wins
For years, developers and IT teams relied on ZPL simulators — local software that emulated a Zebra printer environment — to test label commands before production. These simulators were practical, but in today’s fast-paced, connected world, they’re starting to show their limits. Enter ZPL.ai, a new-generation, cloud-based solution that’s redefining how professionals preview, test, and […]
The Best Tools to Convert ZPL Files — From PDF, Image, or Text
Whether you’re printing logistics labels, testing new templates, or working with e-commerce integrations, you’ll eventually face one common challenge: ZPL file conversion. Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) is powerful, but not every tool or department speaks its syntax. Designers may send PDFs, your ERP might output XML, or suppliers might use images — and you need […]
ZPL vs EPL: What’s the Difference Between These Zebra Printer Languages?
If you’ve ever configured a Zebra printer, you’ve likely come across two familiar acronyms: ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) and EPL (Eltron Programming Language). Both are designed for label printing, but they differ in structure, capabilities, and long-term support. Choosing between them can make a big impact on your printing setup — especially when scaling up […]
The 7 Best Free ZPL Tools Every Developer Should Know
If you work with Zebra printers, you already know that ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) is the heart of label automation. But writing, testing, and troubleshooting ZPL manually can be time-consuming — especially when you’re just trying to make sure a barcode or font looks right. The good news? There’s a growing collection of free ZPL […]
Labelary vs ZPL.ai — Which ZPL Viewer Is the Better Choice for 2025?
If you work with Zebra printers or handle shipping label automation, chances are you’ve come across Labelary, one of the first online ZPL viewers ever built. It’s been around for years — reliable, lightweight, and simple. But the ZPL landscape has changed. What used to be a niche developer tool has evolved into an ecosystem […]
ZPL Viewer vs. Labelary: Which One Should You Use in 2025?
If you’ve worked with ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) for more than a few days, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Should I be using Labelary or a modern ZPL Viewer tool? It’s not a trivial decision. The tool you choose for previewing, testing, and validating labels can have a huge impact on your workflow, efficiency, […]
