GlossaryLabels and printing
ZPL (Zebra Programming Language)
A printer command language used by most thermal label printers, and a common format carriers return labels in.
ZPL, the Zebra Programming Language, is a text-based command language for thermal label printers. A ZPL file describes the label as a set of commands for text, lines, boxes and barcodes, which the printer renders itself.
Many carriers and shipping APIs can return labels as ZPL as well as PDF or PNG. Sending ZPL directly to the printer is fast and produces crisp barcodes, which is why it is common in warehouses. Many printers from other makers can also interpret ZPL.
Learn more in our Shipping software articles.
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