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Zebra Label Printing Setup Guide (ZD410/ZD411)

Resolve Zebra printer label issues in Shepherd by switching to Seagull Scientific drivers for better print quality and alignment.

Updated over a month ago

If your labels are printing incorrectly, skipping, or misaligned, it’s often due to incorrect printer settings or mismatched label dimensions. Zebra printers, including the ZD410 and ZD411 models, require accurate stock (paper size) configuration in both Windows and the printer driver to work properly with Shepherd.

Before You Begin: Ensure that the Seagull driver is installed for your Zebra printer. This driver unlocks full configuration access for thermal printers. Download it here: https://www.seagullscientific.com/drivers/

Step 1: Create a Custom Label Size (Form) in Windows

You must create a custom form that matches the exact label size your clinic uses. Do not rely on default paper sizes.

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers

  2. Click Print server properties from the top menu

  3. Go to the Forms tab

  4. Check Create a new form

  5. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., Zebra 1.9x2.9 Label)

  6. Set the dimensions:

    • Width: 1.90 in

    • Height: 2.90 in

  7. Leave all Exposed Liner Widths at 0.00 in

  8. Click Save Form, then OK

This ensures Windows recognizes the correct label size for your printer.

Step 2: Apply the Custom Label to Printer Defaults

  1. In Devices and Printers, right-click your Zebra printer (e.g., Zebra ZD411) and select Printer properties

  2. Go to the Advanced tab

  3. Click Printing Defaults

  4. In the Page Setup tab:

    • If your custom size isn’t listed under Stock, click New and create it

    • Use the following values:

      • Type: Die-Cut Labels

      • Width: 1.90 in

      • Height: 2.90 in

      • Exposed Liner Widths: Left: 0.00 in, Right: 0.00 in

    • Name the stock (e.g., Zebra 1.9x2.9)

    • Set Orientation to Portrait

  5. Click OK to save changes

Be sure you're editing Printing Defaults, not Printing Preferences. Defaults apply system-wide for all users, while Preferences affect only the current user.

Why This Setup Matters

Thermal label printers depend on precise label dimensions. Incorrect settings can lead to:

  • Skipped labels or blank prints

  • Off-center or cut-off information

  • Misaligned output in Shepherd

By creating a custom label form and assigning it as the printer default, you ensure consistent, accurate printing and reduce wasted labels.

Still having issues? Double-check your label stock is loaded correctly, and confirm your label design in Shepherd is properly sized.

Need Help?

Reference our Printers & Labels Setup Guide or reach out to us via our in-app support chat.

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