203, 300, 600 DPI
Pick the right DPI for your printer model. ZPL renders at the printer's native resolution for perfectly sharp bars and QR modules.
Free, no signup, no watermark
ZPL Barcode and QR Code Generator
Create ZPL files for Zebra and ZPL compatible label printers in your browser. Linear barcodes, QR codes, and Data Matrix, with 203, 300, or 600 DPI presets, exact label sizes, and optional RFID EPC encoding for R series printers. Single labels or bulk from a CSV.
What is ZPL?
ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) is the command language used by Zebra thermal label printers and most ZPL compatible printers from other manufacturers. A ZPL file is a small text file containing the commands needed to render a label, including the barcode or QR code symbology, position, size, and any text or graphics around it. Sending the file to the printer prints the label directly, with no driver or print dialog needed.
Compared to a PNG or PDF, ZPL has two big advantages on Zebra hardware. First, it renders at the printer's native resolution (203, 300, or 600 DPI), so linear bars and QR modules are perfectly sharp every time. Second, it can drive specialty features like RFID EPC encoding on R series printers, cutter behaviour, and label peeler logic, things a raster image cannot do.
How to generate a ZPL barcode or QR code
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Pick a symbology
Choose the code your label needs: linear barcodes (Code-128, EAN-13, GS1-128 and others) or 2D codes (QR, Data Matrix). All export as ZPL.
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Set the printer DPI
Match your Zebra printer: 203 DPI for most desktop and mobile units, 300 DPI for higher quality, 600 DPI for industrial.
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Set the label size
Enter the label width and height in millimetres or inches. The generator scales the barcode or QR code to fit with the correct quiet zone.
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Download the ZPL
Click download to get the .zpl file. Send it to the printer over USB, network, or print queue. For many labels, switch to CSV mode.
Built for Zebra printers, not screenshots
Optional RFID EPC
Encode an RFID EPC alongside the printed code on Zebra R series printers, with one ZPL file per tag.
Barcodes and QR codes
Code-128, Code-39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF-14, ISBN, ISSN, QR, Data Matrix, all exportable as ZPL.
Exact label sizes
Set the label width and height in millimetres or inches. The ZPL is sized to fit with a correct quiet zone.
CSV bulk export
Upload a spreadsheet to generate one ZPL file per row, useful for shipping label runs, SKU lists, and QR campaigns.
Free forever
No signup, no watermark, no usage limits. The ZPL files run on any Zebra or ZPL compatible printer.
ZPL barcode and QR code questions, answered
What is a ZPL file?
A ZPL file is a plain text file containing the commands a Zebra thermal printer uses to render a label. It defines the symbology (linear barcode or QR), position, size, and any text or graphics on the label. Sending the file to the printer prints the label directly, no driver needed.
Can ZPL print QR codes?
Yes. ZPL has a native QR command and the generator outputs it correctly sized for your label and printer DPI. The same applies to Data Matrix.
Which printers can use ZPL?
All Zebra thermal label printers (ZD, ZT, ZE, ZQ, ZR series) and most ZPL compatible printers from other manufacturers including SATO, Honeywell, TSC, and Godex with ZPL emulation enabled.
How do I send a ZPL file to my printer?
You can send it over USB, a network share, the printer's built in queue, or a print server. On Windows you can also copy the file to a shared printer port. The exact method depends on your printer setup.