Zebra ZT231 How To Load Media With The Cutter Option

Watch the video below.

Step-By-Step Instructions To Load Media With The Cutter Option On The Zebra ZT231

Step-by-Step: Loading Media in Cutter Mode

1. Choose Cutter Mode

   First, confirm that your printer is set to Cutter (or Delayed Cut) mode:

• Go to Menu ▸ Print ▸ Media Handling, then select Cutter or Delayed Cut depending on your need
• Or send ZPL:

  ^XA
  ^MMC^XZ ; sets cutter mode
  ^XA
  ^JUS^XZ ; saves settings

2. Load Ribbon (if using thermal transfer)

   If you’re using ribbon (not direct thermal):

• Open media cover and printhead.
• Install ribbon supply and take-up rolls.
• Weave ribbon under the printhead and wrap it onto the take-up spindle
3. Load the Media
• With the printhead open, slide out the media supply guide and fanfold or place the roll.
• Adjust the guide so it just touches the roll
• Slide the outer media guide fully out
• Feed media through the dancer, under the printhead, ensuring it passes through the transmissive sensor slot
• Important: Feed the media through the cutter slot before closing
4. Adjust Media Guides & Close
• Push the outer guide in until it’s snugly against the media
• Close the printhead assembly and media cover
5. Install Cutter Catch Tray (Optional)
• If your cutter has a catch tray, slide it into the slot at the front of the cutter
6. Final Setup & Calibration
• Press PAUSE to exit paused mode and begin the print job
• Calibrate sensors (media and ribbon) for consistent cuts: Menu ▸ Calibration, or press FEED + CANCEL for a configuration label

Cutter Behavior Notes

• The cutter cuts after each label by default.
• In Delayed Cut mode (~JK ZPL), the cutter waits until that command before making the cut
• You can batch cut via ZPL (^PQ) or prevent cuts with ^XB .
• Adjust “Tear Off Position” to ensure the blade cuts cleanly between labels .