INTRODUCTION GETTING STARTED EDITING A LABEL LABEL PRINTING USING THE FILE MEMORY MAINTAINNING YOUR P-TOUCH TROUBLESHOOTING APPENDIX INDEX LW6092001
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the P-touch 2030. Your new P-touch is an easy to operate, feature packed labelling system that makes creating professional, high quality labels a breeze. This manual contains various precautions and basic procedures for using this. Read this manual carefully before using and keep in a handy place for future reference.
How to use the P-touch ................................................................................................. 4 Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................ 5 General Precautions...................................................................................................... 8 Symbols Used in this Guide ..........................................................................................
INTRODUCTION Setting Label Attributes ................................................................................................29 Using Auto-Format Layouts .........................................................................................31 Using Templates - Example creating an Asset Tag...............................................31 Using Block Layouts ..............................................................................................34 Creating a Bar Code Label..................
What to do when... ...................................................................................................... 56 Error Messages ........................................................................................................... 57 APPENDIX............................................................................................. 60 z INTRODUCTION TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................... 56 Specifications ............................
INTRODUCTION How to use the P-touch Create a label with the P-touch 1 GETTING STARTED Prepare the P-touch. P. 10 2 CREATING A LABEL • Entering and Editing text. P. 20 • Entering Symbols. P. 22 • Entering Accented Characters. P. 24 • Using Auto-Format Layouts. P. 31 In addition to entering text, the P-touch has a large range of formatting options. Create labels like these: 3 LABEL PRINTING • Printing a label. P. 41 • Setting Margin. P. 45 • Printing from the Label collection. P.
To prevent injury and damage, important notes are explained using various symbols. The symbols and their meanings are as follows: a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WARNING Indicates could result in death or serious injuries. CAUTION z INTRODUCTION Safety Precautions Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injuries. The symbols used in this manual are as follows: Action NOT allowed. DO NOT disassemble the product.
INTRODUCTION WARNING Battery Follow these guidelines to avoid liquid leakage, heat, battery rupture or personal injury. DO NOT throw into fire, heat up, short-circuit, recharge, or disassemble the batteries. AC adapter Follow these guidelines to avoid fire, damage, electric shock, failure or the risk of injury. Always use the specified voltage (220-240 V) and the suggested AC adapter. Failure to observe this may result in an accident or damage.
Battery Follow these guidelines to avoid liquid leakage, heat or battery rupture. DO NOT use old and new batteries together. DO NOT mix alkaline batteries with other type batteries. DO NOT set the positive and negative end in the wrong position. Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use the P-touch for an extended period of time. z INTRODUCTION CAUTION AC adapter If you do not intend using the P-touch for an extended period of time, please disconnect the AC adapter from the power outlet.
INTRODUCTION General Precautions • DO NOT install this machine near any device that will cause electromagnetic interference. This machine may malfunction if left near a television, radio, etc. • DO NOT use the P-touch in any way or for any purpose not described in this guide. Doing so may result in accidents or damage the machine. • DO NOT put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot, or AC adapter connector, etc. • DO NOT touch the print head with your fingers.
The following symbols are used throughout this guide to indicate additional information. This symbol indicates information or directions that may result in damage or : injury if ignored, or operations that will result in errors. : z INTRODUCTION Symbols Used in this Guide This symbol indicates information or directions that may help you understand and use the P-touch more efficiently.
GETTING STARTED Unpacking Your P-touch Check that the package contains the following before using your P-touch. P-touch PT-2030 Starter Tape Cassette AC adapter User’s Guide The adapter plug may differ by country. The User’s Guide may be provided on CD, not printed. You can download the PDF version of the User’s Guide, please go to http://solutions.brother.
z GETTING STARTED Battery compartment cover Battery case AC adaptor connector LCD Display & Keyboard LCD Display 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 1. Line number Indicates line number within the label layout. 2. Cursor Characters are entered to the left of the cursor. Indicates the current data input position. 3. Return mark Indicates the end of a line of text. 4. Caps mode Indicates that the Caps mode is on. 5.~8.
GETTING STARTED Key Names and Functions The default language is “English”. 1. Power Turns the P-touch on and off. 2. Cursor ( ) Moves the cursor in the direction of the arrow. 3. OK Selects the displayed option. 4. Escape Cancels the current command and returns the display to the data entry screen or the previous step. 5. Label Collection Enables label collections to be selected and printed. 12 LCD Display & Keyboard 6. Print • Prints the current label design onto the tape.
. Shift Use this key in combination with the letter and number keys to type uppercase letters or the symbols indicated on the number keys. 16. Symbol Use this to select and enter a symbol from a list of available symbols. 17. Backspace Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. 18. Enter • Enters a new line when entering text. • Enters a new block when used in combination with the Shift key. 19. Auto-Format Enables labels to be created using pre-defined templates or block formats. 20.
GETTING STARTED Power Supply Battery 1 After making sure that the power is off, remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the machine. If the batteries are already in the machine, remove them. Make sure that the power is turned off when replacing batteries. 2 Insert six new AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6), making sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of the batteries match the positive (+) and negative (-) marks inside the battery compartment.
z GETTING STARTED AC Adapter Connect the AC adapter directly to the P-touch. 1 Insert the plug on the AC adapter cord into the connector marked DC IN 9-9.5V on the P-touch. 2 Insert the AC adapter plug into a standard electrical outlet. • Turn the P-touch off before disconnecting the AC adapter. • Do not pull or bend the AC adapter cord. To safe guard and backup the P-touch’s memory, when the AC adapter is unplugged it is recommended to have AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6) installed into the machine.
GETTING STARTED Inserting a Tape Cassette Tape cassettes of 3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm or 18 mm width can be used in your P-touch. Use only Brother tape cassettes with the mark. • If the new tape cassette has a cardboard stopper, be sure to remove the stopper before inserting the cassette. • If the ink ribbon is loose, use your finger to wind the toothed wheel in the direction of the arrow as shown on the tape cassette.
z GETTING STARTED 3 Insert the tape cassette into the tape compartment, with the end of the tape facing the machine’s tape exit slot, and press firmly until you hear a click. When inserting the tape cassette, make sure that the tape and ink ribbon do not catch on the print head. Tape exit slot 4 Close the tape compartment cover. Make sure that the release lever is up when closing the tape compartment cover. The tape compartment cover cannot be closed if the release lever is pressed down.
GETTING STARTED Feeding Tape Feed function The Feed function feeds 25mm of blank tape. • Be sure to feed tape to remove any slack in the tape and ink ribbon after inserting the tape cassette. • Do not pull the label coming out of the tape exit slot. Doing so will cause the ink ribbon to be discharged with the tape. • Do not block the tape exit slot during printing or when feeding tape. Doing so will cause the tape to jam. 1 Hold down the Shift key and press the Preview key. 2 The message “Feeding Tape.
Language 1 Press the Setup key to display the Setup menu, select “Language” using the or key, and then press the OK or Enter key. 2 Select a language for menu commands and messages shown on the LCD display by using the or key. The language can be selected from “Český”, “Dansk”, “Deutsch”, “English”, “Español”, “Français”, “Hrvatski”, “Italiano”, “Magyar”, “Nederlands”, “Norsk”, “Polski”, “Português”, “Română”, “Slovenski”, “Slovenský”, “Suomi”, “Svenska” or “Türkçe”. 3 Press the OK or Enter key.
EDITING A LABEL Entering and Editing Text Entering Text from the Keyboard The keyboard of your P-touch can be used in the same way as a standard computer keyboard. Adding a New Line To end the current line of text and start a new line, press the Enter key. A return mark appears at the end of the line and the cursor moves to the start of the new line. • There is a maximum number of lines of text that can be entered for each tape width.
Deleting one character at a time To delete a character from an existing line of text, move the cursor to the character to the right of the position you want to start deleting text and then press the Backspace key. The character to the left of the cursor is deleted each time the Backspace key is pressed. z EDITING A LABEL Deleting Text If you hold down the Backspace key, the characters left of the cursor are deleted continuously. Deleting all text at once Use the Clear key to delete all text at once.
EDITING A LABEL Entering Symbols In addition to the symbols available on the keyboard, there are various symbols (including international and extended ASCII characters) available with the symbol function. To enter a symbol, use the Symbol function (see below). Alternatively, hold down the Shift key and then press a key on the keyboard to enter the symbol printed on the selected key’s upper-right corner. Entering Symbols Using the Symbol Function 1 Press the Symbol key.
z EDITING A LABEL zSymbol Listz Category Punctuation Business Mathematics Brackets Arrows Unit International Number Symbols Pictograph Electrical Audio_Visual Signs Communication Vehicle Sports Nature 1 Others 2 The use of the CE mark is strictly governed by one or more European Council directives. Ensure that any labels you produce which use this mark conform with the relevant directives.
EDITING A LABEL Entering Accented Characters The P-touch can display and print a set of accented characters such as other language specific characters. 1 Enter the character you wish to change to an accented character. Caps mode can be used with the Accent function. 2 Press the Accent key. The character you entered will change to an accented character. 3 Press the Accent key repeatedly until the desired accented character is selected, or select it by using the or key.
Setting Character Attributes by Label Using the Text key, you can select a font and apply size, width, style, line, and alignment attributes. 1 Press the Text key. The current settings are displayed. 2 Select an attribute using the using the or key. 3 Press the OK or Enter key to apply the settings. or z EDITING A LABEL Setting Character Attributes key, and then set a value for that attribute New settings are NOT applied if you do not press the OK or Enter key.
EDITING A LABEL zSetting Optionsz Attribute Value Result HEL (Helsinki) Font BRU (Brussels) FLO (Florida) CAL (Calgary) Auto 42pt 36pt 24pt Size 18pt 12pt 9pt 6pt 26 Setting Character Attributes When Auto is selected, the text is automatically adjusted to print in the largest size available for each tape width.
Value z EDITING A LABEL Attribute Result x2 x1 Width x2/3 x1/2 Normal BLD (Bold) OUT (Outline) SHD (Shadow) SLD (Solid) Style 1 ITL (Italic) 2 I+BLD (Italic Bold) 3 4 I+OUT (Italic Outline) 5 I+SHD (Italic Shadow) 6 I+SLD (Italic Solid) 7 8 VRT (Vertical) 9 Setting Character Attributes 27
EDITING A LABEL Attribute Value Result Off Line UND (Underline) STR (Strikeout) Left Align (Alignment) Center Right Just (Justify) Setting Auto Fit Style When “Size” is set to “Auto” and “Length” is set to a specific length, you can select the way of reducing the text size to fit within the label length. When “Text Size” is selected, the total text size is modified to fit within the label. When “Text Width” is selected, the text width will be reduced to the size of x1/2 setting.
Using the Label key, you can create a label with a frame around the text and specify the label length and tab length. (Refer to “Setting Margin” on page 45.) 1 Press the Label key. The current settings are displayed. 2 Select an attribute using the or a value for that attribute using the z EDITING A LABEL Setting Label Attributes key, and then set or key. • When setting the tab length, hold down the or key to change the value faster.
EDITING A LABEL Attribute Value Result 4 5 6 7 8 9 Frame 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Length Tab Length 30 Setting Label Attributes The length of the label can be set within the range 30mm 300mm. When Auto is selected, the length of the label is automatically adjusted based on the amount of text entered. The length of the tab can be set within the range 0mm - 100mm. The default setting is 50mm.
Using the Auto-Format function you can quickly and easily create labels for a variety of purposes, such as file tabs, equipment labels, name badges, etc. Simply select a layout from the templates or block layouts, enter the text and apply formatting as desired. Symbols and accented characters can also be used in auto-format layouts.
EDITING A LABEL 9 Enter the text and then press the OK or Enter key. Repeat this for each text field. After all text fields are entered, the print menu is displayed when the OK or Enter key is pressed. 10 Select “Print” using the the label. • • • • or key and then press the OK or Enter key to print Select “Edit” to change the text data or style settings. Select “Save” to store the label in a file memory. Select “Cancel” to exit the Auto-Format function.
Value Details Asset Tag (18 x 70 mm) Bin Box z EDITING A LABEL Attribute (18 x 76 mm) Equipment Label (18 x 58 mm) Faceplate (VRT) (12 x 70 mm) Cable Wrap (18 x 39 mm) Address Label (18 x 70 mm) Template Name Name Badge 1 (18 x 72 mm) 1 Name Badge 2 (12 x 72 mm) 2 3 CD Case Spine 1 (6 x 113 mm) CD Case Spine 2 (3.
EDITING A LABEL Using Block Layouts 1 Press the Auto-Format key to display the Auto-Format screen, and then select “Block Layouts” using the or key. 2 Press the OK or Enter key to display the Tape Width screen, and then select a tape width using the or key. 3 Press the OK or Enter key. When the tape width has not changed, the last block layout selected is displayed. When the tape width has changed, the default layout for the new tape width is displayed.
• If the width of the current tape cassette does not match the set width for the selected layout, an error message is displayed when you try to print the label. Press the Escape key or any other key to clear the error message, and insert a tape cassette of the correct width. • If the number of characters entered exceeds the limit, “Text Too Long!” is displayed when the OK or Enter key is pressed. Press the Escape key or any other key to clear the error message, and edit the text using fewer characters.
EDITING A LABEL Attribute Value 2LineA 2LineB Block layout (12 mm tape) 3Line 1+2Line 2LineA Block layout (9 mm tape) 2LineB 1+2Line Block layout (6 mm tape) 36 Using Auto-Format Layouts 1+2Line Details
Using the Bar Code function you can create labels with one dimensional bar codes for use with cash registers, stock control systems or other bar code reader systems, or even asset control tags used in an asset management system. • The P-touch is not designed exclusively for creating bar code labels. Always check that bar code labels can be read by the bar code reader. • For best results, print bar code labels in black ink on white tape.
EDITING A LABEL zBar Code Settingsz Attribute Protocol Width Under# (characters printed below bar code) Value CODE39, CODE128, EAN-8, EAN-13, GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128), UPC-A, UPC-E, I-2/5 (ITF), CODABAR Small Large On Off Off C.Digit (check digit) On (only available for the CODE39, I-2/5 and CODABAR protocols) Entering Bar Code Data 1 Press the Setup key to display the Setup menu, select “Bar Code Input” using the or keys, and then press the OK or Enter key. The Bar Code Input screen is displayed.
zSpecial Character Listz CODE39 Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Special Character (SPACE) CODABAR Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 Special Character z EDITING A LABEL • Press the Escape key to return to the previous step. • Refer to the Special Characters List table for a list of all available settings.
EDITING A LABEL CODE128, GS1-128 (UCC / EAN-128) Code Special Character Code Special Character Code Special Character 0 (SPACE) 24 48 DC3 1 25 49 DC4 2 26 50 NAK 3 27 51 SYN 4 28 NUL 52 ETB 5 29 53 CAN 6 30 SOH 54 EM 7 31 STX 55 SUB 8 32 ETX 56 ESC 9 33 EOT 57 10 34 ENQ 58 FS 11 35 ACK 59 12 36 BEL 60 GS 13 37 BS 61 14 38 HT 62 RS 15 39 LF 63 16 40 VT 64 US 17 41 FF 65 DEL 18 42 CR 66 FNC3 19 43 SO 67 FNC2 20 44 SI 68 FNC4 21 45 DLE 69 FNC1 22 46 DC1 23 47 DC2 Editing and Deleting a Bar Code • To edit the
LABEL PRINTING Using the Preview function you can check the layout of the label before printing. Press the Preview key. An image of the label is displayed on the screen. The length of the label is shown in the lower-right corner of the screen. Press the or key to scroll the preview to the left or right. Press the or key to change the magnification of the preview. z LABEL PRINTING Label Preview • Press the Escape, OK or Enter key to return to the text entry screen.
LABEL PRINTING Printing a Single Copy 1 Make sure that the appropriate tape cassette is inserted and ready for printing. 2 Press the Print key. “Printing...Copies” is displayed while the labels are being printed. To stop printing, press the Power key to turn off the P-touch. There are several other messages that may appear when you press the Print key. Refer to “Error Messages” on page 57 for further information about error messages.
Using the numbering function you can create a set of sequentially numbered labels from a single label format. 1 Make sure that the appropriate tape cassette is inserted and ready for printing. 2 Hold down the Shift key and press the Print key to display the print options screen, and then select “Numbering” using the or key. 3 Press the OK or Enter key. The numbering start point screen is displayed.
LABEL PRINTING Letters and numbers increase as shown below: Î 1 ...9 Î 0 Î ... 0 ...Z Î A Î ... A Î B Î b ...z Î a Î ... a A0 Î A1 ...A9 Î B0 Î ... Spaces (shown as underscores “_” in the example below) can be used to adjust the spacing between characters or to control the number of digits that are printed. _9 Î 10 ...99 Î 00 Î ... _Z Î AA ...ZZ Î AA Î ... 1_9 Î 2_0 ...9_9Î 0_0 Î ...
The tape cutting options allow you to specify how the tape is fed and cut when printing labels. In particular, the “Chain” options greatly reduce the amount of wasted tape by using smaller margins and eliminating blank sections cut between labels. 1 Press the Label key to display the Label menu. 2 Select “Margin” using the key. 3 Press the OK or Enter key to apply the settings.
LABEL PRINTING Setting Chain 46 Setting Margin Description • Use this setting when printing several labels with minimum margins. • Feed the tape before using the cutter. Otherwise a part of the text may be cut off. Do not try to pull the tape since this may damage the tape cassette. • After pressing Print, “OK to Feed?” appears. Press the Escape key to enter more texts or press the OK or Enter key to feed. • The final label is printed with an 9.4 mm margin to the right of the characters.
You can adjust the length of the printed label in levels of -5 to +5. 1 Press the Setup key to display the setup menu, select “Adjust Length” using the or key, and then press the OK or Enter key. 2 Select “Adjust Length” by using the or key, and then set the value by using the or key. 3 Press the OK or Enter key to apply the setting. z LABEL PRINTING Adjusting the Label Length • Press the Escape key to return to the previous step. • Press the Space key to set the value to default setting.
LABEL PRINTING Printing from the Label Collection Printing a label from the Label Collection Stored in the Machine Pages 49 to 51 show the many labels that are stored in your Label Collection. Printing these pre-designed labels saves you time. 1 Press the Label Collection key. 2 Select the language of the label to be printed using the or key, and then press the OK or Enter key.
z LABEL PRINTING zLabel Collection Listz Category Label Files (12 mm tape only) 1 Office Signage (18 mm tape only) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 * Labels are for illustrative purposes only.
LABEL PRINTING Category Caution (18 mm tape only) Shipping (18 mm tape only) ECO (18 mm tape only) * Labels are for illustrative purposes only.
z LABEL PRINTING Category Label Retail (18 mm tape only) Personal (12 mm tape only) 1 * Labels are for illustrative purposes only.
USING THE FILE MEMORY You can store up to 9 of your most frequently used labels in the file memory. Each label is stored as a file, allowing you to quickly and easily recall your label when needed again. When the file memory is full, each time you save a file you will need to overwrite one of your stored files. Storing a Label into Memory 1 After entering the text and formatting the label, press the File key to display the File screen. 2 Select “Save” using the 3 Press the OK or Enter key.
1 Press the File key to display the File screen. 2 Select “Print” using the 3 Press the OK or Enter key. The file number of a stored label is displayed. The label text is also displayed to identify the label. 4 Select a file number using the or key, and then press the Print, OK or Enter key to print the selected label. The label is printed from the machine. or key. z USING THE FILE MEMORY Printing a Stored Label File • Press the Escape key to return to the previous step.
MAINTAINING YOUR P-TOUCH Resetting the P-touch You can reset the internal memory of your P-touch when you want to clear all saved label files, or in the event the P-touch is not operating correctly. Resetting the data to factory settings (Label collections stored in Favorites is not reset) Turn off the machine. Press and hold down the Shift and R keys. While holding down the Shift and R keys, press the Power key once and then release the Shift and R keys.
z MAINTAINING YOUR P-TOUCH Cleaning the Tape Cutter Tape adhesive can build up on the cutter blade after repeated use, taking the edge off the blade which may result in the tape jamming in the cutter. • About once every year, wipe the cutter blade using a cotton swab moistened with Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). • Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your bare hands.
TROUBLESHOOTING What to do when... Problem Solution The screen “locks”, or Refer to “Resetting the P-touch” on page 54 and reset the the P-touch does not internal memory to the initial settings. If resetting the respond normally. P-touch does not solve the problem, disconnect the AC adapter and remove the batteries for more than 10 minutes. The display remains Check that the batteries are correctly installed and that the blank after turning on AC adapter designed exclusively for your P-touch the power.
When an error message appears on the display, follow the directions provided below. Message Battery Weak!* Cause/Remedy The installed batteries are getting weak. Check Battery! The installed batteries are about to run out of power. Replace with new batteries or connect the AC adapter before continuing. An incompatible AC adapter is connected. After the power is turned off automatically, use the AC adapter designed exclusively for your P-touch.
TROUBLESHOOTING Message Length Limit!* Insert 18mm Tape Cassette!* Cause/Remedy The length of the label to be printed using the text entered is longer than 1 m. Edit the text so that the length of the label is less than 1 m. An 18 mm tape cassette is not installed when an Auto-Format for 18 mm tape is selected. Install an 18 mm tape cassette. Insert 12mm Tape Cassette!* An 12 mm tape cassette is not installed when an AutoFormat for 12 mm tape is selected. Install a 12 mm tape cassette.
Maximum Of 5 Bar Codes Per Label!* Cause/Remedy The bar code data entered does not have the required start/ stop code (A, B, C, or D required at the beginning and end of the bar code data for the CODABAR protocol). Enter the bar code data correctly. There are already 5 bar codes entered in the text data when you try to enter a new bar code. You can only use up to five bar codes in each label.
APPENDIX Specifications Main Unit Item Display Character display Screen contrast Printing Print method Print head Print height Print speed Tape cassette No. of lines Margin Memory Memory buffer size File storage Other Features Templates Power Supply Power supply Auto Power-off Size Dimensions Weight Other Operating temperature / humidity 60 Specifications Specification 16 characters x 1 guidance and 2 lines text (128 x 48 dot) 5 levels (+2, +1, 0, -1, -2) Thermal Transfer 112 dot / 180 dpi 15.8 mm max.
INDEX R AC adapter ....................................... 15 Accented Character List ................... 24 Auto power-off time .......................... 17 Return mark ......................................11 B Battery .............................................. 14 Block Layouts ................................... 35 C Caps mode ....................................... 11 contrast ............................................. 18 cursor keys ....................................... 20 S size .......
