Specifications

Format Instructions
Format instructions are the blueprint of a label. These instructions
define label length, field origin, type of field, field data, and other
information. Format instructions are always preceded by the caret (^)
character. All format instructions are processed in the order received.
Most format instructions are, for the most part, “order-independent.”
For example, instructions to print text at the bottom of a label can
come before the instruction to print a bar code at the top of the same
label.
However, due to the processing method used, some format instruc-
tions must be placed before others within the label format. These are:
^LH (Label Home) ^LL (Label Length)
^LR (Label Reverse) ^LS (Label Shift)
^JM (Set Dots/Millimeter) ^PM (Mirror Image)
^PO (Print Orientation) ^PF (Slew Dot Rows)
These commands are explained in detail in the Command Reference
section of this guide.
Multiple label formats are acted on in the order they are received by
the printer.
Format instructions fall into several categories:
Format bracket instructions
Label definition instructions
Field definition instructions
Field default instructions
Format default instructions
Format rotation instructions
Printer control instructions
Alphanumeric field instructions
Bar code field instructions
Graphic image instructions
CHAPTER 2 7
ZPL II Basics