38 × 25 mm label
What layout is the 38 × 25 mm format suitable for?
For small parts, the example keeps only reference, lot and quantity on three lines. It prioritizes readability instead of adding a barcode that would compete for the narrow space.
What limitation should I consider with 38 × 25 mm?
Moving from 40 × 30 mm removes 2 mm of width and 5 mm of height. Changing ^PW and ^LL is not enough: check each origin and the real maximum data length, especially if adding a QR.
Dimensions in pixels (dots) per DPI
| DPI | Width × height (dots) |
|---|---|
| 203 | 304 × 200 |
| 300 | 449 × 295 |
| 600 | 898 × 591 |
Rounded values: dots = mm × DPI / 25.4. Check the actual head density in your printer specifications; some manufacturers state it in dots/mm.
Working area at 203 DPI with a 2 mm margin: 272 × 168 dots. The margin is a choice for this example, not a manufacturer specification.
Example layout by resolution
Educational example; not a certified label or a physical print test. Sample text and codes stay the same in every language for comparison.
38 × 25 mm · 203 DPI
^XA
^PW304
^LL200
^FO16,16^A0N,24,24^FDPART A17^FS
^FO16,72^A0N,24,24^FDLOT B03^FS
^FO16,136^A0N,20,20^FDQTY 12^FS
^XZ38 × 25 mm · 300 DPI
^XA
^PW449
^LL295
^FO24,24^A0N,35,35^FDPART A17^FS
^FO24,106^A0N,35,35^FDLOT B03^FS
^FO24,201^A0N,30,30^FDQTY 12^FS
^XZ38 × 25 mm · 600 DPI
^XA
^PW898
^LL591
^FO47,47^A0N,71,71^FDPART A17^FS
^FO47,213^A0N,71,71^FDLOT B03^FS
^FO47,402^A0N,59,59^FDQTY 12^FS
^XZWhat changes between resolutions
The examples scale positions and sizes with DPI: changing only ^PW and ^LL does not scale the content. ^BY and QR magnification use integer modules, so physical size may vary slightly.
How to adapt and verify the label
Measure width across the media path and height along the roll. Print without fit-to-page; check margins, dimensions and scanning with your intended media and reader. ^LL does not replace sensor calibration.
About the author
Eduard Diaz
Eduard Diaz is an IT technician (development) at S-IE, an official Zebra partner with more than 20 years providing identification and labelling services. He builds and maintains EditorZPL to make working with ZPL and Zebra label printers easier.
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