~SD · Print Darkness
Print darkness/temperature.
Syntax and practical example
~SD##0 to 30. Example: ~SD15
~SD15
^XA
^PW600
^LL400
^FO40,40^A0N,30,30^FDDARKNESS TEST^FS
^FO40,100^BY2^BCN,80,Y,N,N^FDAB12^FS
^XZEducational example; not a certified label or a physical print test. Sample text and codes stay the same in every language for comparison.
Expected result with ~SD
~SD15 requests darkness 15; this is a demonstration value, not a universal media recommendation. Print a baseline with current settings, then compare small changes at fixed speed. Look for sharp bars without gaps or merged areas.
What should I check if ~SD does not give the expected result?
The command is ~SD with a tilde, not ^SD. Increasing darkness does not fix a dirty head or incompatible ribbon. Check ^MD too, since it can affect effective darkness, and retain the lowest setting that gives a readable print.
Test on a real printer
The viewer helps check the layout, but does not simulate the mechanism, media or persistent printer settings. Record the original settings and restore them after testing.
Related commands
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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