How to set up Zebra stock label size
To set up a stock label size on your Zebra printer in Windows, open Devices and Printers, right-click the Zebra printer, open Printing preferences, go to the Stocks tab, and create a new size. Most couriers use 4×6 inches as the default label size.
If it's your first time setting up your Zebra printer you will most likely need to set up a default stock size first.
Please note: This guide is only for Windows users. If you're on a Mac computer and having issues please contact the Zenstores support team on support@zenstores.com
- Open Control Panel and View Devices and Printers
Go to Control Panel on your Windows PC and click on View Devices and Printers. This will show you a list of all printers connected to your computer. Note: this guide is for Windows users only. If you are on a Mac and experiencing issues, please contact the Zenstores support team at support@zenstores.com.
- Right-click your Zebra printer and open Printing Preferences
Locate your Zebra printer in the Devices and Printers list. Right-click on it and select Printing Preferences from the context menu. This will open the Zebra printing preferences window where you can manage label stock settings.
- Create a new stock label size
In the Printing Preferences window, click the Stocks tab from the settings tabs at the top. Then click the New button to begin creating a new label stock size. This allows you to define a custom label size that matches your physical label stock.
- Configure label dimensions and print settings
Set up the dimensions and settings for your new label size. For most couriers supported by Zenstores, the default label size is 4" x 6" inches — you can name the label '4x6' or whatever you prefer. It is also recommended to set Darkness to 16 and Speed to 5, as these are generally the best settings and will work for most users. Click OK when done.
- Apply the new stock label in the Options tab
You will be returned to the Printing Preferences window. Click the Options tab, then find the Stocks dropdown menu and select your newly created label stock (e.g. 4x6). Click the Apply button to save the setting. Your system will now use this label size by default whenever you print shipping labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What label size should I use for shipping labels on my Zebra printer?
For most couriers supported by Zenstores, the standard label size is 4" x 6" inches. This is the recommended size to use when creating your stock label in the Zebra printing preferences. You can name the stock label anything you like, but '4x6' is a helpful convention.
What are the recommended Darkness and Speed settings for my Zebra printer?
The recommended settings are Darkness set to 16 and Speed set to 5. These settings work well for most users and produce clear, scannable shipping labels. If your labels are printing too light or too dark, you can adjust the Darkness setting up or down accordingly.
Does this guide work for Mac users?
No, this guide is intended for Windows users only. The steps described use the Windows Control Panel and Devices and Printers interface, which is not available on macOS. If you are on a Mac and experiencing issues with your Zebra printer, please contact the Zenstores support team at support@zenstores.com.
Why do I need to set up a stock label size before printing?
Zebra printers require a defined stock label size to know the physical dimensions of the label media loaded in the printer. Without this, the printer may not print labels at the correct size, leading to misaligned or incorrectly sized output. Setting up the stock size once ensures all future print jobs use the correct dimensions automatically.
I've set up the stock label size but my labels are still printing incorrectly — what should I do?
Make sure you selected the newly created stock from the Stocks dropdown in the Options tab and clicked Apply. Also verify that the label dimensions you entered match the physical size of your label stock. If problems persist, try adjusting the Darkness and Speed settings, or contact Zenstores support for further assistance.
