Brother Ql550 Owners Manual

							www.brother.com 
						

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z CONTENTS
Contents
Contents .............................................................................................................................................. i
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1
Brother® One-Year Limited Warranty and Replacement Service
(USA Only)................................................................................................................................... 2
Important Information ......................................................................................................................... 5
General Precautions .......................................................................................................................... 6
QL-500/550 .................................................................................................................................. 6
DK Rolls (DK Die-cut Labels and DK Continuous Tape) ............................................................. 6
CD-ROM & Software ................................................................................................................... 7
AC power cord ............................................................................................................................. 7
Cutter unit .................................................................................................................................... 7
Symbols Used in this Guide ............................................................................................................... 8
GETTING STARTED ......................................................................................... 9
Unpacking Your QL-500/550.............................................................................................................. 9
QL-500/550 Components ................................................................................................................. 10
QL-500/550 Label Printer .......................................................................................................... 10
Button descriptions .................................................................................................................... 11
LED Lamp .................................................................................................................................. 11
Connecting to the Power Supply ...................................................................................................... 12
Installing the DK Roll ........................................................................................................................ 13
Available supplies ...................................................................................................................... 13
Installing the DK Roll ................................................................................................................. 13
Installing the Paper Guide ................................................................................................................ 14
INSTALLING SOFTWARE ............................................................................... 15
Software Overview ........................................................................................................................... 15
Software and Compatible Operating Systems ................................................................................. 15
Installation Precautions .................................................................................................................... 15
Installing the Software ...................................................................................................................... 16
Uninstalling Software ....................................................................................................................... 29
Uninstalling P-touch Editor Version 4.1 ..................................................................................... 29
Uninstalling the Printer Driver .................................................................................................... 30
Connecting the QL-500/550 to Multiple Computers ......................................................................... 31
Using the QL-500/550 as a Shared Printer ................................................................................ 31
Using the PS-9000 Print Server.................................................................................................31
CREATING LABELS ........................................................................................ 32
Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 32
Starting P-touch Editor ..................................................................................................................... 34
Using P-touch Editor ........................................................................................................................ 35
Layout Window .......................................................................................................................... 35
Creating an Address Label ........................................................................................................ 36
Contents 
						

							CONTENTS
iiContents
Printing the Label ....................................................................................................................... 37
Saving the Label ........................................................................................................................ 38
Opening an Existing Label File ..................................................................................................38
Creating Bar Code Labels ......................................................................................................... 39
Creating Other Types of Labels .................................................................................................41
Using Help ................................................................................................................................. 42
The Label List................................................................................................................................... 44
How the Label List Works .......................................................................................................... 44
Views ......................................................................................................................................... 44
Using the Label List ................................................................................................................... 45
Creating Labels Using a Layout Style and Data from the Label List ......................................... 47
Using P-touch Editor with Other Applications .................................................................................. 51
Add-In Utility .............................................................................................................................. 51
Microsoft Word........................................................................................................................... 52
Microsoft Excel .......................................................................................................................... 54
Microsoft Outlook ....................................................................................................................... 56
Using a Database ...................................................................................................................... 58
APPENDIX ....................................................................................................... 62
Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 62
Cleaning the Print Head............................................................................................................. 62
Cleaning the Roller .................................................................................................................... 62
Changing Cutter Unit ................................................................................................................. 64
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................... 65
What to do when... ..................................................................................................................... 65
Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 66
QL-500 / QL-550 ........................................................................................................................ 66
Operating Environment .............................................................................................................. 66
Accessories (For USA Only) ............................................................................................................ 67
DK Rolls  .................................................................................................................................... 67
Replacement Cutter ................................................................................................................... 67
Cleaning Sheet .......................................................................................................................... 67
Index ................................................................................................................................................ 68
Contact Information .......................................................................................................................... 71 
						

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z INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing the QL-500/550.
Your new QL-500/550 is a label printer that connects to your personal computer, enabling you to 
quickly and easily print professional custom labels that you have created on your personal computer 
using the label editing software provided.
We strongly recommend that you read this User’s Guide carefully before using your QL-500/550, 
and then keep it nearby for future reference.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation
100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA
TEL: (908) 704-1700
declares that the product
Product Name: Brother Label Printer QL-500/550
Model Number: QL-500/550
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) 
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection 
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can 
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, 
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off 
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following 
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is 
connected.
• The enclosed interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a 
Class B digital device.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the 
user’s authority to operate the equipment. 
						

							INTRODUCTION
2
Brother® One-Year Limited Warranty and Replacement Service
(USA Only)
Who is covered: • This limited warranty (warranty) is given only to the original end-use/retail purchaser (referred to 
in this warranty as Original Purchaser) of the accompanying product, consumables and 
accessories (collectively referred to in this warranty as this Product).
• If you purchased a product from someone other than an authorized Brother reseller in the United 
States or if the product was used (including but not limited to floor models or refurbished product), prior to your purchase you are not the Original Purchaser and the product that you purchased is not covered by this warranty.What is covered: • This Product includes a Machine and Consumable and Accessory Items. Consumable and 
Accessory Items include but are not limited to label cassettes, cutters, stamps, power adapters, 
cases and batteries.
• Except as otherwise provided herein, Brother warrants that the Machine and the accompanying 
Consumable and Accessory Items will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, when used under normal conditions.• This warranty applies only to products purchased and used in the United States. For products 
purchased in, but used outside, the United States, this warranty covers only warranty service 
within the United States (and does not include shipping outside the United States).
What is the length of the Warranty Periods:• Machines: one year from the original purchase date.
• Accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items: 90 days from the original purchase date or the 
rated life of consumable, whichever comes first.
What is NOT covered:This warranty does not cover:(1) Physical damage to this Product;
(2) Damage caused by improper installation, improper or abnormal use, misuse, neglect or accident 
(including but not limited to transporting this Product without the proper preparation and/or 
packaging);
(3) Damage caused by another device or software used with this Product (including but not limited 
to damage resulting from use of non Brother
®-brand parts and Consumable and Accessory 
Items);
(4) Consumable and Accessory Items that expired in accordance with a rated life; and,
(5) Problems arising from other than defects in materials or workmanship.
This limited warranty is VOID if this Product has been altered or modified in any way (including but 
not limited to attempted warranty repair without authorization from Brother and/or alteration/removal of the serial number).What to do if you think your Product is eligible for warranty service:Report your issue to our P-touch Customer Service Hotline at 1-877-478-6824 or to a Brother 
Authorized Service Center within the applicable warranty period. Supply Brother or the Brother 
Authorized Service Center with a copy of your dated bill of sale showing that this Product was 
purchased within the U.S. For the name of local Brother Authorized Service Center(s), call 1-800-
521-2846.What Brother will ask you to do:After contacting Brother or a Brother Authorized Service Center, you may be required to deliver (by 
hand if you prefer) or send the Product properly packaged, freight prepaid, to the Authorized Service 
Center together with a photocopy of your bill of sale.
You are responsible for the cost of shipping, packing product, and insurance (if you desire).  
You are also responsible for loss or damage to this Product in shipping. 
						

							3
z INTRODUCTION
What Brother will do:If the problem reported concerning your Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory 
Items is covered by this warranty and if you first reported the problem to Brother or an Authorized 
Service Center within the applicable warranty period, Brother or its Authorized Service Center will 
repair or replace the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items at no charge 
to you for parts or labor. The decision as to whether to repair or replace the Machine and/or 
accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items is made by Brother in its sole discretion. 
Brother reserves the right to supply a refurbished or remanufactured replacement Machine and/or 
accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items  and use refurbished parts provided such replacement products conform to the manufacturers specifications for new product/parts. 
The repaired or replacement Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items will 
be returned to you freight prepaid or made available for you to pick up at a conveniently located 
Authorized Service Center.
If the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items are not covered by this 
warranty (either stage), you will be charged for shipping the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items back to you and charged for any service and/or replacement parts/products at Brothers then current published rates.
The foregoing are your sole (i.e., only) and exclusive remedies under this warranty.
What happens when Brother elects to replace your Machine:
When a replacement Machine is authorized by Brother, and you have delivered the Machine to an 
Authorized Service Center, the Authorized Service Center will provide you with a replacement 
Machine after receiving one from Brother.  If you are dealing directly with Brother, Brother will send 
to you a replacement Machine with the understanding that you will, after receipt of the replacement 
Machine, supply the required proof of purchase information, together with the Machine that Brother 
agreed to replace. You are then expected to pack the Machine that Brother agreed to replace in the 
package from the replacement Machine and return it to Brother using the pre-paid freight bill 
supplied by Brother in accordance with the instructions provided by Brother. Since you will be in 
possession of two machines, Brother will require that you provide a valid major credit card number.  
Brother will issue a hold against the credit card account number that you provide until Brother 
receives your original Product and determines that your original Product is entitled to warranty 
coverage. Your credit card will be charged up to the cost of a new Product only if: (i) you do not return 
your original Product to Brother within five (5) business days; (ii) the problems with your original 
Product are not covered by the limited warranty; (iii) the proper packaging instructions are not 
followed and has caused damage to the product; or (iv) the warranty period on your original Product 
has expired or has not been sufficiently validated with a copy of the proof of purchase (bill of sale). 
The replacement Machine you receive (even if refurbished or remanufactured) will be covered by 
the balance of the limited warranty period remaining on the original Product, plus an additional thirty 
(30) days. You will keep the replacement Machine that is sent to you and your original Machine shall 
become the property of Brother. 
Retain your original Accessory Items and a copy of the return 
freight bill, signed by the courier. 
						

							INTRODUCTION
4
Limitations:Brother is not responsible for damage to or loss of any equipment, media, programs or data related 
to the use of this Product. Except for that repair or replacement as described above, Brother shall 
not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages or specific relief. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL, 
WHETHER EXPRESSED BY AFFIRMATION, PROMISE, DESCRIPTION, DRAWING, MODEL OR 
SAMPLE.  ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THIS ONE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR 
IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A 
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.
• This Limited Warranty is the only warranty that Brother is giving for this Product. It is the final 
expression and the exclusive and only statement of Brothers obligations to you. It replaces all 
other agreements and understandings that you may have with Brother or its representatives.
• This warranty gives you certain rights and you may also have other rights that may vary from state 
to state.
• This Limited Warranty (and Brothers obligation to you) may not be changed in any way unless 
you and Brother sign the same piece of paper in which we (1) refer to this Product and your bill of 
sale date, (2) describe the change to this warranty and (3) agree to make that change.
Important:We recommend that you keep all original packing materials, in the event that you ship this Product. 
						

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z INTRODUCTION
Important Information
Should you have questions, or need information about your Brother Product, we have a variety of 
support options for you to choose from:
USA-Customer Service:
Customer Service
877-478-6824 (voice)
Customer Service
901-379-1210 (fax)
Automated Faxback
800-521-2846
World Wide Web
www.brother.com
Supplies / Accessories
www.brothermall.com
or 888-879-3232
BROTHER INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
100 SOMERSET CORPORATE BLVD.
BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY 08807-0911
Please record your model and serial number and your date and location of Purchase below for your 
records. Keep this information with your proof of purchase (bill of sale) in case your Product requires 
service.
Model #  _______________________________________________________
Serial #  _______________________________________________________
Date of purchase:  _______________________________________________
Store where purchased:  __________________________________________
Location of store: ________________________________________________
Important: We recommend that you keep all original packing materials, in the event that you need 
to ship this product.
Important Information
Save Time - Register On-Line!Don’t stand in line at the post office or worry about lost mail. Visit us on-line atwww.registermybrother.comYour product will immediately be registered in our database and you can be on your way!
Also, while youre there, look for contests and other exciting information! 
						

							INTRODUCTION
6General Precautions
QL-500/550• The QL-500/550 is a precision machine. Do not drop, hit or otherwise bang the QL-500/550.
• Do not grab and lift the QL-500/550 by the DK Roll compartment cover. The cover could come off 
and the QL-500/550 could fall and become damaged.
• The QL-500/550 may malfunction if left near a television, radio, etc. Do not use the QL-500/550 
near any machine that can cause electromagnetic interference.
• Do not expose the QL-500/550 to direct sunlight.
• Do not place or store the QL-500/550 near heaters or other hot appliances, in any location 
exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity or dusty locations. Doing so could 
cause the machine to malfunction.
• Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other organic solvents to clean the QL-500/550. 
Doing so may cause damage to the surface finish. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the dirty QL-500/550.
• Do not place any heavy objects or objects containing water on top of the QL-500/550. If water or any 
foreign object enters the QL-500/550, contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was purchased 
or your local authorized service center. If you continue to use the QL-500/550 with water or a foreign 
object in the QL-500/550, the QL-500/550 may be damaged or personal injury could result.
• Do not touch the cutter. Personal injury could result. Take special care when changing the cutter unit.
• Do not insert any objects into or block the label output slot, or USB port.
• Do not place any metal parts near the print head. The print head becomes very hot during use 
and remains very hot immediately after use. Do not touch it directly with your hands.
• Use only the interface cable (USB cable) included with the QL-500/550.
• Use only genuine Brother accessories and supplies. Do not use any unauthorized accessories or 
supplies.
• When using the QL-500/550, place it on a stationary, level location.
• Use only the authorized power source for the QL-500/550.
• When not in use for an extended period, remove the DK Roll from the QL-500/550.
• Never disassemble the QL-500/550 or get it wet with water to avoid possible fire or electrical 
shock. Do not remove the power cord from nor insert it into the electrical outlet with wet hands. 
Doing so could cause an electrical shock or fire.
• Do not attempt to print labels while the DK Roll compartment cover is open.
DK Rolls (DK Die-cut Labels and DK Continuous Tape)• Use only Brother DK Die-cut Labels or Brother DK Continuous Tapes with this machine. Do not 
use any DK Roll that does not have the   mark.
• If the label is attached to a wet, dirty, or oily surface, it may peel off easily. Before applying the 
label, clean the surface to which the label will be applied.
• Depending on the environmental conditions and the material, condition, roughness, and shape of 
the applying surface, part of the tape may not adhere properly or the label may peel off.
• In order to test the adhesive strength of the label or before using the label where safety is a particular 
concern, test the label by affixing a small piece of it to an inconspicuous area of the intended surface.
• If the label is used outdoors, ultraviolet rays, wind, and rain may cause the color of the label to 
fade and the ends of the label to peel off.
• Do not expose the DK Rolls to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, or dust. Store in 
a cool, dark place. Use the DK Rolls soon after opening the package.
• Scratching the printed surface of the label with your finger nails or metal objects, or touching the 
printed surface with hands dampened by water, sweat, or medicated cream, etc., can cause the 
color to change or fade.
• Do not apply labels to any persons, animals, or plants, or in public locations, or on another 
persons personal belongings without prior consent.
• Note that Brother does not assume responsibility for any damage, etc. arising from failure to follow 
the precautions listed.
General Precautions