Brother Ql550 Owners Manual

							7
z INTRODUCTION
General Precautions
• When peeling a DK Die-cut Label, some portion of the label may remain. Remove the remaining 
portion before attaching a new label.
• Do not drop the DK Roll, or damage to the DK Roll could result.
• Do not use CD/DVD labels in a slot loading CD/DVD player, for example a CD player in a car 
where the CD is slid into a slot in the CD player.
• Do not peel off the CD/DVD label once it is applied to the CD/DVD.
A thin surface layer may come off, resulting in damage to the disk.
• When applying CD/DVD labels, use the applicator included with the CD/DVD label rolls. Do not use 
a disk if the labels are not properly applied. Doing so could cause damage to the CD/DVD player.
• Be sure follow the instructions in your CD/DVD players instruction manual regarding applying CD/
DVD labels.
• Users shall take full responsibility for applying CD/DVD labels. Brother accepts no responsibility 
for any loss or damage of data caused by the inappropriate use of CD/DVD labels.
• Do not apply CD/DVD labels to CD/DVD disks designed for use with ink jet printers. Labels peel 
off of these disks easily, and using disks with peeled labels can result in loss or damage of data.
• Be careful when handling the DK Roll.
Dropping the roll may break the spool and make it unusable.
• Some DK rolls use permanent adhesive for their labels. These labels cannot be neatly peeled off 
once attached.
CD-ROM & Software• Do not scratch the CD-ROM.
• Do not subject the CD-ROM to extremely high or extremely low temperatures.
• Do not put heavy objects on the CD-ROM or apply force to the CD-ROM.
• The software contained on the CD-ROM is meant for use with the QL-500/550 only. See License 
on CD for further details. This software may be installed on multiple personal computers for use 
at an office, etc.
AC power cord• Use only the AC power cord included with the QL-500/550.
• If the QL-500/550 will not be used for an extended period, remove the power supply cord from the 
electrical outlet.
• Always hold the plug when removing the power cord from or inserting it into the outlet. Pulling on 
the cord could cause a problem with the power cord.
• The standard electrical outlet shall be installed near the QL-500/550 and shall be easily accessible.
Cutter unit• To prevent injury from the broken cutter blade and 
unit, follow these points: 
Close the top cover when operating the cutter unit. 
Don’t apply excessive pressure to the cutter unit. 
When the cutter blade becomes dull, replace the 
existing cutter unit with a new one. If the cutter blade 
should break off, unplug the power cord from the 
electrical outlet and remove the cutter unit carefully 
with tweezers so you do not touch the blade.  
• If a paper jam should occur due to a build up of 
adhesive on the paper guide surface, unplug the 
power cord from the electrical outlet and wipe away 
the adhesive buildup on the paper guide surface 
with a cloth dipped in ethanol or isopropyl 
(rubbing)alcohol.  It is recommended that you clean 
the paper guide when replacing the cutter unit. 
• The average number of cuts is 5,000 or more 
depending on the operating environment.  Dull cut, the inability to cut straight, or frequent paper 
jams may indicate that the cutter life is near the end.  Replace the cutter if these conditions occur.
Paper guide surface 
						

							INTRODUCTION
8Symbols Used in this Guide
  
The following symbols are used throughout this guide to indicate additional information of varying 
degrees of importance.
Symbols Used in this Guide
This symbol indicates information or directions that should be followed - if ignored, the result 
may be damage, injury, or failed operations.
This symbol indicates information or directions that can help you better understand or use the 
QL-500/550 more efficiently. 
						

							9
z GETTING STARTED
Unpacking Your QL-500/550
GETTING STARTED
Check that the package contains the following before using your QL-500/550. If any item is missing 
or damaged, please contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was purchased.
Unpacking Your QL-500/550
P-touch QL-500/550
USB cable Quick Start Guide (English and Spanish)
CD-ROM DK Label & Tape Guide
Starter roll
The QL-500 includes one starter roll of DK Die-cut 
Standard Address Labels (100 labels).
The QL-550 includes one starter roll of DK Die-cut 
Standard Address Labels (100 labels), and one 
starter roll of DK Continuous Durable Paper Tape 2-
3/7 (25 feet).
Warranty Card
Paper guide
Cleaning Sheet
QL-500QL-550 
						

							GETTING STARTED
10QL-500/550 Components
QL-500/550 Label Printer
„Front
„Back
QL-500/550 Components
QL-500 QL-550
FEED button
LED lamp
ON/OFF button
CUT lever
DK Roll compartment cover
FEED button
LED lamp
ON/OFF button CUT button
DK Roll compartment cover
If the DK Roll compartment cover is left open, dust will collect on the print head. Always close the cover.
QL-500/QL-550
Power cord
USB port
Do not connect the QL-500/550 to the USB port of your personal computer yet.Do not connect the QL-500/550 to your personal computer until 
directed to do so when installing the printer driver. If the QL-
500/550 is connected to a personal computer that does not have 
the printer driver software installed, the dialog box shown here 
will appear. Click [Cancel], remove the USB cable, and then 
install the printer driver software.
Refer to “Installing the Software” on page 16. 
						

							11
z GETTING STARTED
QL-500/550 Components
Button descriptionsThe functions of the buttons on the QL-500/550 are described below.
LED LampLED lamp on the QL-500/550 indicates the current operating condition.
ButtonCondition
ON/OFF button Turns power to the QL-500/550 on and off.
CUT button
(QL-550 only)Cuts the label from the DK Roll. Use this button to cut labels when the 
Auto Cut option in the Print dialog box is unchecked.
FEED button• When using DK Die-cut Labels, feeds the DK Label Roll to the 
beginning of the first label on the roll.  If this button is held for more than 
one second, the DK Label Roll is fed to the beginning of the next label 
on the roll.
• When using DK Continuous Tapes, feeds 1 (25.4 mm) of the DK Label 
Roll.
• If there is no DK Label Roll installed, the mode changes to a cleaning 
mode and the roller rotates for 1/3 (8 mm).  If this button is held for more 
than one second, the roller rotates for 4 (100 mm).
LampCondition
Not lit
Power is OFF.
LitPower is ON.
(Normally lit while power is on, the LED flashes during cleaning or if an 
error has occurred.)
Flashing fastIndicates one of the following errors.
• Cutter error
• Label sensor error
(DK Roll not installed correctly, end of DK Roll, or label jam)
• DK Roll compartment cover is open during operation
• Incorrect DK Roll installed
• No DK Roll installed
Flashing slow
Cooling
(Waiting for temperature of print head to lower)
Turns off after flashing 
fast ten timesSystem error
Turn the QL-500/550 off and then on again.
If this error re-occurs, contact the retail outlet where the QL-500/550 was 
purchased or your local authorized service center. 
						

							GETTING STARTED
12Connecting to the Power Supply
1Plug the power supply cord into a standard electrical 
outlet.
Connecting to the Power Supply
• Check that the electrical outlet is 120 V before inserting the 
plug.
• Remove the power supply cord from the electrical outlet 
after you have finished using the QL-500/550.
• Do not pull the cord when removing it from the electrical 
outlet. The wire in the cord may become damaged.
Do not connect the QL-500/550 to the USB port of your personal computer yet.Do not connect the QL-500/550 to your personal computer until 
directed to do so when installing the printer driver. If the QL-
500/550 is connected to a personal computer that does not have 
the printer driver software installed, the dialog box shown here 
will appear. Click [Cancel], remove the USB cable, and then 
install the printer driver software.
Refer to “Installing the Software” on page 16. 
						

							13
z GETTING STARTED
Installing the DK Roll
There is a wide range of DK Rolls available for use with your QL-500/550, allowing you to create 
almost any type of label you need.
Available suppliesThe types of DK Rolls that may be used with the QL-500/550 are listed below.
Installing the DK Roll
1Press the ON/OFF button to turn the QL-500/550 off. 
Hold the DK Roll compartment cover at the sides near 
the front of the QL-500/550 and firmly lift up to open the 
cover.
2Place the spool into the spool guides in the DK Roll 
compartment.
Installing the DK Roll
DK Die-cut Paper Labels A roll of pre-cut paper labels.
DK Die-cut Film Labels A roll of pre-cut film labels that durable in water.
DK Durable Paper Tape A roll of continuous paper tape for printing labels 
of varied length.
DK Durable Film Tape A roll of continous film tape for printing labels of 
varied length that durable in water.
• Refer to Accessories on page 67 for a complete list of DK Rolls available.
• To obtain optimum performance, use only genuine Brother accessories and DK Rolls.
• Make sure that the spool arms are inserted firmly in the 
spool guides on the left and right.
• Insert the spool with the DK Roll located on the right hand 
side of the QL 500/550. 
						

							GETTING STARTED
14Installing the Paper Guide
3Lift the label lever and then thread the end of the DK Roll 
into the slot immediately before the cutter.
4Lower the label lever and then close the DK Roll 
compartment cover.
Your QL-500/550 comes with a paper guide that collects a strip of printed labels that have been 
printed and not yet cut off from the machine.
1Attach the paper guide to the front of the QL-500/550 as 
shown in the figure.
When unable to thread the end of the DK Roll to the slot, 
thread it as far as possible, lower the label lever and close the 
cover, then press the FEED button to set the roll.
Installing the Paper Guide
Remove the paper guide when printing more than 10 labels 
continuously and cutting each label automatically (QL-550 
only). 
						

							15
z INSTALLING SOFTWARE
Software Overview
INSTALLING SOFTWARE
Install the following label editor software and printer driver on your personal computer to design 
professional labels and print them on your QL-500/550.
P-touch Editor Version 4.1Use this powerful label design software to create a wide variety of custom labels such as address 
labels, file folder labels, CD/DVD labels, etc. P-touch Editor Version 4.1 also contains features to 
link and use data from databases, as well as features for managing names, addresses and other 
information previously entered on labels.
P-touch LibraryUse this software to store labels you have created, and then quickly and easily retrieve these 
labels for use again.
Add-In Software for MS Word/Excel/OutlookThese Add-Ins allow you to quickly and easily copy data into a label directly from Microsoft 
Word, Excel or Outlook, using the Add-In icon in the tool bar of each application.
Printer DriverThis software enables your personal computer to print labels on your QL-500/550.
The CD contains the printer driver for the specific model purchased.
The software is compatible with the following operating systems and versions of Microsoft
 
applications.
P-touch Editor Version 4.1, P-touch Library and Printer DriverMicrosoft Windows 98 SE, Microsoft Windows Me, Microsoft Windows 2000 
Professional and Microsoft Windows XP (Home/Professional).
Add-In Software for MS Word/Excel/OutlookMicrosoft Word 97/2000/2002/2003, Microsoft Excel 97/2000/2002/2003, 
Microsoft Outlook 2000/2002/2003.
• Do not connect the USB cable to a personal computer until the software has been installed.
• When using Windows
 2000 Professional and Windows XP (Home / Professional), log on as 
an administrator before installing the software.
• When you are installing the software from the CD-ROM, the following dialog box may appear on 
the screen. If so, click [OK] and reinstall the software from the beginning.
Software Overview
Software and Compatible Operating Systems
Installation Precautions 
						

							INSTALLING SOFTWARE
16Installing the Software
The installation procedure differs depending on the operating system running on your personal 
computer. Refer to the installation procedure for the appropriate operating system to install the 
software.
When using Microsoft Windows Me/2000 Professional/XP (Home/Professional)
1Start your personal computer and insert 
the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
A dialog box appears briefly while the 
InstallShield Wizard prepares for 
installation. When the preparation is 
complete, the InstallShield Wizard 
welcome dialog box appears.
2Click [Next] to begin installation.The License Agreement dialog box 
appears.
Installing the Software
Refer to “When using Microsoft Windows 98 SE” on page 21 for the installation procedure for that 
operating system.
• It may take a short time for the dialog box 
to appear.
• If the program does not start and the 
dialog box does not appear, navigate to 
the contents of the CD-ROM, and then 
double-click the “Setup.exe” icon.