> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/resources/guides/zebra-zd421t.md).

# ZEBRA ZD421T

Set up the Zebra ZD421T thermal transfer printer with BoxHero. Follow our guide for driver install, label design, and printing barcodes on desktop and mobile.

***

{% hint style="success" %}
Complete the **printer** **setup** and **print** **configuration** in order.
{% endhint %}

## I. Printer Setup

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
If you purchased the **Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module** for mobile printing, open the cap on the bottom of the printer and install the module.\
(Skip this step if you do not have a module.)

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-091e50e6c3552da0e9226b89602835c37730932c%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-1.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Pull the **yellow buttons** on both sides of the printer to open the cover.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6d98a9eea78d3fa1452064c7bc052417d8bce4d3%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-2.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Place the ribbon with the **outer side facing down** and attach it to the holder.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-74cca2b1ed611ffea95760fee8cc26689797cd01%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-3.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Install the attached **ribbon** into the printer.

![](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2F3639913499-files.gitbook.io%2F%7E%2Ffiles%2Fv0%2Fb%2Fgitbook-x-prod.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fspaces%252FnmQcxJVYbkAeUq7yQCkF%252Fuploads%252Fgit-blob-dea3ccca71da57640f31b32d19f086e6aa7dcb16%252Fimage%2520%2877%29.png%3Falt%3Dmedia\&width=768\&dpr=3\&quality=100\&sign=ec978fef52bc4c6e2751c9a210b925e5\&sv=3)

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Install the **ribbon core** into the printer.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-81039223f751df7580b1153f2b8054d39138181e%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-5.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After securing the ribbon with tape, lightly wind it to ensure it lies flat.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9aa57e3a5b5487b945f2d1c41fa68aa0815e7a66%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-6.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% embed url="<https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/ec6af04a388a4dcc865bb7b0965c84bd/iframe?autoplay=true&controls=false&letterboxColor=transparent&loop=true&muted=true&poster=https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/ec6af04a388a4dcc865bb7b0965c84bd/thumbnails/thumbnail.jpg?height=1080&preload=true>" %}

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Place the **label** **paper** between the media holders.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-40110d6766839855e54f85d977196b16a736e315%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-7.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Close the printer cover and connect the **power** **cable**.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7f57ae0ee392079e30987bfe37ceb72a8361ac94%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-8.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Press the power button and wait for the status LED to turn green. Then press the **FEED button** to check if the paper comes out properly.

<figure><img src="https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ef147eda7dbf7623c00ded35db301be7031ee82a%2Fzebra-zd-421t-setup-9.webp?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## II. Print Configuration

Once printer setup is complete, select your preferred printing method and continue to the next step.

{% content-ref url="/pages/sfVSUjgzmGI4QWDoNYCs" %}
[Desktop Printing](/docs/resources/guides/zebra-zd421t/desktop-printing.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/sfvpGP25duYunWnJAJca" %}
[Mobile Printing](/docs/resources/guides/zebra-zd421t/mobile-printing.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}