Instructions for users that will print name badges from the Zebra ZD621 printer


Install Zebra drivers

  • Connect the Zebra ZD621 to your Mac using a USB cable or ensure it is connected to your local network.
  • Turn on the printer.
  • Open the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
  • Scroll down and click on Printers & Scanners.Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button (or the + plus icon).
  • Find and select your connected Zebra ZD621 printer from the list.
  • In the Use (or Print Using) drop-down menu, choose Select Software.Type ZPL in the search bar, choose the ZPL driver option that appears, and click OK.
  • Name the printer something familiar to you.
  • Click Add to finish setting up the printer on your Mac


Configure the printer defaults

  • Follow this link
  • Set paper size to 4.0 x 6.0
  • Set media tracking to Mark Sensing
  • Save defaults


Install Poppins font

  • The Poppins font used for next is not a native font in the operating system and needs to be installed.
  • Go to: https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Poppins Click Get Font << Download All
  • Navigate to your Downloads folder and double click the Poppins.zip file. Once the file is unzipped, open it.
  • Select the .ttf files, right click and choose Open With << Font Book
  • Restart or open Word and they should now be available.


Find Microsoft Word templates


All templates are stored in the shared drive: Namebadges - Zebra Printing


Update the Excel data source if necessary

  • If you are running a new data set, delete old data, but keep the first row - referred to as headers - intact. 
  • Paste your new data into the correct columns


Load paper and calibrate


  • Labels are loaded with the side you are printing on up.
  • The back of the label tells you which way to feed.
  • Open the case, load from the back and under the front yellow paper glides.
  • Close the case and press the pause button.
  • To calibrate - Hold the Pause and Cancel buttons for two seconds and let go.