Printers
Which printer to buy.
Backfeed works with networked Zebra ZD desktop label printers. We test on the three below.
Before you order
It needs Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Backfeed connects over your network. There is no print driver, and USB only sets up Wi-Fi. The network port is coded in the part number after the dash, not the model name, so ask a secondhand seller for a photo of the back panel. A USB-only ZD411 or ZD421 takes an Ethernet card you fit yourself (P1112640-015).
Buy the “d”
A ZD421d is direct thermal: no ribbon, cheaper, and what we test on. The t (ribbon) and c (cartridge) builds also print direct thermal, but cost more for a mode we don’t test. A “d” can’t be converted later. Direct thermal fades in sunlight, heat or a freezer; labels that must survive those need thermal transfer.
Part numbers: ZD4A042-D01W01EZ is direct thermal, ZD4A042-301M00EZ is DT/TT.
Peelers and cutters
Both can be added later. Set the peel or cut mode on the printer; Backfeed reads it but doesn’t change it.
Suggested models
What we would buy
All three are on our bench.
Start here
Zebra ZD421
The 4-inch model, and the only one that fits a 4 × 6 shipping label.
- Max print width
- 4.00″ / 102 mm
- Resolutions
- 300 & 203 dpi
- Build to order
- ZD421d
- On our bench
- 300 dpi, tested
Buy it if you print shipping labels or aren’t sure yet. Most of Backfeed was built against it.
Narrow labels
Zebra ZD411
The 2-inch version of the ZD421, in a smaller body.
- Max print width
- 2.10″ / 53 mm
- Resolutions
- 300 & 203 dpi
- Build to order
- ZD411d
- On our bench
- 300 dpi, tested
Buy it if you print product, price or shelf labels and won’t need 4-inch stock.
Cheapest way in
Zebra ZD410
The ZD411’s predecessor. Discontinued, so you buy it used, and cheap.
- Max print width
- 2.10″ / 53 mm
- Resolutions
- 300 & 203 dpi
- Build to order
- ZD410d
- On our bench
- Both, tested
Buy it if price matters most. Check it has a network card, and expect no warranty.
What will not work
- Zebra ZSB series. It prints through Zebra’s cloud, with no ZPL and no local connection. Buy a ZD.
- Non-Zebra printers, including TSPL, ESC/POS and Brother.
- A ZD with no network interface, until you fit the card above.
- Another app’s Print dialog. There is no print driver or CUPS integration.
Compatibility
Every model Backfeed recognises
One purchase covers Mac, iPhone and iPad.
| Model | Resolution | Max print width | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZD421 | 300 dpi | 4.00″ / 102 mm | Tested |
| ZD411 | 300 dpi | 2.10″ / 53 mm | Tested |
| ZD410 | 300 dpi | 2.10″ / 53 mm | Tested |
| ZD410 | 203 dpi | 2.20″ / 56 mm | Tested |
| ZD421 | 203 dpi | 4.09″ / 104 mm | Not yet tested |
Print width is the head’s usable width, not the widest media it accepts.
Zebras not listed here
Any networked Zebra that speaks ZPL may work, but we only promise models we have tested. If Backfeed can’t read the print head, it assumes 203 dpi, so a layout prints small rather than off the edge. Tell us your model; the ZD611 and ZD621 are the likeliest next additions.
Finding, managing and test-printing your printers is free.
macOS 14 or later · iPhone & iPad, iOS 17 or later
Still not sure? Ask us with your model and what you print. A person will answer.