~DS - Download Scalable Font

Overview

The ~DS command is used to set the printer to receive a downloadable scalable font and defines the size of the font in bytes. Scalable fonts are vector-based fonts that can be smoothly scaled to different sizes. The instruction and its parameters are generated by the Zebra Tools Utility Program called ZFONT, which converts vendor-supplied fonts for use on Zebra printers.

Syntax

~

Parameters

• d = Destination device
  • R: = DRAM (default)
  • B: = Flash Memory (optional)
• o = Font name (1-8 alphanumeric characters, default: Unknown)
• x = Extension (.FNT, fixed)
• s = Font size in bytes (generated by ZFONT)
• DATA = ASCII hex string defining the font (generated by ZFONT)

Description

• Downloads scalable vector-based fonts to printer memory
• Fonts can be smoothly scaled to different sizes
• Parameters are generated by ZFONT utility program
• Do not manually modify size or data parameters
• Supports storage in both DRAM and optional memory
• More memory-efficient than multiple bitmap fonts

Usage Notes

• ZFONT utility program must be used to convert fonts
• Manual creation of ~DS commands is not recommended
• Downloaded scalable fonts are NOT integrity-checked by the printer
• Size (s) and DATA parameters should not be modified from ZFONT output
• Do not modify the hex data as corrupted fonts cause unpredictable results
• Extension is always .FNT and cannot be changed
• ZFONT program available from Zebra Technologies
• Scalable fonts consume less memory than multiple bitmap sizes

Example

~

ZFONT Conversion

To use scalable fonts:

1. Obtain the original vendor font file
2. Run the ZFONT utility from Zebra Tools
3. ZFONT generates the complete ~DS command
4. Use the generated command exactly as output by ZFONT

Storage Options

• R: (DRAM) - Temporary storage, lost on power loss
• B: (Optional Memory/Flash) - Persistent storage across power cycles

Related Commands

• ~DB - Download Bitmapped Font
• ~DT - Download TrueType Font
• ~DU - Download Unbounded Unicode TrueType Font
• ^A - Scalable/Bitmapped Font (select font for use)
• ^CW - Font Identifier
• ^CF - Change Alphanumeric Default Font

See Also

• Download Bitmapped Font (~DB)
• Download TrueType Font (~DT)
• Scalable/Bitmapped Font (^A)