~DT - Download TrueType Font

Overview

The ~DT command is used to download TrueType fonts (standard Windows fonts) to Zebra printers in a Zebra-compatible format. The ZTools for Windows program must be used to convert standard TrueType fonts to the Zebra-downloadable format. Once downloaded, the TrueType font functions like earlier Intellifont software, providing high-quality scalable font rendering.

Syntax

~

Parameters

• f = Font name with destination
  • Format: d:FONTNAME where d is the device
  • R: = RAM Memory (volatile)
  • B: = Memory Card (non-volatile)
  • Font name: max 8 alphanumeric characters
  • Default: NO NAME (command ignored)
• s = Font size in bytes
  • Value: Number of bytes required for Zebra format
  • Default: NO VALUE (command ignored)
• DATA = ASCII hex string
  • Format: String of 2-digit hex values (1 byte = 2 hex digits)
  • Total hex digits must match Font Size parameter
  • Default: NO VALUE (command ignored)

Description

• Downloads TrueType fonts (standard Windows fonts) to printer
• Fonts can be scaled smoothly to different sizes
• Provides high-quality font rendering
• Requires ZTools for Windows to convert fonts
• Supports both RAM and Memory Card storage
• Functions like earlier Intellifont software

Usage Notes

• All parameters must be provided (f, s, DATA) or command is ignored
• ZTools for Windows MUST be used to convert TrueType fonts
• The hex data size MUST exactly match the Font Size value
• Manual font creation or conversion is not possible
• Font name limited to 8 characters maximum
• Storage options: R: (RAM, volatile) or B: (Memory Card, persistent)
• Missing any parameter causes silent failure

Example - Download to RAM

~

(Where DATA contains 52,010 two-digit hex values)

Example - Download to Memory Card

~

(Where DATA contains 87,345 two-digit hex values)

Storage Options

ZTools Conversion Process

1. Obtain standard TrueType font (.ttf file)
2. Run ZTools for Windows
3. Select the TrueType font to convert
4. ZTools generates the complete ~DT command
5. Use the generated command exactly as output

Data Format

• Each byte is represented by 2 hexadecimal digits
• Total characters in DATA must equal Font Size × 2
• Example: 1000-byte font = 2000 hex characters in DATA

Related Commands

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

See Also

• Download Bitmapped Font (~DB)
• Download Scalable Font (~DS)
• Download Unbounded Unicode TrueType Font (~DU)
• Scalable/Bitmapped Font (^A)