^IS - Image Save

Overview

The ^IS command is used within a ZPL II label format to save that format as a graphic image. This instruction is typically placed at the end of a label format and instructs the printer to save the rendered format as a graphic image rather than a ZPL II script file. The saved image can later be recalled with virtually no formatting time and overlaid with variable data.

Syntax

^

Parameters

• d = Destination device
  • R: = DRAM (volatile)
  • B: = Flash Memory (non-volatile)
• o = Name for saved image (1-8 alphanumeric characters, default: UNKNOWN)
• x = Extension (.GRF, fixed)
• p = Print after saving
  • Y = Yes, print the label while saving
  • N = No, save without printing

Description

• Saves a rendered label format as a graphic image
• Allows reuse of complex formats with minimal processing time
• Stores the final rendered bitmap for future recall
• Can optionally print while saving
• Enables template-based printing with variable data overlay
• Significantly improves throughput for repetitive label formats

Usage Notes

• Typically placed at the end of a label format (before ^XZ)
• The 'p' parameter controls whether printing occurs during save
• Saved images can be recalled using ^IL (Image Load) for rapid reuse
• Ideal for labels with complex static content
• Default name is "UNKNOWN.GRF" if not specified
• Both DRAM and flash memory storage are supported

Example - Save Complex Label Format

^XA
^LH10,15^FWN^BY3,3,85^CFD,36
^GB430,750,4^FS
^FO10,170^GB200,144,2^FS
^FO10,318^GB410,174,2^FS
^FO212,170^GB206,144,2^FS
^FO10,498^GB200,120,2^FS
^FO212,498^GB209,120,2^FS
^FO4,150^GB422,10,10^FS
^FO135,20^A0,70,60^FDZEBRA^FS
^FO80,100^A0,40,30^FDTECHNOLOGIES CORP^FS
^CFD,18,10^FS^FO15,180^FDARTICLE #^FS
^FO218,180^FDLOCATION^FS^FO15,328^FDDESCRIPTION^FS
^FO15,508^FDREQ. NO.^FS^FO220,508^FDWORK NUMBER^FS
^FO15,630^A0,36,20^FDCOMMENTS:^FS
^
^XZ

Example - Save Without Printing

^XA
^FO50,50^A0N,50,50^FDTEST LABEL^FS
^GB400,100,2^FS
^
^XZ

Workflow Example

Step 1: Create complex label format with graphics and text
Step 2: Place ^IS at end to save as graphic
Step 3: Set print parameter to Y to see output
Step 4: Later, use ^IL to load the saved image
Step 5: Overlay variable data on top of the saved template

Performance Optimization

When a label has:

1. Static Elements: Logo, borders, boxes (part of the saved graphic)
2. Variable Elements: Shipment info, serial numbers (added later)

Using ^IS to save the static part and ^IL to reload it provides:

• Faster processing (no need to re-render static elements)
• Reduced bandwidth (fewer commands needed)
• Consistent appearance (same rendering each time)

Related Commands

• ^IL - Image Load (use saved graphics)
• ~DG - Download Graphic (for external graphics)
• ^XG - Recall Graphic (with magnification)
• ^IM - Image Move (original size)
• ^ID - Image Delete (remove saved graphics)
• ^EG - Erase Downloaded Graphic (bulk delete)

See Also

• Image Load (^IL)
• Recall Graphic (^XG)
• Download Graphic (~DG)