zpl.tools
CommandsLabel formatting

^KL - Define Language

Selects language for printer front panel display

^KL - Define Language

Overview

The ^KL command is used to select the language displayed on the printer's front panel LCD and control panel interface. This allows operators to use the printer in their preferred language, making setup and configuration more accessible. The available languages vary depending on firmware version.

Syntax

^KLa

Parameters

  • a = Language code (numeric, 1-13)
    • Default: 1 (English)

Available Languages

Standard Version

CodeLanguage
1English (Default)
2Spanish
3French
4German
5Italian
10Spanish (compatibility)

Extended Version (v18.6.5+)

CodeLanguage
1English (Default)
2Spanish
3French
4German
5Italian
6Norwegian
7Portuguese
8Swedish
9Danish
10Spanish2 (older compatibility)
11Dutch
12Finnish
13Custom (not supported)

Description

  • Changes front panel LCD display language
  • Affects control panel menu options
  • Affects error messages and prompts
  • Does not affect printed label content
  • Helps operators configure printer in preferred language

Usage Notes

  • Default value: 1 = English
  • Language codes 6-13 require firmware v18.6.5 or later
  • Code 13 (Custom) is defined but not currently supported
  • Setting only affects front panel display, not printed labels
  • Setting persists across power cycles
  • Instruction ignored if parameter is missing or out of range

Examples

English Display

^XA
^KL1
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDEnglish Display^FS
^XZ

Sets front panel to English.

German Display

^XA
^KL4
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDGerman Display^FS
^XZ

Sets front panel to German.

Portuguese Display (v18.6.5+)

^XA
^KL7
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDPortuguese Display^FS
^XZ

Sets front panel to Portuguese (requires v18.6.5 or later).

Dutch Display (v18.6.5+)

^XA
^KL11
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDDutch Display^FS
^XZ

Sets front panel to Dutch (requires v18.6.5 or later).

Regional Settings

Europe

  • 2 = Spanish
  • 3 = French
  • 4 = German
  • 5 = Italian
  • 6 = Norwegian
  • 8 = Swedish
  • 9 = Danish
  • 11 = Dutch
  • 12 = Finnish

Americas

  • 1 = English
  • 2 = Spanish
  • 7 = Portuguese

Impact on User Interface

  • Menu options in selected language
  • Error messages in selected language
  • Setup prompts in selected language
  • Button labels in selected language
  • Does NOT change:
    • Printed label content language
    • ZPL command format
    • Configuration settings
  • ^KP - Define Password
  • ^SC - Set Communications
  • ^JU - Configuration Update

See Also