Labels & Ribbons for the Zebra ZD220 and ZD230

The Zebra ZD220 and ZD230 take labels 25mm to 112mm wide on 12.7mm or 25mm cores, in rolls up to 127mm across. Thermal transfer models use 74m ribbons, and the ZD230t also takes 300m ribbons. Here's exactly what fits, and what to buy.

First, which model do you have?

Model How it prints Ribbon Print speed
ZD220d / ZD230d Direct thermal None needed 102mm/sec (ZD220), up to 152mm/sec (ZD230)
ZD220t Thermal transfer 74m only 102mm/sec
ZD230t Thermal transfer 74m or 300m Up to 152mm/sec

The model and the letter d or t are printed on the label on the back or underside of the printer. Direct thermal models only work with direct thermal labels.

Labels that fit the ZD220 and ZD230

Specification ZD220 / ZD230
Label width 25.4mm to 112mm (maximum print width 104mm)
Label length Up to 991mm
Core size 12.7mm or 25mm as standard; larger cores with an optional adapter
Maximum roll diameter 127mm
Label thickness 0.08mm to 0.19mm

For shipping labels (Shopify, Royal Mail, DPD, Evri and most couriers), the standard size is 4 x 6 inches (102 x 152mm) on a 25mm core. Our own Genie shipping labels are made for exactly this:

Stick to 12.7mm or 25mm cores where you can. Larger cores need an optional adapter, and the roll must still be no more than 127mm across. Not sure your roll will fit? Ask us.

Ribbons for the ZD220t and ZD230t

Specification ZD220t ZD230t
Ribbon length 74m (12.7mm core) 74m (12.7mm core) or 300m (25.4mm core)
Ribbon width 33.8mm to 109.2mm

Choose a ribbon at least as wide as your label, and pick the grade to match your label material:

Grade Best for 74m (ZD220t and ZD230t) 300m (ZD230t only)
Wax Paper labels: shipping, product and shelf labels Zebra 2300 wax, 110mm x 74m Zebra 2300 wax, 110mm x 300m
Wax-resin Coated paper and some synthetics, more rub resistance Zebra 3200 wax-resin, 84mm x 74m TSC 8550 wax-resin, 110mm x 300m
Resin Polyester and polypropylene labels facing heat, chemicals or abrasion Zebra 5095 resin, 84mm x 74m Ask us

300m ribbons last four times longer than 74m ribbons, but only fit the ZD230t. Non-Zebra 300m ribbons may need a core adapter. See all thermal transfer ribbons.

Common questions

Can I use 4x6 labels on a ZD220 or ZD230? Yes. 102 x 152mm labels on a 25mm core fit both. Use direct thermal labels on the d models.

Will 300m ribbons fit my ZD220? No. The ZD220t only takes 74m ribbons. If you print a lot, the ZD230t or ZD421t takes 300m ribbons and needs changing four times less often.

What's the difference between the ZD220 and ZD230? The ZD230 is faster (up to 152mm/sec), takes 300m ribbons, and is available with Ethernet and wireless options. The ZD220 is USB only.

Can you supply other label sizes? Yes. Our Genie labels are made in our own UK factory. Tell us the size and material you need and we'll quote.

Not sure? We'll match it for you

Send us your printer model and label size, or a photo of your current label roll, and we'll confirm the right labels and ribbon.

Request a sampleAsk us

Specifications from Zebra's ZD220 and ZD230 specification sheets.