How to load ribbon and media

This guide walks you through loading both the ribbon and media (label roll) into the Zebra ZT230 printer. Follow these steps any time you need to replace a finished ribbon or label roll.

Before you start

• Make sure you have the correct ribbon and label roll for your printer
• Power the printer on before loading
• Open the printer by lifting the top cover

Part 1 — Load the ribbon

Step 1 — Remove the old ribbon (if replacing)

Pull out the used ribbon spool from both the supply spindle (back) and the take-up spindle (front). Discard the used ribbon.

Step 2 — Load the new ribbon

Place the new ribbon roll on the ribbon supply spindle at the back of the printer. The ribbon should unwind from the bottom.

Step 3 — Thread the ribbon

Pull the ribbon leader over the printhead and attach it to the ribbon take-up spindle at the front. Wind it forward a few turns to secure it.

Part 2 — Load the media (label roll)

Step 4 — Open the media guides

Slide the media guides outward to make room for your label roll.

Step 5 — Place the label roll

Place the label roll on the media supply spindle. Labels should unwind from the bottom of the roll.

Step 6 — Feed the media

Pull the label stock through the printer path, under the printhead assembly, and out through the front label exit. Adjust the media guides snugly against the edges of the label roll — not too tight.

Step 7 — Close and test

Close the top cover firmly until it clicks. Press the Feed button to advance a label and confirm the printer feeds cleanly.

Tip: After loading new media or ribbon, always run a sensor calibration to ensure the printer detects your label size correctly. See the calibration guide for steps.

⚠ Important: If the printer shows a ribbon out or media out error after loading, the ribbon or labels may not be threaded correctly. Open the cover and re-thread from Step 2.