ZebraDesigner
By Zebra Technologies Corp
Ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements (Windows OS, sufficient RAM and disk space, CD-ROM drive, admin rights)
Close all open software applications to avoid conflicts during installation.
Select the appropriate ZebraDesigner edition and follow on-screen prompts.
Choose installation preferences such as program group and shortcut locations.
After installation, a program group for ZebraDesigner appears in the Windows Start menu.
Follow the on-screen instructions to add your Zebra printer.
Without activation, the software runs in DEMO mode with limited features.
Users can design labels from scratch or use pre-designed templates, adding elements such as text, barcodes (1D/2D), graphics, shapes, and RFID fields. Label dimensions, orientation, and layout are fully customizable.
Supports both fixed and variable data fields, allowing labels to pull dynamic information from external sources or user input at print time. This is essential for applications like serial number tracking, asset management, and shipping.
ZebraDesigner Professional enables integration with databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel, ODBC, ASCII), allowing labels to automatically populate with data from business systems, reducing manual entry and errors.
Advanced editions support RFID label creation and encoding, including reading and using unique RFID tag IDs within label designs, which is critical for inventory and asset tracking in logistics and manufacturing.
Users can insert, configure, and position various barcode types, including Code128, QR codes, and GS1-128, with options to set data content, size, and formatting.
Labels can include custom images (BMP, PCX, GIF, WMF, JPEG, etc.), supporting brand logos and other graphics. Images can be resized and positioned as needed.
Advanced features include field concatenation, formulas, variable field linking, and VB scripting for complex data manipulation and automation.
Templates can be integrated with third-party applications (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and exported in formats compatible with Zebra printers (ZPL, XML). ZebraDesigner for Developers supports integration with enterprise solutions and direct XML-enabled printing.
Templates can be created for a wide range of Zebra printers, including industrial, desktop, mobile, and RFID models, with options to select generic drivers for multiple printer types.
The software offers a Microsoft Office-style interface with multi-language support, customizable toolbars, and workflow aids like wizards for label setup, text, and barcode configuration.
Professional editions provide enhanced security features, such as license key activation and user access control, to protect sensitive data and restrict software usage.
Comprehensive user guides and quick start manuals are provided, covering installation, activation, label design, database connectivity, and advanced features. These resources walk users through step-by-step processes and common tasks.
Zebra offers online help documentation and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section accessible via their website. These resources address common issues, troubleshooting, and usage tips.
The Zebra website features a dedicated support portal where users can download software updates, drivers, and access additional support materials. The portal also provides links to product-specific FAQs and documentation.
Users can also submit support inquiries through the Zebra website’s contact form.
Users are encouraged to contact their local Zebra reseller or representative for additional support and guidance, especially for region-specific issues or training needs.
ZebraDesigner includes built-in tooltips, shortcut guides, and context-sensitive help within the software interface to assist users as they work.
The software supports multiple user interface languages, which can be selected and configured by the user for easier accessibility.
New users can try ZebraDesigner in DEMO mode to familiarize themselves with features before purchasing a license. However, DEMO mode has functional limitations (e.g., altered text and overlaid graphics).
Guidance is provided for activating and deactivating licenses, including proxy server configuration and offline activation options. Support is available for license transfers and upgrades.
ZebraDesigner Professional meets security standards such as FIPS 140-2, ensuring encryption of sensitive customer data both in transit and at rest.
The software leverages cryptography to protect the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of information. Proper documentation and controls are established for cryptographic key management.
Enhanced security is provided through license key activation, which controls access to advanced features and restricts unauthorized use.
The ZebraDesigner License Manager allows users to activate or deactivate licenses securely, helping organizations manage and monitor software access.
Zebra maintains regular backup and recovery strategies to ensure data availability and integrity in case of failures or disasters. This includes backing up data from both production and development environments, considering data sensitivity and business requirements.
The collection, transfer, access, storage, and processing of customer data are limited to what is necessary for the intended purpose. Data is collected for explicit, legitimate purposes and not further processed incompatibly.
Procedures are in place to control software installation on operational systems. Development, testing, and operational environments are separated to reduce the risks of unauthorized access or changes.
Roles and responsibilities are defined for security monitoring and incident detection, ensuring accountability and a timely response to potential information security incidents.
ZebraDesigner Professional supports secure database connections (e.g., ODBC, ASCII), and integrates with enterprise systems while maintaining data security.
Zebra applies security advisory patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and maintain a secure environment.
Customers are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of data provided to Zebra and for obtaining necessary consents for data use. Zebra takes reasonable steps to erase or rectify inaccurate customer data promptly.
ZebraDesigner releases software updates periodically, but not on a fixed schedule. Updates are typically issued to add new features, support new operating systems or printers, address bugs, and enhance security. Release notes show updates have historically occurred as needed, sometimes several times a year, depending on product requirements and technology changes.
Updates to ZebraDesigner and its printer drivers are distributed as new software versions, which are made available for download from Zebra’s official website.
Users are responsible for manually downloading and installing the latest version. The installation process replaces the old version with the new one, while user files (such as label templates) remain unaffected.
For upgrades between editions (e.g., from Essentials to Professional), users must uninstall the previous edition before installing the new one, but label and form files are retained on the system.
Information about new updates, including release notes and system requirements, is published on Zebra’s website in the support and downloads section.
Users can check for updates and download the latest versions directly from the ZebraDesigner support page.
Users retain ownership of the data they upload, create, or manage within ZebraDesigner software. Zebra’s legal and privacy policies make clear that customer data remains the property of the customer, and Zebra only processes this data for the purposes described in its Privacy Policy and applicable agreements.
ZebraDesigner complies with data protection regulations such as GDPR, which grants users the right to data portability. This means users can request to receive their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and have the right to transmit that data to another controller or service provider.
To exercise data portability or other data subject rights (such as access, rectification, or erasure), users can contact Zebra at [email protected] with their specific request.
ZebraDesigner label templates and data files are stored in standard formats (such as ZPL, XML, or database files), making it straightforward for users to export, back up, or migrate their label designs and associated data to other systems or software.
Zebra retains personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. Users can request erasure of their data when it is no longer needed, and Zebra will comply unless there is a legal obligation to retain it.
ZebraDesigner offers several editions—Essentials (free), Professional (paid), and Developer—allowing organizations to choose the version that fits their current needs and upgrade or downgrade as requirements change.
Essentials is suitable for basic label printing, while Professional and Developer editions offer advanced features like database integration and RFID encoding for larger or more complex operations.
ZebraDesigner Professional is sold as a perpetual license (one-time purchase), making it easy to add more licenses as your organization grows. You can purchase additional licenses as needed for new users or departments.
If you need to scale down, licenses can be deactivated and reassigned to other users or computers through the Zebra Software Licensing portal or License Manager.
The Zebra Software Licensing (ZSL) portal enables organizations to view, manage, and administer their total license pool, including tracking owned/used licenses, available upgrades, and activation IDs.
The portal supports adding or removing licenses and managing entitlements as your needs change.
Licenses can be activated or deactivated online or offline, allowing organizations to quickly reallocate software as team sizes fluctuate or as devices are replaced.
Deactivation is straightforward, ensuring that licenses are not wasted and can be reused elsewhere in the organization.
Since ZebraDesigner uses a perpetual licensing model rather than a subscription, organizations are not locked into recurring payments and can scale usage up or down without ongoing financial commitments.
ZebraDesigner Professional is typically sold as a perpetual license, meaning you pay once for the software and do not have an automatic renewal or recurring contract for the core application.
After a 30-day free trial, continued use of advanced features requires purchase and activation of a license key.
The End User License Agreement (EULA) becomes effective when you accept it (by installing or using the software) and remains in effect until terminated.
The agreement can be terminated by the user at any time by ceasing all use of the software and deleting it from all devices.
Zebra may terminate the agreement automatically and without notice if you breach any term or condition.
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If you have the software via a subscription or other commercial agreement, the agreement ends when that subscription or agreement expires or is terminated.
Cancellation Process:
Users can deactivate their license at any time through the software interface (File > About > Deactivate your license), either online, via a proxy server, or offline. This allows the license to be used on another computer or to end usage entirely.
For offline deactivation, a deactivation certificate is generated and submitted to Zebra, after which the license is deactivated on both the client and server sides.
Upon termination or cancellation, you must immediately stop using the software and delete all copies, including any Zebra content obtained through your use of the software.
Since ZebraDesigner is not a subscription-based product, there is no automatic contract renewal for the standard perpetual license.
If you require additional features or licenses later, you can purchase and activate new license keys as needed.
Licenses can be managed, transferred, or reassigned using Zebra’s Software Licensing Portal. Deactivation frees the license for use on another device or by another user.
The portal allows organizations to manage entitlements, view license status, and handle upgrades or changes in usage needs.
ZebraDesigner Essentials and Professional editions are specifically designed to help users create industry-standard and compliant labels, including those with fixed or variable data, barcodes, and RFID encoding. This ensures that labels meet the requirements of various regulated industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
ZebraDesigner incorporates the Zebra BoringSSL Cryptographic Module, which is validated to meet FIPS 140-2 Level 1 security requirements. FIPS 140-2 is a U.S. government standard for cryptographic modules, ensuring secure data handling and encryption. The module supports approved cryptographic algorithms and self-tests, and is suitable for use in sensitive but unclassified environments.
ZebraDesigner is developed and supported under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. This certification demonstrates adherence to internationally recognized standards for quality management and continuous improvement, which is important for customers in regulated industries.
The software ensures that barcode and RFID encoding comply with global standards. Users are guided to follow barcode standard guidelines for content, length, and identifiers, supporting compliance with GS1 and other industry-specific barcode standards.
