brother p-touch 55 manual

The Brother P-touch 55 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home and office use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various decorative tape cassettes, automatic tape cutting, and a rechargeable battery option. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: QWERTY Keyboard, LCD Display, Tape Cassette Slot, Power Adapter Port, Battery Compartment, Cutter Lever.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	For easy text entry and navigation
Tape Cassette System	Accepts 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm laminated tape
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing (optional setting)
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Various styles and point sizes for customization
Frames & Symbols	Built-in decorative frames and symbols library
Power Options	AC adapter or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Portable Design	Lightweight and easy to carry
Print Modes	Normal, Mirror, and Multiple copy printing

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all items from the box and inspect for damage.

Insert Batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Connect AC Adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN jack and into a wall outlet (optional).
Load Tape Cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
Power On: Press the POWER button. The LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer.

First-Time Operation

After powering on, follow these steps to create your first label.

Select Language: Use the FUNCTION key to access settings, select your language.
Set Tape Width: The machine auto-detects tape width; confirm on display.
Enter Text: Type your desired label text using the keyboard.
Preview: Text appears on the LCD. Use SIZE and FONT keys to adjust.
Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will print and cut automatically if enabled.

CAUTION! Do not touch the cutter blade. Keep fingers clear during printing and cutting.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch 55.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Print Resolution: Standard resolution for clear text and symbols.
Display: Multi-line LCD with backlight (on some models).
Power Supply: AC adapter (included) or 6x AA batteries.
Battery Life: Approx. 100 labels (alkaline batteries).
Interface: Stand-alone, no PC connection.
Memory: Stores up to 9 labels in memory.
Dimensions: Compact and portable design.
Weight: Lightweight for easy portability.

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER, LETTER key (for caps), SPACE, BACKSPACE, ARROW keys, PRINT, FUNCTION.

Key Functions: POWER (On/Off), FUNCTION (access settings, fonts, frames), SIZE (change text size), FONT (cycle through fonts), PRINT (print label), ARROWS (navigate text).

Settings Menu (via FUNCTION key): Language, Auto Power Off, Cutter Mode (Auto/Manual), Tape Width setting, Memory recall, Mirror printing, Number of copies.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

Turn on the P-touch 55.
Type text using keyboard. Use SHIFT for capitals, SPACE for spaces.
Format text: Press FONT to change font style; press SIZE to change size.
Add frames/symbols: Press FUNCTION, then select FRAME or SYMBOL from menu.
Preview on LCD.
Press PRINT. Label prints and cuts (if Auto Cutter is ON).
Peel backing and apply label.

Tip: Use the preview to check label length and formatting before printing to save tape.

Advanced Features

Utilizing memory, special print modes, and tape options.

Memory Storage: After typing label, press FUNCTION then MEMORY to store. Recall with FUNCTION then RECALL.
Multiple Copies: Press FUNCTION, then select NUMBER OF COPIES, enter quantity (1-9).
Mirror Printing: For application on inside of glass/windows. Press FUNCTION, select MIRROR.
Serial Numbering: Automatically prints incremented numbers. Access via FUNCTION menu.
Chain Printing: Print multiple different stored labels in sequence.

WARNING! Do not use non-Brother tapes as they may jam or cause poor print quality.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use a dry, soft cloth to clean exterior. Never use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

Cutter Blade Care: If tape does not cut cleanly, the blade may be dull. Replace cutter unit per Brother instructions.

Tape Path: Keep tape path free of adhesive residue or debris.

CAUTION! Never insert objects into tape slot or cutter area.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. "P-touch" is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-552-6255.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries, loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
LCD blank or dim	Low power, contrast setting	Check/replace batteries; adjust contrast via FUNCTION menu.
Tape not feeding	Cassette not installed correctly, jam	Reinstall tape cassette; clear any jammed tape carefully.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head, old tape	Clean print head with dry cotton swab; use fresh tape.
Text not printing	Ink ribbon issue, wrong tape type	Ensure laminated tape cassette is used; replace if empty.
Cutter not working	Auto cutter off, blade obstruction	Set Cutter Mode to AUTO in settings; clear any obstruction.
Keys not responding	Machine lock, low battery	Press and hold POWER to reset; replace batteries.

Reset: To restore factory defaults, remove batteries and adapter, wait 1 minute, then re-power.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. Do not disassemble the unit.