brother p-touch 550 manual

The Brother P-touch 550 is a compact electronic label maker designed for home and office use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape cassettes, automatic tape cutting, and a range of decorative frames and symbols. 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 Functions 8. Tape Cassette Replacement 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Print/Cut mechanism, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout with function keys for special characters
Tape Cassette	Accepts 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm laminated tape
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing
Font Styles	Multiple fonts (Gothic, Script, Sans Serif)
Font Sizes	Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
Frames & Symbols	Built-in decorative frames and symbols
Power Options	AC adapter or 6 AA batteries
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Print Mode	Multiple copies, mirror printing, sequential numbering

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on clean, flat surface.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries (not included).
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC jack and wall outlet (optional).
Install tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing out.
Power on: Press POWER button; LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only specified AC adapter. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Operation

Power on device; follow basic steps to create first label.

Select language: Press FUNCTION, then LANGUAGE to choose English (default).
Set tape width: Ensure installed tape matches width setting in menu.
Type text: Use keyboard to enter desired label text.
Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to adjust appearance.
Print label: Press PRINT; tape will be automatically cut.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from cutter mechanism during operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch 550.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Print Resolution: Standard thermal transfer.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Power Supply: AC adapter (AD-24) or 6 AA batteries.
Memory: Stores up to 9 frequently used labels.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm per second.
Dimensions: Compact desktop design.
Operating Temp: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT (manual), FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, SYMBOL.

Function Menu: LANGUAGE, TAPE WIDTH, MIRROR PRINT, SEQUENTIAL, AUTO CUT, MEMORY.

Text Formatting: Font selection (Gothic, Script), Size (S, M, L, XL), Style (Bold, Italic, Underline). Tape Settings: Width adjustment, length setting. Print Options: Number of copies, mirror image, sequential numbering.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process step-by-step.

Turn on device with POWER button.
Type text using keyboard; use DEL or BS to correct errors.
Press FONT to cycle through available fonts.
Press SIZE to select character size.
Add frames or symbols using FRAME/SYMBOL keys if desired.
Preview text on LCD display.
Press PRINT to print label; tape automatically advances and cuts.
Peel backing from printed label and apply to surface.

Tip: Use clear tape for waterproof labels on containers.

Advanced Functions

Utilize memory and special print modes.

Memory Store: Type text, press FUNCTION then MEMORY STORE to save label (up to 9).
Memory Recall: Press FUNCTION then MEMORY RECALL to print saved labels.
Sequential Numbering: Create labels with consecutive numbers (001, 002, etc.).
Mirror Printing: Print reversed text for application on glass or transparent surfaces.
Multiple Copies: Set number of copies (1-9) before printing.
Manual Cut: Press CUT button to cut tape without printing.

WARNING! Do not pull tape during printing; allow automatic feed.

Tape Cassette Replacement

Replace tape when low or for different color/width.

Power off device.
Open cassette cover by pressing release latch.
Remove old cassette by lifting gently.
Insert new cassette with printed side facing outward.
Close cover until it clicks securely.
Power on; device will recognize new tape width automatically.

CAUTION! Use only genuine Brother TZe tape cassettes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth only; avoid liquids.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep away from dust and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-467-4289. This product uses thermal printing technology; tape cassettes contain non-toxic materials.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/AC adapter	Check battery orientation; replace batteries; ensure AC adapter is connected properly.
Blank LCD	Power/contrast	Check power source; adjust contrast via FUNCTION menu.
Tape not feeding	Cassette/jam	Ensure cassette is properly installed; clear any tape jam carefully.
Poor print quality	Tape/print head	Use genuine Brother tape; clean print head with dry cotton swab.
Wrong text printed	Input error	Preview on LCD before printing; use DEL to correct mistakes.

Reset: Remove batteries for 30 seconds to reset device.

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.brother-usa.com