Brother P-touch Home & Hobby III Manual

The Brother P-touch Home & Hobby III is a compact, user-friendly electronic label maker designed for home and craft use. It features a full keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, a variety of tape colors and widths, a built-in cutter, and a rechargeable battery option. This manual covers safety instructions, key features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you create professional-looking labels for organizing, crafting, and personalizing items.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Features 8. Maintenance and Care 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Label Maker Unit, AC Power Adapter, Starter Tape Cassette, Rechargeable Battery Pack (optional), User Manual.

Feature	Description
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout for easy text entry
LCD Display	Shows text, formatting, and preview before printing
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts various tape widths (e.g., 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Built-in Cutter	Manual or automatic cutting of printed labels
Font Styles & Sizes	Multiple fonts and adjustable character sizes
Decorative Frames	Add borders and designs to labels
Power Options	AC adapter or rechargeable battery operation
Print Function	Prints on laminated tape for durability
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Symbols & Icons	Library of pre-installed symbols for labeling

Unpacking and Setup

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

Insert Tape Cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing up, close cover.
Power the Device: Connect AC adapter to unit and wall outlet, or insert charged battery pack.
Turn On: Press POWER button; LCD display will illuminate.
Set Language: Use MENU to select preferred language (default is ENGLISH).

WARNING! Keep small parts away from children. Use only Brother-approved tapes and power accessories.

First-Time Use

Power on the label maker; follow on-screen prompts.

Create a Test Label: Type "TEST" and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.
Adjust Settings: Use MENU to set date/time, auto-power off, and units (mm/inch).
Load Tape: Ensure tape is correctly aligned in cassette.
Explore Functions: Try font changes, frames, and symbols using function keys.

CAUTION! Do not touch cutter blade. Keep fingers away from tape exit slot during printing.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch Home & Hobby III.
Tape Widths Supported: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Tape Types: Laminated, non-laminated, fluorescent, clear.
Print Resolution: Standard resolution for clear text and graphics.
Power Supply: AC adapter (input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz) or rechargeable battery.
Battery Life: Approx. 2 hours continuous use on full charge.
Display: Backlit LCD, 2-line text display.
Memory: Stores up to 10 custom labels.
Dimensions: Compact, portable design.
Operating Temperature: 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via front panel buttons and MENU. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT, FONT, SIZE, FRAME, SYMBOL, CURSOR arrows, DELETE, SPACE.

Menu Navigation: Use MENU button to access settings: Language, Auto-off, Units, Memory, Reset.

Text Formatting: Change font (e.g., Gothic, Script), size (Small, Medium, Large), style (Bold, Italic, Underline). Label Design: Add frames, symbols, and adjust text alignment. Print Options: Select number of copies, mirror printing, and half-cut mode.

Creating Labels

Supports text, symbols, and frames for custom labels.

Enter Text: Type desired label text using keyboard.
Format Text: Use FONT, SIZE, and style buttons to customize appearance.
Add Decorations: Press FRAME or SYMBOL to insert borders/icons.
Preview: Check LCD display before printing.
Print: Press PRINT; label will be produced and advanced automatically.
Cut: Press CUT to separate label (or set auto-cut in menu).
Apply: Peel backing from label and apply to clean, dry surface.

Tip: Use clear tape for invisible labeling on glass or transparent surfaces.

Advanced Features

Memory: Save frequently used labels for quick recall. Serial Printing: Print multiple copies sequentially. Mirror Printing: For application on inside of glass surfaces. Half-Cut Mode: Partial cut for creating multi-label strips without separating.

Maintenance and Care

Unplug or remove battery before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth to wipe exterior; do not use liquids. Clean cutter blade occasionally with provided brush (if included) to remove adhesive residue.

CAUTION! Do not immerse in water. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. Store tapes in cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 2025 Brother Industries, Ltd.; trademarks owned by Brother. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-467-4289.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Battery/AC adapter	Ensure battery charged or AC adapter connected securely; replace batteries if needed.
Blank LCD display	Power/contrast	Check power; adjust contrast via MENU settings.
Tape not feeding	Cassette jam/insertion	Open cover, realign tape cassette; ensure no obstructions.
Poor print quality	Low tape/dirty print head	Replace tape cassette; clean print head with dry cotton swab.
Keys not responding	Lock function/error	Press and hold POWER to reset; check for error messages on display.

Reset: MENU > System > Reset to factory defaults if needed.

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