Brother P-touch Label Maker PT-D400 Manual

The Brother P-touch PT-D400 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home and office use. It features a QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame and symbol options, automatic tape cutting, and supports laminated tape for durability. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Functions 8. Tape and Battery Information 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with keyboard and display, AC adapter, starter tape cassette, user manual.

Feature	Description
Display	1-line LCD for text preview and settings
Keyboard	Full QWERTY layout with function keys
Tape Compatibility	3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm laminated tape cassettes
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, bold, italic, underline
Frames & Symbols	Over 100 frames and symbols for decoration
Auto-Cut	Automatically cuts tape after printing
Power Source	6 AA batteries or AC adapter (included)
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Portability	Compact and lightweight for easy transport
Print Speed	Approx. 10mm per second

Unpacking and Setup

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

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing out, close cover.
Connect AC adapter (optional): Plug adapter into DC jack and wall outlet.
Power on: Press the POWER button.

WARNING! Use only specified Brother tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may cause jamming.

First-Time Use

Power on the device; the display will show the default text entry screen.

Set language: Press FUNCTION, then use arrow keys to select language (default is ENGLISH).
Set tape width: The device auto-detects loaded tape width.
Test print: Type "TEST" and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.
Adjust print darkness: Use FUNCTION + DARKNESS keys if needed.

CAUTION! Do not touch the cutter blade. Keep fingers away during auto-cut operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-D400.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Print Resolution: 180 dpi.
Display: 1-line, 12-character LCD.
Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (LR6) or AC adapter (AD-24).
Battery Life: Approx. 100 labels (alkaline batteries).
Dimensions: 177mm (W) x 63mm (H) x 146mm (D).
Weight: Approx. 530g (without batteries).
Operating Temp: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F).
Supported Characters: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese.

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT (manual), FUNCTION, arrow keys, DEL, SPACE.

Keyboard: QWERTY layout, Font key, Size key, Style key (Bold/Italic/Underline), Frame key, Symbol key.

Text Entry: Type directly using keyboard. Font: Select from 5 fonts. Size: 6 sizes from 10 to 24 point. Style: Bold, Italic, Underline, Outline, Shadow. Frame: Choose decorative frames. Symbol: Insert symbols (arrows, warning signs, etc.). Print Settings: Mirror print, sequential numbering, print darkness. Memory: Store up to 10 labels in memory.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation in 4 steps.

Turn on power and ensure tape is loaded.
Type text using keyboard; preview on display.
Format text: Use Font, Size, Style keys to customize.
Print: Press PRINT key; tape will auto-cut after printing.

Tip: Use the SPACE key to add gaps between words. Press DEL to backspace.

Advanced Functions

Utilize FUNCTION menu for advanced features.

Sequential Numbering: Print labels with incrementing numbers (e.g., 001, 002).
Mirror Printing: Print text reversed for application on transparent surfaces.
Memory Storage: Save current label to memory (M1-M10).
Recall Memory: Retrieve and print saved labels.
Auto-Format: Automatically adjusts text size to fit tape width.
Text Alignment: Align text left, center, or right.
Character Spacing: Adjust spacing between characters.
Tape Margin: Set margin length (none, short, long).

WARNING! Do not pull tape during printing. Allow auto-cut to complete.

Tape and Battery Information

Tape Cassettes: Use only Brother TZe tapes. Remove old tape before inserting new. Battery: Replace when battery icon blinks. Use alkaline for longer life.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Wipe exterior with dry, soft cloth. Clean cutter blade with cotton swab if jammed.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners. Store in cool, dry place.

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 Brother Customer Service at 1-877-467-4289.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Display is blank	Power/Battery	Check power source; replace batteries if weak.
Tape not feeding	Tape jam/incorrect loading	Open cover, remove tape, reload correctly.
Print is faint	Low battery/darkness setting	Replace batteries; adjust print darkness.
Text not printing	Tape installed wrong	Ensure tape cassette is inserted with printed side facing out.
Keys not responding	Device lock/error	Turn power off and on; check for error messages.

Reset: Remove batteries/adapter for 1 minute to reset device.

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