Brother P-touch Manual for PT-N20

The Brother P-touch PT-N20 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and supports a variety of P-touch TZe tape cassettes. The device is powered by AC adapter or optional batteries, and includes features like auto-numbering, mirror printing, and a built-in cutter. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Loading the Tape Cassette 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Functions 8. Maintenance & Care 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, POWER button, PRINT button, CUT button, Function keys, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	For easy text entry, includes Symbol and Function keys
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts Brother TZe series laminated tape cassettes
Built-in Cutter	Automatically cuts tape after printing (manual option available)
Power Options	AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional)
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, underline, outline), frames
Auto Numbering	Creates sequential number labels
Mirror Printing	Prints text in reverse for application on transparent tape
Recall Function	Stores and recalls frequently used labels
Length Adjustment	Automatic or manual tape length setting

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

Power the device: Insert 6 AA batteries (not included) into the battery compartment OR connect the AC adapter to the port and plug into a wall outlet.
Turn on: Press the POWER button. The LCD will illuminate.
Set language and units: Use the FUNCTION key to access settings menu. Select language (default ENGLISH) and unit of measure (mm/inch).
Load tape cassette: See next section for detailed instructions.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer. Install batteries with correct polarity.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Power off the device before loading or replacing tape.

Press the cassette cover release button and open the cover.
Insert a Brother TZe tape cassette into the compartment, aligning the cassette guides with the slots inside. Ensure the tape end feeds towards the cutter blade.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Power on the device. The tape indicator on the LCD should show the tape width and color.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette or cover. Do not touch the cutter blade.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-N20.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe tape cassettes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Print Resolution: Standard thermal transfer.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Power Supply: AC adapter (input: 120V AC, 60Hz) or 6 x AA batteries.
Fonts: Multiple built-in fonts and sizes.
Features: Auto-cut, mirror print, sequential numbering, frames, symbols.
Interface: Stand-alone keyboard operation.
Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or the FUNCTION menu on the LCD.

Front Panel Keys: POWER, LETTER (case), FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, NUMBER, LENGTH, FUNCTION, PRINT, CUT, Arrow keys, DELETE, SPACE, Enter.

Function Menu Options: Language, Unit, Auto Power Off, Buzzer, Tape Width Set, Mirror, Recall, Initialize, Version.

Basic Formatting: Use FONT to cycle fonts, SIZE for small/standard/large, STYLE for bold/underline/outline, FRAME for decorative borders.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

Turn on the P-touch and ensure tape is loaded.
Type your text using the keyboard. Use SPACE, Enter for new lines.
Format text: Press FONT, SIZE, STYLE, or FRAME to apply formatting. The LCD previews the label.
Set tape length: Press LENGTH to choose Auto (based on text) or Fixed length.
Print: Press PRINT. The label prints and automatically cuts (if Auto-Cut is ON).
To cut manually: Press CUT button after printing.
Peel the backing from the printed tape and apply the label.

Tip: Use the Arrow keys to move the cursor and edit text. Press DELETE to erase characters.

Advanced Functions

Utilizing the PT-N20's special features.

Auto Numbering: Press NUMBER, enter start value and increment, then PRINT to create a series of numbered labels.
Mirror Printing: Access via FUNCTION > Mirror. Use for printing on clear tape for application from the back side (e.g., window signs).
Recall Memory: Save a frequently used label by pressing FUNCTION > Recall > Save. Recall it later via FUNCTION > Recall > Recall.
Symbols: Press the Symbol key to insert special characters and icons.
Chain Printing: Print multiple copies of the same label by entering quantity when prompted.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug AC adapter/remove batteries before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cutter Blade: Keep clear of adhesive buildup. If necessary, clean gently with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely.
Tape Path: If tape jams, open cassette cover and carefully remove any stuck tape fragments.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if not used for extended periods.

CAUTION! Never immerse the unit in water. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). 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 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/Adapter	Check battery installation/polarity; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected; try fresh batteries.
Nothing prints	Tape/Print head	Ensure tape cassette is loaded correctly; check for tape jam; clean print head (with power off).
Print is faint or missing	Tape/Print head	Replace tape cassette; clean print head contacts with dry cotton swab.
Tape does not feed/cut	Cutter jam/Tape	Open cover, clear any jammed tape; ensure cutter lever moves freely.
LCD is blank/dim	Power/Batteries	Check power source; replace batteries if weak; adjust contrast via FUNCTION menu (if available).
Keys not responding	Lock/Reset	Ensure device is not in "Demo" mode; perform reset (remove batteries/adapter for 1 minute).

Reset: Remove all power sources (batteries and adapter) for one minute, then reconnect.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother-usa.com