brother p-touch model pt-d400 manual

The Brother P-touch Model PT-D400 is a professional-grade desktop label maker featuring a high-resolution LCD display, full keyboard, multiple tape cassettes support (up to 24mm width), PC connectivity via USB, extensive built-in fonts and symbols, memory functions, various print modes, and advanced formatting options. It is designed for creating durable, laminated labels for office, industrial, and personal organization. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Functions 5. Loading Tape Cassettes 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Functions 8. PC Connectivity 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-resolution LCD display, QWERTY keyboard, Tape cassette compartment, Cutter lever, Power connector, USB port.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, formats, and preview before printing
Tape Cassette Support	Accepts TZe tapes from 3.5mm to 24mm width
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout with dedicated function keys
USB Port	For connection to a computer (USB 2.0)
Power Adapter Port	For AC power connection (included)
Cutter Lever	Manual cutting of printed labels
Font & Style Keys	Quick access to fonts, sizes, and text effects
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Auto-Laminating Tapes	Creates durable, smudge-proof labels
Multiple Print Modes	Includes mirror, serial, and number printing

Installation & Setup

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

Connect Power: Plug the AC adapter into the power port and then into a wall outlet.
Load Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert a compatible TZe tape, and close the cover.
Power On: Press the POWER button. The LCD will illuminate.
Initial Setup: Follow on-screen prompts to set language, date/time, and default units.

WARNING! Use only the included AC adapter. Ensure proper ventilation around the device.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-D400.
Tape Width: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24mm (TZe series).
Print Resolution: Up to 360 dpi.
Display: High-resolution LCD with backlight.
Connectivity: USB 2.0 (Type B).
Power Supply: AC adapter (input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz).
Memory: Stores up to 50 label templates.
Fonts: Over 10 built-in fonts, multiple international character sets.
Print Speed: Approx. 15mm/sec.
Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity.

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the front panel keys or on-screen menus.

Front Panel: POWER, ESC, ENTER, Arrow Keys (Up/Down/Left/Right), Font, Size, Style, Print, Function.

Key Functions: - Font: Cycle through available typefaces. - Size: Adjust text size (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large). - Style: Apply Bold, Italic, Underline, Outline, Shadow. - Function: Access advanced menus (Format, Memory, Setup). - Print: Print the current label. Hold for multiple copies. - Arrow Keys: Navigate text and menus. - ESC: Cancel or go back. - ENTER: Confirm selection or insert a line break.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Ensure the power is ON.
Press the release button and open the cassette cover.
Insert a TZe tape cassette with the tape end feeding towards the cutter slot.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
The LCD will confirm the tape width and type.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette. Use only genuine Brother TZe tapes. Keep the cutter area clean.

Creating Labels

Basic text entry and printing.

Type Text: Use the keyboard to enter your label text.
Format Text: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to adjust appearance.
Preview: The LCD shows a WYSIWYG preview.
Print: Press PRINT. For multiple copies, hold PRINT and use arrow keys to set quantity.
Cut: After printing, use the manual cutter lever to cut the label.

Tip: Use the SPACE key and alignment options for better layout.

Advanced Functions

Access via the FUNCTION key menu.

Serial Numbering: Print a sequence of numbers or letters.
Frame/Border: Add decorative borders around text.
Barcode Printing: Create standard 1D barcodes (Code 39, UPC, EAN).
Label Memory: Save current label to memory (1-50) for quick recall.
Text Effects: Mirror, vertical, or arc text.
Auto Format: Automatically adjusts text size to fit tape width.
Length Settings: Set fixed label length for consistent cuts.

PC Connectivity

Connect to a computer for design using P-touch Editor software.

Install Software: Insert the included CD or download P-touch Editor from Brother's website.
Connect USB Cable: Use a standard USB cable (Type A to Type B) to connect the PT-D400 to your computer.
Select Driver: Follow on-screen instructions to install the printer driver.
Design & Print: Create labels in the software and send them directly to the printer.

Note: Ensure the printer is powered ON before connecting the USB cable.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the power adapter before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
Cutter Blade: Gently clean any adhesive residue from the cutter blade with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry completely.
Tape Path: Keep the area where the tape feeds out free of dust and debris.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove tape cassettes if storing for extended periods.

CAUTION! Never immerse the unit in water or other liquids.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. CE marked. This product meets applicable ENERGY STAR guidelines. Copyright and trademarks are property of Brother Industries, Ltd. For recycling information, consult local regulations. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-4BROTHER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Adapter not connected/power outage	Check power connection and outlet; ensure POWER button is pressed.
Nothing prints	Tape not loaded/empty cassette	Load a tape cassette; check if cassette is empty.
Print quality poor	Dirty print head/old tape	Clean print head with dry cotton swab; use fresh tape.
Text cut off	Tape width setting incorrect	In FUNCTION menu, verify and set correct tape width.
USB not recognized	Driver not installed/cable issue	Install correct driver from Brother website; try a different USB cable/port.
Cutter not cutting cleanly	Blade dull or obstructed	Clean cutter blade; if dull, contact Brother support for replacement.
Memory full	Stored labels at capacity	Delete unused labels from memory via FUNCTION > Memory > Delete.

Reset: To restore factory defaults, go to FUNCTION > Setup > Initialize.

Service: 1-877-4BROTHER; www.brother.com