Brother P-touch PT-85 Manual

The Brother P-touch PT-85 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, various tape cassettes (6mm, 9mm, 12mm), automatic tape cutting, and battery/AC adapter operation. Below are key sections for 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: Keyboard, LCD Display, Tape Cassette Compartment, Cutter Lever, Power Switch, AC Adapter Port, Battery Compartment.

Feature	Description
Full QWERTY Keyboard	For easy text input and editing
LCD Display	Shows text, format, and tape length before printing
Tape Cassette System	Supports 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm laminated tape
Automatic Cutter	Built-in cutter lever for precise label separation
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Selectable font styles and character sizes
Power Options	Operates on 6 AA batteries or AC adapter (included)
Preview Function	View label layout on display before printing
Frame & Underline	Add decorative frames and underlines to text
Auto Power Off	Conserves battery life when idle
Portable Design	Lightweight and easy to carry

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN port and into wall outlet (optional).
Install tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
Power on: Slide POWER switch to ON position.

WARNING! Use only specified Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer.

First-Time Operation

Power on the P-touch; LCD will illuminate.

Select language: Press FUNCTION, then LANGUAGE to choose display language.
Set tape width: Ensure tape cassette matches selected width in settings.
Test print: Type a sample text and press PRINT to verify operation.
Adjust print density: Use FUNCTION + PRINT MODE for lighter/darker prints.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from cutter lever area during operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-85.
Tape Widths: 6mm, 9mm, 12mm (laminated).
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
Display: 1-line LCD, 12 characters.
Fonts: 5 font styles, 3 sizes.
Power Supply: 6 AA batteries or AC adapter (AD-24).
Battery Life: Approx. 100 labels (alkaline batteries).
Dimensions: 177mm (W) x 64mm (H) x 145mm (D).
Weight: Approx. 590g (without batteries).
Operating Temp: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION key combinations.

Keyboard: Letters, numbers, symbols, SPACE, BACKSPACE, DEL, SHIFT.

Function Keys: FUNCTION (access secondary functions), PRINT, POWER, CUT (manual cut).

Formatting: FONT (cycle fonts), SIZE (S/M/L), STYLE (bold, underline, frame), ALIGN (left/center/right).

Special Functions: FUNCTION + arrows (move cursor), FUNCTION + PRINT (preview), FUNCTION + CUT (half-cut).

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps.

Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
Type text using keyboard; use BACKSPACE to correct.
Format text: Press FONT, SIZE, STYLE to adjust appearance.
Preview: Press FUNCTION + PRINT to see layout on display.
Print: Press PRINT to print label; cutter will automatically cut after printing (if auto-cut is on).
Manual cut: Press CUT lever if additional cutting is needed.

Tip: Use the clear tape backing to position label before applying.

Advanced Functions

Utilize additional features for customized labels.

Numbering: Press FUNCTION + NUMBER to print sequential numbers.
Frames: Press STYLE repeatedly to select box, shadow, or underline frames.
Mirror printing: FUNCTION + MIRROR for reverse text (e.g., for window signs).
Half-cut: FUNCTION + CUT creates partial cut for continuous labels.
Auto-cut setting: Turn auto-cut ON/OFF via FUNCTION + SETTINGS.
Tape length display: Shows remaining tape length on LCD.

WARNING! Do not pull tape manually; use cutter lever only.

Tape Cassette Replacement

Replace tape when low or to change color/width.

Power off the P-touch.
Open cassette cover by pressing release button.
Remove old cassette by lifting gently.
Insert new cassette with window facing up and arrow aligned.
Close cover firmly until it clicks.
Power on; new tape width will be detected automatically.

CAUTION! Use only Brother TZe cassettes. Others may cause jams.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with soft, dry cloth. Keyboard: Use soft brush to remove dust.

Cutter blade: Keep clean; if sticky, wipe gently with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, 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 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries, loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing prints	Tape cassette not installed, end of tape	Reinstall cassette; replace with new tape.
Faint printing	Low battery, print density setting	Replace batteries; adjust print density (FUNCTION + PRINT MODE).
Tape jam	Incorrect cassette, foreign object	Power off, remove cassette, clear obstruction, reinstall correct cassette.
Keys not responding	Low battery, device lock	Replace batteries; power off and on to reset.
Cutter not working	Auto-cut disabled, mechanical obstruction	Enable auto-cut in settings; check for tape debris near cutter.

Reset: Remove batteries and AC adapter for 1 minute, then reconnect.

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