Brother P-touch PT-90 Label Maker Manual

The Brother P-touch PT-90 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various decorative frames and symbols, automatic tape cutting, and supports multiple tape widths. Powered by AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. 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 Features 8. Tape and Cartridge Information 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD Display, QWERTY Keyboard, Tape Cassette Compartment, Power Switch, Print/Cut Button, Function Keys, Battery Compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and settings before printing
QWERTY Keyboard	Full keyboard for easy text entry
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts Brother TZ tape cassettes (multiple widths)
Print/Cut Button	Prints label and automatically cuts tape
Function (F1, F2, F3) Keys	Access font, size, style, frames, and symbols
Power Source	6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter (AD-24)
Auto Power Off	Conserves battery life after period of inactivity
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Select from various fonts and point sizes
Decorative Frames & Symbols	Add borders and icons to labels
Mirror Printing	Option to print mirrored text

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
Power on: Slide POWER switch to ON position.
Optional AC adapter: Connect AD-24 adapter to DC IN jack and wall outlet.

WARNING! Use only specified batteries and adapter. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Operation

Power on the device; LCD will illuminate.

Enter text: Use keyboard to type desired label text.
Preview: Text appears on LCD display.
Format text: Use F1, F2, F3 keys to change font, size, style, add frames/symbols.
Print label: Press PRINT/CUT button. Label prints and tape cuts automatically.
Apply label: Peel backing from printed label and apply to clean, dry surface.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from tape exit slot during printing/cutting.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-90.
Display: LCD, 1 line display.
Keyboard: QWERTY layout.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZ series laminated tape cassettes.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24mm.
Print Resolution: Standard resolution for clear text.
Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) or AC adapter AD-24.
Auto Power Off: Approx. 5 minutes.
Operating Temperature: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Dimensions & Weight: Compact and portable design.

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER switch, Keyboard, LCD, Function Keys (F1, F2, F3), PRINT/CUT.

Key Functions: SHIFT for alternate characters, SPACE, BACKSPACE/DEL, CAPS, SYMBOL, MIRROR, SETTINGS.

Formatting: Use F1 for Font selection (multiple styles). F2 for Size (Small, Standard, Large). F3 for Style (Normal, Bold, Outline, Shadow) and Frames/Symbols library. Settings: Access auto power-off, tape width setting, reset.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps.

Turn on power.
Type text using keyboard.
Use arrow keys to move cursor.
Press F1/F2/F3 to format text (font, size, style).
Add frame or symbol if desired (press F3 repeatedly).
Preview on LCD.
Press PRINT/CUT to print and cut label.
Peel and apply.

Tip: For long labels, the PT-90 will print continuously; tape cuts automatically at end.

Advanced Features

Utilizing additional functions.

Mirror Printing: Press MIRROR key before printing for mirrored text (e.g., for window application).
Multiple Copies: Use NUMBER key before printing to set quantity (1-9).
Symbols Library: Press SYMBOL key, then browse using arrow keys, press ENTER to insert.
Frames: Press F3 repeatedly to cycle through decorative border frames.
Tape Width Setting: Ensure machine setting matches loaded tape width via SETTINGS.
Memory Function: Limited memory for last label (reprint by pressing PRINT/CUT after power cycle).

WARNING! Do not force keys; press gently. Use correct tape width setting.

Tape and Cartridge Information

Supports Brother TZ series laminated tape cassettes. Available in various colors and widths. Replace tape when low indicator appears or tape ends.

To replace: Open cassette cover, remove old cassette, insert new one (window facing up), close cover. Machine detects tape width automatically (or set manually).

Care & Maintenance

Turn off and remove batteries for long-term storage. Clean exterior with dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquids or aerosols.

CAUTION! Do not touch print head; keep tape compartment free of dust and debris. 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, incorrect installation	Replace batteries; ensure correct polarity.
LCD blank	Power off, weak batteries	Turn power on; replace batteries.
Text not printing clearly	Dirty print head, old tape	Clean print head with dry cotton swab; use fresh tape.
Tape not advancing/cutting	Jammed tape, incorrect loading	Open cover, remove jam; reload tape correctly.
Wrong characters printed	Keyboard error, font setting	Reset device (remove batteries); check font setting.
Tape wrinkles or peels	Misaligned cassette, poor surface	Reinsert tape cassette; ensure application surface is clean/dry.

Reset: Remove batteries, wait 1 minute, reinsert.

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