Brother PT-D400 Label Maker Manual

The Brother PT-D400 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home, office, and light industrial use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, automatic tape cutting, and supports various tape widths. Powered by AC adapter or optional batteries, it offers easy label creation for organization, identification, and craft projects. Below are key sections for 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 Cartridge Handling 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full keyboard, LCD display, Tape cartridge compartment, Print mechanism, Cutter lever, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout with function keys for easy text entry
Tape Cartridge	Accepts various tape widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing (manual override available)
Font Styles & Sizes	Multiple fonts and sizes for customization
Decorative Frames	Add borders and frames to labels
Power Options	AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional)
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels for quick recall
Print Modes	Normal, mirror, and sequential printing
Language Support	Multiple languages available

Unpacking and Setup

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

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries (optional for portable use).
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into port and into wall outlet (recommended for extended use).
Install tape cartridge: Open cartridge cover, insert tape with printed side facing out, close cover.
Power on: Press POWER button; LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved AC adapter and tape cartridges. Keep away from liquids and extreme temperatures.

First-Time Use

Power on label maker; follow on-screen prompts.

Set language: Press FUNCTION, then LANGUAGE to select preferred language.
Set date/time: Press FUNCTION, then SETUP to configure clock (optional).
Test print: Type "TEST" and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.
Adjust print density: Use FUNCTION + PRINT MODE for lighter/darker prints.

CAUTION! Do not touch cutter blade. Keep fingers clear during printing and cutting.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-D400.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm (TZe series tapes).
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm per second.
Display: LCD with backlight (adjustable contrast).
Fonts: 5 font styles, 1-5 font sizes.
Frames: Over 50 decorative frames and symbols.
Power Supply: AC adapter (input 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz) or 6 AA batteries.
Dimensions: Compact portable design.
Operating Temp: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via keyboard and FUNCTION key. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT (manual), FUNCTION, CURSOR keys, BACKSPACE, SPACE.

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY with additional symbols and accents. FUNCTION menu: LANGUAGE, SETUP, PRINT MODE, MEMORY, FRAME, FONT, SIZE, MIRROR PRINT.

Print settings: Font style/size, frame selection, print density (light/medium/dark), auto-cut on/off. Memory: Store up to 10 labels for recall. Setup: Language, date/time, buzzer on/off, LCD contrast.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps:

Power on and ensure tape cartridge is installed.
Type text using keyboard; use SHIFT for uppercase and symbols.
Format text: Press FUNCTION + FONT/SIZE to change appearance.
Add frame: Press FUNCTION + FRAME to select border.
Preview: Text appears on LCD with formatting applied.
Print: Press PRINT; tape advances and is cut automatically (if auto-cut enabled).
Manual cut: Press CUT lever if auto-cut is off.

Tip: Use laminated tapes for waterproof, durable labels.

Advanced Functions

Memory: Store label by pressing FUNCTION + MEMORY + number (1-10). Recall by pressing MEMORY + number.

Sequential numbering: Press FUNCTION + NUMBERING to print labels with incrementing numbers (e.g., 001, 002).

Mirror print: Press FUNCTION + MIRROR for reverse text (for application on glass or transparent surfaces).

Symbols: Access symbol library via FUNCTION + SYMBOL.

Text effects: Bold, underline, italic (varies by font).

Tape and Cartridge Handling

Supports Brother TZe series tape cartridges.

Insert cartridge: Open cover, align cartridge arrows, press until click.
Remove cartridge: Open cover, press cartridge release button, pull out gently.
Tape types: Laminated, non-laminated, fluorescent, clear, metallic.
Tape width: Ensure selected width matches cartridge installed.

WARNING! Do not force cartridge. Use only genuine Brother tapes to avoid jams.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth only; no liquids or solvents.

Clean print head: Power off, open cartridge cover, gently wipe print head with cotton swab if dusty.

Clean cutter: Use small brush to remove tape residue (power off).

CAUTION! Do not use sharp objects near print head or cutter. 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 1-877-276-8437. This product meets applicable industry standards for safety and performance.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/adapter	Check battery orientation; ensure adapter plugged in securely.
No text on LCD	Contrast setting	Adjust LCD contrast via FUNCTION + SETUP.
Tape not feeding	Cartridge installed incorrectly	Reinstall tape cartridge; ensure it clicks into place.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head/low battery	Clean print head; replace batteries or use AC adapter.
Cutter not working	Auto-cut disabled/tape jam	Enable auto-cut in settings; clear any tape jam manually.
Memory not saving	Low battery	Replace batteries or connect AC adapter before storing labels.

Reset: Remove batteries/adapter for 2 minutes to reset if unit locks up.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com