Brother PT D400 User Manual

The Brother PT D400 is a compact, portable electronic label printer designed for creating professional-looking labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame/border designs, and supports a wide range of Brother TZe tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Cutter lever, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Install Batteries: Open battery compartment on the bottom, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity (+/-).
2. Connect AC Adapter (Optional): Plug the adapter into the DC IN 6V port on the side, then into a wall outlet.
3. Load Tape Cassette: Open cassette cover, insert a Brother TZe tape with the printing side facing down, close cover.
4. Power On: Press the POWER button. The display will light up and show the default text entry screen.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Using incompatible tapes may damage the printer. Ensure batteries are inserted correctly to avoid leakage.

Specifications

• Model: Brother PT D400 Electronic Labeling System.
• Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe tapes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
• Print Method: Thermal transfer.
• Display: LCD with backlight.
• Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (LR6) or AC adapter (AD-24ES).
• Battery Life: Approx. 100 continuous prints (alkaline batteries).
• Auto Power Off: After approximately 5 minutes of inactivity.
• Dimensions (W x D x H): Approx. 6.3" x 7.1" x 2.4".
• Weight: Approx. 1.3 lbs (without batteries and tape).
• Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).

Controls and Display

Access functions via the front panel keys and on-screen menu.

Front Panel Keys: POWER, SPACE, SHIFT, CAPS, BACKSPACE, ENTER, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, PRINT, CUT.

Function (Fn) Key: Used in combination with other keys to access secondary features (Memory, Mirror Print, Preview, etc.).

Display Icons: Shows battery level, tape width, font style, text alignment, and cursor position.

Menu Navigation: Use the four arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right) to navigate menus and move the cursor. Press ENTER to select an option.

Loading the Tape Cassette

1. Press the release button and open the cassette cover.
2. Insert a Brother TZe tape cassette into the compartment. Ensure the orange guide rollers align with the machine's pins and the printing side (dull side) faces down.
3. Feed the tape end under the silver tape guide and out through the tape exit slot.
4. Close the cassette cover firmly until it clicks.
5. The display will automatically show the detected tape width.

Tip: Always turn the power OFF before opening the cassette cover. Do not touch the thermal print head inside the compartment.

Creating a Label

Basic steps to create and print a simple label.

1. Enter Text: Use the keyboard to type your label text. The text appears on the LCD.
2. Format Text: Press FONT to cycle through available fonts. Press SIZE to change character size (Small, Normal, Large). Press STYLE to apply Bold, Italic, Underline, or Outline.
3. Add Frames/Borders: Press FRAME to select from various decorative frames around your text.
4. Preview: Press Fn then PREVIEW (arrow key) to see how the label will look, including its length.
5. Print: Press the PRINT button. The printer will feed and cut the label automatically (if Auto Cut is ON).
6. Cut Manually: If Auto Cut is OFF, press the CUT lever after printing to cut the label.

WARNING! Never pull the tape while printing. Keep fingers away from the cutter area.

Advanced Functions

Memory: Store up to 9 labels. Type your text, press Fn then MEMORY. Choose a memory number (1-9) to save. Recall by pressing Fn, then the number key.

Serial Numbering: Create a sequence of numbered labels. Access via Fn then NUMBERING.

Mirror Printing: Prints text backwards. Useful for labels viewed from the opposite side (e.g., glass doors). Access via Fn then MIRROR.

Text Alignment: Align text to Left, Center, or Right within the label width. Access via Fn then ALIGN.

Tape Length Adjustment: Manually set a fixed length for your label instead of auto-length. Access via Fn then LENGTH.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning.

1. Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, dampen cloth slightly with water. Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other solvents.
2. Print Head: If print quality declines, clean the silver thermal print head with a dry cotton swab. Gently wipe across the head.
3. Cutter Blade: Keep free of adhesive residue. Wipe carefully with a dry cloth.
4. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if not used for an extended period.

CAUTION! Never spray liquids directly onto the printer. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

Copyright and Trademarks: © Brother Industries, Ltd. 2025. Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Reset: To restore factory defaults, turn off the printer. Hold down the SPACE key and the PRINT key simultaneously while turning the power ON. Release keys after "RESET" appears.

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