EPL vs ZPL: what is the difference?
Updated · Rotomal
EPL (Eltron Programming Language) and ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) are two different thermal-printer label languages. An EPL2 label is a list of lines starting with short commands such as N, A, B and ending with P1; a ZPL label is a block that starts with ^XA and ends with ^XZ. Both measure positions in printer dots. If your system lets you choose, ZPL has far more viewers, converters and printers that support it; pick EPL only when an older printer or integration requires it.
Side by side
| EPL2 | ZPL II | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Eltron Programming Language, documented by Zebra | Zebra Programming Language; ZPL II is version 2 |
| One label looks like | N, then one command per line, then P1 | ^XA … ^XZ |
| Label width | q command, in dots | ^PW command, in dots |
| Label length | Q command, in dots | ^LL command, in dots |
| P command (sets and copies) | ^XZ ends and prints the format | |
| Free online viewers | Few | Many, including Labelary |
EPL1, EPL2 and line mode
Zebra's EPL guide says flash-based printers are configured for page mode (EPL2) by default, and that some desktop models, the G-Series, LP2824 and LP2844, can be switched to line mode, which emulates the older EPL1. Almost all shipping labels you will meet today are EPL2 page-mode files.
ZPL and ZPL II
Zebra's ^SZ command selects the ZPL version: 1 for the original ZPL and 2 for ZPL II, with ZPL II the default. When software says ZPL, ZPLII or ZPL2, it almost always means the same current language.
Who still offers EPL
- UPS Shipping API: EPL is a valid label format code next to GIF, ZPL and SPL.
- EasyPost: label_format accepts PNG, PDF, ZPL and EPL2.
- NetSuite: EPL 4x6 for UPS and USPS accounts, EPL 4x8 for UPS; ZPL and ZPLII for FedEx, UPS and USPS.
- Sellercloud: describes EPL2 and ZPL2 as thermal-printer formats and notes that not every thermal printer is compatible with EPL.
Which one should you choose?
- Choosing a format for a new integration: pick ZPL II, or PDF if you print on office printers.
- Stuck with EPL from a partner or an old integration: keep it, and convert to PDF where you need to print elsewhere.
- Buying a new label printer: check that it supports the language your system sends; not every thermal printer reads EPL.
Converting either one to PDF
For EPL, see our step-by-step guide: https://rotomal.com/epl-to-pdf/how-to-convert-epl-to-pdf/. For ZPL II, see https://rotomal.com/zpl-to-pdf/zpl2-to-pdf/. EPL Render handles EPL2 files by upload, email, folder or API, from $5 a month.
Questions
Can a ZPL printer print EPL?
Only if it supports both languages. Sellercloud notes that not all thermal printers are compatible with EPL, so check the printer's specification.
Is ZPL2 the same as ZPL II?
Yes. Zebra's ^SZ command calls version 2 ZPL II, and it is the default.
Sources
- Zebra: EPL Programming Guide (14245L-003) Source: zebra.com
- Zebra ZPL programming guide: ^SZ Set ZPL Source: docs.zebra.com
- Zebra ZPL programming guide: ^XA Start Format Source: docs.zebra.com
- UPS: Shipping API specification (LabelImageFormat) Source: github.com
- EasyPost: shipment options (label_format) Source: docs.easypost.com
- Oracle NetSuite: printing integrated shipping labels with a thermal printer Source: docs.oracle.com
- Sellercloud: configure shipping label printers Source: help.sellercloud.com