# EPL vs ZPL: what is the difference?

By Rotomal team · Updated 2026-11-07 · Part of [EPL Render](https://rotomal.com/epl-to-pdf/)

**Short answer:** 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 |
| Print | 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.

## FAQ

### 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) https://www.zebra.com/content/dam/support-dam/en/documentation/unrestricted/guide/software/epl2-pm-en.pdf
- Zebra ZPL programming guide: ^SZ Set ZPL https://docs.zebra.com/us/en/printers/software/zpl-pg/c-zpl-zpl-commands/r-zpl-sz.html
- Zebra ZPL programming guide: ^XA Start Format https://docs.zebra.com/us/en/printers/software/zpl-pg/c-zpl-zpl-commands/r-zpl-xa.html
- UPS: Shipping API specification (LabelImageFormat) https://github.com/UPS-API/api-documentation/blob/main/Shipping.yaml
- EasyPost: shipment options (label_format) https://docs.easypost.com/docs/shipments/options
- Oracle NetSuite: printing integrated shipping labels with a thermal printer https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/netsuite/ns-online-help/section_N1266244.html
- Sellercloud: configure shipping label printers https://help.sellercloud.com/omnichannel-ecommerce/configuring-shipping-label-printers/

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Rotomal · https://rotomal.com/epl-to-pdf/epl-vs-zpl/ · hello@rotomal.com