READ ZBI Reference
What READ does
READ is part of the ZBI Programming reference. Use it when working with read on compatible Zebra printers. This independent reference focuses on the command shape, configuration inputs, defaults, and the surrounding commands that are commonly used with it.
Syntax
READParameter quick reference
<CHANNEL> = reads from this port. Default = 0.<MAXBYTES> = the maximum number of bytes to read2 LET INPORT = CLIENTSOCKET("TCP","192.168.0.1",9100)4 LET WATERMARK = 50007 LET BYTESREAD = READ(INPORT,DATA$,500)11 LET BYTES_WRITTEN = WRITE(INPORT,DATA$,LEN(DATA$))15 IF BYTESREAD = 0 AND BYTESWRITTEN = 0 THEN
Implementation guidance
- Confirm that the printer model and firmware support the command before deployment.
- Test the smallest valid command first, then add optional parameters one at a time.
- Keep units in printer dots unless the command explicitly defines another unit.
- Verify the result on the target media, because resolution, orientation, and stored settings can change the output.
Troubleshooting
If the printer ignores the instruction, check the command prefix, delimiter characters, firmware support, and whether the command belongs inside a ^XA and ^XZ format. For output commands, also confirm that the field is closed with ^FS where required.
Source note
This independently written page was checked against the Zebra programming guide revision supplied for this project (reference page 503). Zebra, ZPL, and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
ZPL.ai is an independent documentation resource. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Zebra Technologies. Zebra and ZPL are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp. or its affiliates.