^PA – Advanced Text Properties

What ^PA does

^PA is part of the Text and Fonts reference. Use it when working with advanced text properties 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

^PAa,b,c,d

Parameter quick reference

• a = default glyph This determines whether the default glyph is a space character or the default
• Values:
• 0 = off (space as default glyph)
• 1 = on (default glyph of font is used, often a hollow box, but depends on the
• Default: 0
• b = bidirectional text
• Values:
• 0 = off
• 1 = on
• Default: 0

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 315). Zebra, ZPL, and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners.