Brother QL-800 Setup Guide — Free Label Printing Software

Brother QL Series Comparison

Model	Connectivity	Print Speed	Special Features
QL-800	USB only	93 labels/min	Red/black printing
QL-810W	USB + WiFi	93 labels/min	Wireless printing, mobile apps
QL-820NWB	USB + WiFi + Bluetooth	93 labels/min	All connectivity options

What's Included

• Brother QL-800 label printer
• USB cable (USB-A to USB-B)
• Power adapter and cord
• AC adapter
• Starter roll of DK-2205 continuous labels
• Quick setup guide and documentation
• Software CD (not needed with OpenLabelMaker)

Step 1: Physical Setup

1. Unbox and inspect: Remove all protective materials and tape
2. Choose location: Place on a stable, flat surface near your computer
3. Connect power: Plug in the AC adapter and connect to the printer
4. Power on: Press the power button - LED should light up green
5. Connect USB: Use the included cable to connect to your computer
6. Initial test: Press the Cut button to test the cutter mechanism

Step 2: Install Brother Printer Drivers

The QL-800 needs proper drivers to communicate with your computer, but you don't need the full Brother P-touch software:

Windows Driver Installation

1. Go to Brother's support website and search for "QL-800"
2. Download the latest printer driver for your Windows version
3. Run the installer with Administrator privileges
4. Select "Driver Only" installation when prompted
5. Choose your connection type (USB)
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation
7. Test print a configuration page to verify setup

Mac Driver Installation

1. Download the Brother QL-800 driver for macOS
2. Open the .dmg file and run the installer
3. Follow the installation wizard
4. Add the printer in System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
5. Click the "+" button and select your QL-800
6. Choose the appropriate driver from the list
7. Complete the setup and test print

Step 3: Loading DK Label Rolls

The Brother QL-800 uses DK (Direct thermal) label rolls. Here's how to load them properly:

1. Open the front cover: Press the cover open button
2. Remove the spool arm: Lift out the blue plastic spool arm
3. Mount the label roll: Place the DK roll on the spool arm with labels facing the correct direction
4. Insert spool arm: Place the loaded spool arm back into the printer
5. Thread the label: Pull the label through the guides and out the front slot
6. Close the cover: Press the front cover until it clicks shut
7. Test feed: Press the Feed button to advance and test the label path

Brother DK Label Types and Sizes

DK Part #	Type	Size	Length
DK-2205	Continuous	2.4" width	100 feet
DK-1201	Address	1.1" × 3.5"	400 labels
DK-1202	Shipping	2.4" × 4"	300 labels
DK-1208	Large Address	1.5" × 3.5"	400 labels
DK-2210	Continuous	1.1" width	100 feet
DK-2211	Continuous	0.5" width	100 feet

Step 4: First Print with OpenLabelMaker

Now let's create and print your first label using OpenLabelMaker instead of Brother's software:

1. Open OpenLabelMaker: Launch the free web-based editor
2. Select printer: Choose "Brother QL-800" from the printer dropdown
3. Choose label type: Select the DK label type you've loaded
4. Design your label: Add text, adjust fonts, insert graphics or barcodes
5. Use red/black printing: Take advantage of the QL-800's two-color capability
6. Preview design: Check layout and alignment before printing
7. Print: Click print and watch your professional label emerge

Red and Black Printing Feature

The Brother QL-800's standout feature is its ability to print in both black and red, making your labels more eye-catching and professional:

• Warning labels: Use red text for "FRAGILE" or "URGENT"
• Price tags: Black text for product info, red for prices
• Organization: Color-code different categories
• Branding: Match your company colors
• Attention-grabbing: Red text stands out for important information

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Printer Not Responding

• Check USB cable connection at both ends
• Verify the power adapter is properly connected
• Try a different USB port on your computer
• Restart both printer and computer
• Reinstall Brother printer drivers

Poor Print Quality

• Clean the print head with a dry, lint-free cloth
• Check that DK labels are not expired
• Ensure labels are loaded correctly
• Verify printer settings match your label type
• Try a fresh roll of genuine Brother DK labels

Label Cutting Issues

• Check for label debris in the cutter area
• Ensure the cutter blade is clean and sharp
• Verify the cut setting in your print preferences
• Try manual cutting if automatic cutting fails

LED Status Indicators

LED Color	Status	Meaning
Green (Solid)	Ready	Printer ready to print
Green (Blinking)	Processing	Receiving data or printing
Red (Solid)	Error	Cover open or no labels
Red (Blinking)	Error	System error or jam

WiFi Models: QL-810W and QL-820NWB

If you have a QL-810W (WiFi) or QL-820NWB (WiFi + Bluetooth), the physical setup is identical, but you have additional connectivity options:

WiFi Setup (QL-810W/QL-820NWB)

1. Complete the USB setup first to ensure drivers are installed
2. Download Brother's wireless setup utility
3. Run the wireless setup wizard
4. Connect the printer to your WiFi network
5. Add the wireless printer to your computer
6. Test wireless printing functionality

Bluetooth Setup (QL-820NWB)

1. Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device
2. Put the QL-820NWB in Bluetooth pairing mode
3. Search for and pair with the printer
4. Install any required Bluetooth printing drivers
5. Test Bluetooth printing from your device

Label Applications and Creative Uses

The Brother QL-800's speed and versatility make it perfect for numerous applications:

Maintenance Tips

• Regular cleaning: Clean print head and label path monthly
• Proper storage: Keep DK labels sealed until use to prevent moisture damage
• Genuine labels: Use authentic Brother DK labels for best results
• Environment: Avoid extreme temperatures and high humidity
• Cutter maintenance: Keep the cutting area free of adhesive buildup

Ready to explore more label printing options? Check out our complete Brother label collection and see how we compare to Brother P-touch software.

Additional Resources