# Deploy Zebra label format or template for printers

The process of deploying a **Zebra label format** or **template** involves remotely transferring a pre-designed layout file to a network-connected Zebra printer using Hexnode Unified Endpoint Management (UEM).

**What is a Zebra Printer label format or template?**
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A label format, often called a template, is a pre-designed layout file that contains instructions for a Zebra printer on how to structure a label, including the placement of text, barcodes, graphics, and spacing.

1. **Function**: It acts as the primary design file for producing consistent, repeatable labels.
2. **Key Components**: Defines the location and characteristics of: 
    - Text fields
    - Barcodes (e.g., QR, Code 128)
    - Graphics or logos
    - Spacing and margins

**Why are label templates essential for Zebra Printers?**
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Templates are essential because they ensure consistency, reduce errors, and accelerate printing workflows by eliminating the need to recreate the label design for every print job.

1. **Consistency**: Maintains an identical label appearance across multiple printers and print jobs.
2. **Efficiency**: Saves time and prevents misprints, which is crucial for high-volume operations in warehouses, retail, and shipping environments.
3. **Centralized Control**: Allows IT to manage the standard label design from a central console, ensuring compliance.

**How Does Hexnode UEM facilitate template deployment?**
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Hexnode UEM simplifies the deployment process by enabling IT administrators to **remotely transmit** the label template file directly to the network-connected printer without requiring physical access.

- **Traditional Method (Without Hexnode)**: An IT administrator would need to manually connect a computer to each physical printer to load the templates.
- **Hexnode Method (Deploy Templates Remote Action)**: The template file is sent over the network to printers, enabling administrators to deliver the required format to devices across different locations instantly and with no on-site setup.

### Prerequisites and supported formats

Prerequisite/ConstraintDescriptionSupported Printer OSZebra printers must be running LinkOS 5.0 and above.Hexnode ActionDeploy Templates remote action is required.Supported File Formats.zpl, .nrd, .txt, .lbl, and .zbi.**Step-by-Step Guide: Deploying custom label formats to Zebra Printers with Hexnode UEM**
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To deploy a custom label format or template to a targeted Zebra printer:

1. Navigate to your Hexnode UEM portal.
2. Go to **Manage > Device**s.
3. Select the specific Zebra printer device(s) that will receive the template.
4. Click **Actions > Deployments > Deploy Templates**.
5. On the **Deploy Templates** prompt, select the script file source: 
    - **Upload file**: Choose a template file directly from the local device by clicking Choose file.
    - **Hexnode repository**: Select a template file that was previously uploaded to the Content tab within the Hexnode UEM portal.
6. **File Name**: The field will automatically populate based on the selected template file’s name. This name is how the file will be stored on the printer.
7. **Configuration Option**: Review the **Delete existing files from device** checkbox. 
    - ****Enabled****: Any file currently on the printer with the exact same name and format as the new file will be automatically removed before the new file is deployed.
8. Click **Done** to initiate the deployment.
9. **Verification**: Navigate to the **Action History** sub-tab of the device to view the execution status (Success/Failure) of the action.

Once the action is successful, the new label format/template will be available in the printer’s template list and ready for use in subsequent printing jobs.