MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PT-M95

7 errors · 9 troubleshooting topics · 28 guides

Brother PT-M95

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.

Errors and messages

Messages and indicator states from the manual
Low Battery!batteries are weak
  1. Replace all four batteries together with four new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries.
  2. Do not mix old and new batteries or alkaline batteries with other types.
  3. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Full!maximum character count reached
Keep regular text within 80 characters and DECO MODE text within 50 characters.
No Text!no text is available
5 checks
Stored file has no data
Check that the selected stored file contains data.
Print pressed without text
Enter text before pressing Print.
Preview pressed without text
Enter text before pressing Preview.
Copies selected without text
Enter text before selecting Copies.
Enter pressed in an empty DECO MODE text-entry screen
Enter text before pressing Enter in DECO MODE.
Line Limit!a third line was requested
Use no more than two printable lines. Enter the first line and press Enter; enter the second line and press Print. Do not press Enter after the second line.
Invalid!invalid label length selected
Check the number selected for Label Length.
Text Limit!text exceeds the selected label length
3 checks
Text exceeds the selected label length
Check the selected label length.
DECO MODE Auto text exceeds 7.8 inches (200 mm)
Keep DECO MODE Auto text within 7.8 inches (200 mm).
Minimum 1.2 inches (30 mm) length with a restrictive frame
Leaf or Star may not allow additional text at the minimum 1.2 inches (30 mm) length.
Cooling XXXprint head is cooling
Wait for the displayed cooling time. Printing resumes automatically once the print head cools. Do not touch the label maker while cooling.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing
Display stays blank2 checks
Incorrect battery polarity
Check that the batteries are inserted with positive and negative ends in the correct positions.
Weak batteries
  1. Replace all four batteries together with four new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries.
  2. Do not mix old and new batteries or alkaline batteries with other types.
  3. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Labels do not print or characters are malformed3 checks
Cassette incorrectly inserted
Check cassette installation.
Cassette empty
Replace the cassette.
Cassette cover not closed
Close the cassette cover correctly.
Settings clear on their own4 steps
  1. Replace all four batteries together with four new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries.
  2. Do not mix old and new batteries or alkaline batteries with other types.
  3. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
  4. After more than three minutes without power, all text, formats and stored text files, Language and Unit settings are cleared.
Blank horizontal line on printed labelView
Turn off power before removing the tape cassette. Gently wipe the print head up and down with a dry cotton swab. Never directly touch the print head.
Label maker does not respond3 steps
  1. Follow Resetting the label maker.
  2. Turn off power; hold Shift and R while pressing Power to switch on; release Power, then Shift and R.
  3. All text, settings and stored files are cleared.
Power turns off when printing2 checks
Weak batteries
  1. Replace all four batteries together with four new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries.
  2. Do not mix old and new batteries or alkaline batteries with other types.
  3. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Batteries incorrectly inserted
Check battery insertion.
Tape does not feed or gets stuck2 checks
Tape end not under guides
Remove the M tape from the label maker and check that it feeds under the guides.
Cutter lever used during printing
Do not touch the cutter lever while Printing… or Feeding… is displayed.
Clear text and format for a new labelView
Hold Shift and press Backspace, select Txt&Format with the cursor keys and press Enter. Alternatively, use Function mode and select the Y shortcut.
Change the display languageView
Follow Initial Settings: use Function, select Language with the cursor keys and press Enter, choose the language and press Enter. Function plus Space also displays Language.

Guides

Power supply and tape cassette

Instructions from the manual
Install batteries and tape13 steps
  1. Turn off power.
  2. Press the indicated area to remove the cassette cover.
  3. Pull an installed cassette straight up and remove existing batteries.
  4. Insert a Brother Genuine P-touch M tape cassette so it snaps into place.
  5. Check that the tape end feeds under the guides.
  6. Clear the media path before printing and make sure the cutter is sharp; it may become dull with use.
  7. Insert four new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries with the marked polarity.
  8. Replace all four together with new batteries; do not use rechargeable batteries.
  9. Remove batteries for extended non-use.
  10. Insert the two bottom cassette-cover hooks into the machine slots first, then close the cover securely until it snaps into place.
  11. Keep fingers clear.
  12. After installing tape, hold Shift and press Print to feed once, then press the tape cutter lever to cut.
  13. Do not touch the cutter edge or cut while Printing… or Feeding… is displayed.
PT-M95: opening the cassette cover.
PT-M95: opening the cassette cover.

Diagram key

  • 1: Turn off power before replacing batteries or tape. Press the indicated area to remove the cover.
  • Cassette cover: Cassette cover.
  • Print head: Print head: never directly touch it; use a soft dry cotton swab for cleaning.
  • Tape cutter lever: Tape cutter lever: do not touch the cutter edge near the print head.
  • Cover-opening arrow: Open the cover at the indicated area.
  • Two cassette-lifting arrows: Pull an installed tape cassette straight up.
  • Print-head detail inset and pointer: The inset identifies the print head, which must not be touched.
PT-M95: tape path and cassette insertion.
PT-M95: tape path and cassette insertion.

Diagram key

  • 2: Insert a Brother Genuine P-touch M tape cassette until it snaps into place. Clear the media path and make sure the cutter is sharp.
  • Tape guide: The tape end must feed under the tape guides.
  • End of tape: End of tape.
  • Cutter’s edge: Do not touch the cutter edge near the print head.
  • Tape exit slot: Tape exit slot; keep foreign objects out.
  • Tape-path arrow: Feed the end of the tape under the guides.
  • Cassette-insertion arrow: Insert the cassette until it snaps into place.
  • Tape-path detail inset and pointer: The inset shows the tape end feeding under the guide.
PT-M95: four AAA alkaline battery positions.
PT-M95: four AAA alkaline battery positions.

Diagram key

  • 3: Insert four new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries. Replace all four together; do not use rechargeable batteries.
  • Four battery compartments with repeated +/− marks: Match each positive and negative end to the printed polarity marks. Do not mix old and new batteries or alkaline with other types.
  • Battery insertion arrow: Insert the four batteries with the correct polarity.
  • Polarity detail inset and pointer: The inset shows all four compartment polarity orientations.
PT-M95: close the cover in the indicated order.
PT-M95: close the cover in the indicated order.

Diagram key

  • 4: After tape installation, feed tape once with Shift and Print, then use the cutter lever to cut.
  • ① and two hook-insertion arrows: Insert the two bottom cassette-cover hooks into the machine slots first.
  • ② and cover-closing arrow: Close the cover securely until it snaps into place. Keep fingers clear.
Understand low-battery indications3 steps
  1. Low Battery! may appear when batteries are old but not depleted; printing quality may be reduced until new batteries are installed.
  2. It may also appear after storage in cold temperatures.
  3. Use four new AAA alkaline batteries and do not use rechargeable batteries.

Keyboard

Instructions from the manual
Identify keyboard controlsView
The manual identifies DECO MODE, Preview, Print, Character, Num Lock, both Shift keys, Symbol, Caps, both cursor keys, Function, Power, Backspace, Enter, Accent and Space controls.

Lcd

Instructions from the manual
Read display indicators2 steps
  1. The LCD displays one row of 12 characters; text can contain up to 80 characters.
  2. The guide identifies Width, Size, Bold, Outline, Shadow, Vertical, Italic, Frame, Underline, Label Length, Cursor, Num Lock and Caps indicators.

Initial settings

Instructions from the manual
Set language and units10 steps
  1. Supply four AAA alkaline batteries and press Power.
  2. Press Function, choose Language with the cursor keys and press Enter.
  3. Choose English, Español, Français, Italiano, Nederlands, Norsk, Português, Svenska, Türkçe, Dansk or Deutsch and press Enter.
  4. English is the default; Function plus Space also displays Language.
  5. Press Function, choose Unit with the cursor keys and press Enter.
  6. Choose inch or mm and press Enter.
  7. Inch is the default; Function plus I also displays Unit.
  8. The label maker turns off after five minutes without a key press.
  9. Backspace cancels operations.
  10. To restore factory settings, follow Resetting the label maker.

Entering text and accented characters

Instructions from the manual
Switch upper and lower caseView
Press Caps to switch uppercase on or off.
Enter numbersView
Press Num Lock to switch number entry on or off. Use the numbered character keys to enter digits.
Print two-line textView
Enter the first line and press Enter. Enter the second line and press Print. Do not press Enter after the second line, which causes Line Limit!
Enter accented characters3 steps
  1. Type the base letter, press Accent, choose the accented character using Accent or the cursor keys and press Enter.
  2. Backspace cancels.
  3. Character order varies with the selected LCD language.
Clear text with or without formatting4 steps
  1. Backspace deletes letters individually.
  2. Hold Shift and press Backspace; select Txt&Format with cursor keys and press Enter to delete all text and settings.
  3. Select Text Only instead to retain formatting.
  4. Function plus Y is the clear shortcut.

Adding symbols

Instructions from the manual
Enter symbols3 steps
  1. Press Symbol, select Pictograph with the cursor keys and press Enter.
  2. Select the table reference and press Enter; the guide uses A7 for the telephone pictograph.
  3. Pictographs display as their table letter and number.
Use symbol tables and print the pictograph list5 steps
  1. Press Symbol to display the next group; Backspace cancels.
  2. Boxed symbols in the Basic table are available in DECO MODE.
  3. Select rows A–L in the Pictograph table by pressing the corresponding character.
  4. Images are illustrative.
  5. To print the pictograph list, press Symbol, choose Print List with cursor keys and press Enter.

Designing labels

Instructions from the manual
Set text sizeView
Press Function, select Size with cursor keys and press Enter, or use Function plus Q. Choose Large or Small and press Enter. Large is the default; Space restores the default.
Set text widthView
  1. Press Function, select Width with cursor keys and press Enter, or use Function plus W.
  2. Choose Normal, ×2 or ×1/2 and press Enter.
  3. Normal is the default; Space restores the default.
Set text style3 steps
  1. Press Function, select Style with cursor keys and press Enter, or use Function plus E.
  2. Choose Normal, Bold, Outline, Shadow, Italic, Italic Bold, Italic Outline, Italic Shadow or Vertical and press Enter.
  3. Normal is the default; Space restores the default.
Set underline or frame3 steps
  1. Press Function, select Undl/Frame with cursor keys and press Enter, or use Function plus R.
  2. Choose Off, Underline, Round, Leaf, Tile, Star, Heart, Square, Bubble, Flower or Candy and press Enter.
  3. Off is the default; Space restores the default.
Set regular-label length4 steps
  1. Press Function, select Length with cursor keys and press Enter, or use Function plus T.
  2. Choose Auto or 1.2–12.0 inches (30–300 mm) and press Enter.
  3. Number keys can set length directly.
  4. The label prints at the specified length; Auto is the default and Space restores it.

Adding deco mode patterns

Instructions from the manual
Create DECO MODE labels12 steps
  1. Press DECO MODE, choose one of eight designs with cursor keys and press Enter.
  2. Choose Auto or 1.2–7.8 inches (30–200 mm), press Enter, enter one line of text and press Enter, then select Print and press Enter.
  3. The guide recommends 0.47-inch (12 mm) tape.
  4. Auto adjusts length to print the text once; Space restores Auto.
  5. Template formats cannot be changed, and some may not print all entered text.
  6. Only boxed Basic-table symbols are available.
  7. Designs 6, 7 and 8 may require cooling: wait for printing to resume automatically and do not touch the label maker while cooling.
  8. To clear text, press Shift and Backspace together.
  9. At Clear?, Enter clears and Backspace cancels.
  10. Reopening DECO MODE recalls the most recently printed text and length.
  11. Backspace returns to the previous step.
  12. To exit, press it until the text-entry screen appears, or use cursor keys at Print to select Quit.

Printing labels

Instructions from the manual
Preview text3 steps
  1. Press Preview.
  2. The LCD displays all text and the label length in inch or mm, then returns to the original text.
  3. Only text can be previewed; style, size, underline, frame and additional features cannot.
Feed tapeView
Hold Shift and press Print to feed approximately 1 inch (25 mm) of blank tape. Do not touch the cutter lever while Feeding… is displayed.
Print and cut labels4 steps
  1. Press Print.
  2. Do not touch the cutter lever while Printing… or Feeding… is displayed.
  3. Push the tape cutter lever at the upper-left corner to cut the label.
  4. Peel the printed label from the backing and apply it.
Print up to nine copiesView
Press Function, select Copies with cursor keys and press Enter. Choose 1–9 copies using cursor or number keys and press Enter. Function plus Print is the copies shortcut.
Remove label backing3 steps
  1. Insert the label as far as possible into the built-in peeler with the printed surface facing down.
  2. Fold the label back to the right and quickly pull it out; the backing end separates slightly.
  3. Peel the printed label away from its backing and apply the printed label.
PT-M95 built-in peeler: printed side down, fold right and pull.
PT-M95 built-in peeler: printed side down, fold right and pull.

Diagram key

  • First insertion drawing and rightward insertion arrow: Insert the label as far as possible into the peeler with the printed surface facing down.
  • First sequence arrow: Then fold and pull as shown in the next drawing.
  • Second fold-and-pull drawing and curved/rightward arrows: Fold the label back to the right and quickly pull it out.
  • Second sequence arrow: Then separate the slightly lifted backing from the printed label.
  • Third separated-backing drawing: Peel the printed label away from its backing and apply it.
  • Repeated sample labels in the three drawings: Illustrative sample labels show the same printed-side-down insertion and backing separation; no sample lettering is an equipment code.

Saving label files

Instructions from the manual
Save, open and print stored labels5 steps
  1. Up to three labels can be saved, recalled, edited and overwritten.
  2. Press Function, select File with cursor keys and press Enter.
  3. Select Save, Print or Open and press Enter, choose a file number and press Enter.
  4. Function plus U is the memory shortcut.
  5. When saving to an occupied number, Overwrite? appears: Enter saves the new label and Backspace cancels.

Resetting the label maker

Instructions from the manual
Reset the label maker4 steps
  1. Press Power to turn off.
  2. Hold Shift and R, then press Power to turn on.
  3. Release Power, then release Shift and R.
  4. The internal memory resets and all text, settings and stored files are cleared.

General precautions

Instructions from the manual
Clean and store the label maker12 steps
  1. Use the label maker only as described.
  2. Use Brother Genuine P-touch M tape bearing the M mark.
  3. Use only a soft dry cloth on the label maker; never use alcohol or organic solvents.
  4. Clean the print head with a soft dry cotton swab; never directly touch it.
  5. Keep foreign objects out of the tape exit.
  6. Avoid direct sunlight, rain, heaters, extreme temperatures, high humidity and dust.
  7. Do not force the cutter lever, print with an empty cassette or pull tape during printing or feeding.
  8. Check the material and environmental conditions before applying labels: labels may detach, become irremovable, change color or transfer color.
  9. Memory data can be lost through failure, repair or expired batteries.
  10. After more than three minutes without power, text, formatting and stored files are cleared.
  11. Do not use rechargeable AAA batteries.
  12. Remove the protective clear display sticker before use.

Safety precautions

Instructions from the manual
Use batteries and equipment safely6 steps
  1. Keep the label maker dry and away from high humidity; do not handle with wet hands or spill beverages on it.
  2. Do not disassemble or modify the label maker or batteries, change batteries with metallic objects, or expose batteries to fire or heat.
  3. If abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual occurs during use or storage, immediately remove batteries and stop using the label maker.
  4. Do not touch the cutter edge near the print head.
  5. Remove batteries for extended non-use.
  6. Do not mix old and new batteries or alkaline with other types, reverse polarity, drop or hit the label maker, press on the LCD or trap fingers when closing the cassette cover.

Federal communications commission (fcc) compliance notice (for usa only)

Instructions from the manual
Reduce radio or television interference2 steps
  1. If radio or television interference occurs, confirmed by switching the equipment off and on, reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, increase separation from the receiver, or ask the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
  2. Changes not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. may void operating authority.

Controls and parts

See the manual diagrams 2 diagrams
PT-M95 keyboard and all labeled controls.
PT-M95 keyboard and all labeled controls.

Diagram key

  • DECO MODE key: Select built-in DECO MODE templates.
  • Preview key: Preview text.
  • Print key: Print labels; with Shift, feed tape.
  • Character key: Character keys; numbered keys enter digits with Num Lock.
  • Num Lock key: Switch number entry on or off.
  • Shift key (left): Left Shift key, used in the documented combinations.
  • Symbol key: Enter symbols.
  • Caps key: Switch uppercase on or off.
  • Cursor key (left): Left cursor key.
  • Function key: Select a function.
  • Cursor key (right): Right cursor key.
  • Power key: Turn power on or off.
  • Backspace key: Delete letters individually or cancel an operation.
  • Enter key: Confirm selections or start the second text line.
  • Shift key (right): Right Shift key, used in the documented combinations.
  • Accent key: Choose accented characters.
  • Space key: Space key; restores documented default format/length settings.
  • Feed label above Print: Hold Shift and press Print to feed approximately 1 inch (25 mm) of blank tape.
  • Clear label above Backspace: Hold Shift and press Backspace, then choose Txt&Format or Text Only and confirm with Enter.
  • Scissors mark at cutter lever: Push the upper-left cutter lever to cut; do not touch it while Printing… or Feeding… is displayed.
  • Numbered character-key positions 1 through 0: These character-key positions enter their marked digits when Num Lock is on; numeric selections also use these number keys.
  • Repeated character letters and punctuation: Character keys enter text; Caps switches uppercase, and Accent selects the documented accented characters.
PT-M95 LCD indicators and cursor.
PT-M95 LCD indicators and cursor.

Diagram key

  • Width: Width indicator.
  • Size: Size indicator.
  • Cursor: Text cursor.
  • Num Lock: Number-entry indicator.
  • Caps: Uppercase indicator.
  • Bold: Bold style indicator.
  • Outline: Outline style indicator.
  • Shadow: Shadow style indicator.
  • Vertical: Vertical style indicator.
  • Italic: Italic style indicator.
  • Frame: Frame indicator.
  • Underline: Underline indicator.
  • Label Length: Label-length indicator.

Model details

Model and compatibility

Power supply
Four AAA LR03 alkaline batteries; rechargeable batteries must not be used.
Tape
Brother M tape, 9 mm or 12 mm wide.
Display
One row of 12 characters; entered text up to 80 characters.

Related reviewed instructions

Manuals and sources

  1. Brother operation manual
  2. Brother model support and details
  3. Brother manual download listing
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