MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PT-D201

13 errors · 10 troubleshooting topics · 35 guides

Brother PT-D201

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!weak batteries
Replace weak AAA alkaline batteries with new ones, or fully charge Ni-MH batteries. Replace all six together; never mix types, ages, charge levels, manufacturers or models.
Battery Deadinstalled batteries are running low
The installed batteries are running low. The manual gives no separate remedy in this row; follow the reviewed battery-supply instructions.
Invalid!invalid numbering or length selection
4 checks
No text above the Numbering cursor
Check that text exists above the cursor when Numbering is selected.
Invalid Numbering character
Select a valid character for Numbering.
Invalid Tab Length or Label Length number
Select a valid number for the chosen length.
Invalid Deco Mode or Name Label length
Select a valid template label length.
No Text!no text to print or preview
4 checks
Stored text file has no data
Check the stored text file.
Print pressed with no text
Enter text before pressing Print.
Numbering, Mirror or Preview selected with no text
Enter text before selecting the operation.
OK or Enter pressed with no template text
Enter text before confirming Deco Mode or Name Label.
Line Limit!line count exceeds tape capacity
2 checks
Third line entered
Do not enter a third line with Enter.
Two lines on 3.5 mm or 6 mm tape
Install 9 mm or 12 mm tape.
No Cassette!no cassette installed
Install a supported TZe cassette with the power off.
Cutter Errorcutter pressed during printing
Do not touch the Tape Cutter Lever during printing.
Text Full!character capacity reached
The maximum is 80 characters for text labels or 50 characters for Deco Mode or Name Label templates.
Text Limit!text exceeds label length
2 checks
Deco Mode or Name Label text exceeds label length
Reduce the text.
General text exceeds label length
Reduce the text or select Auto as the label length.
No Frame OK?frame invalid for 3.5 mm tape
On 3.5 mm tape with an invalid frame enabled, press OK to print without a frame or Esc to cancel.
OK to Feed?chain Print feeding prompt
  1. When Chain Print is selected, this is the tape-feeding prompt.
  2. Press Esc to change text for the next label; after the last label press OK.
  3. Feed before cutting or text may be cut off.
  4. Do not pull the tape.
Insert 0.47"template requires 12 mm tape
Use a 0.47 inch (12 mm) cassette for Deco Mode or Name Label templates.
Wrong Tape!cassette needs the TZe mark
Use a cassette with the TZe mark.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing
Display stays blank3 checks
Battery insertion
Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Adapter connection
Check that the adapter is correctly connected.
Margins are too largeView
Select Half or Narrow under Margin for smaller margins.
Printing fails or characters are malformed3 checks
Cassette insertion
Check that the cassette is inserted correctly.
Empty cassette
Replace an empty cassette.
Cassette cover
Check that the cover is closed correctly.
Settings clear on their own2 checks
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Power disconnected for more than three minutes
All text and formats clear; Language and Unit settings also clear.
Blank horizontal line through a labelView
Remove the cassette and gently wipe the Print Head up and down with a dry cotton swab. Never touch the print head.
Printer does not respond to keysView
Follow the reviewed Resetting the PT-D201CS instructions; all text, settings and stored files are cleared.
Power turns off when printing3 checks
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Battery insertion
Check correct battery insertion.
Wrong AC adapter
Use AD-24ES/AD-24ESA/AD-24ESAW/AD-24ESA-01/AD-24ESAW-01.
Tape does not feed or gets stuck2 checks
Tape path
Check that the tape end feeds under the tape guides.
Cutter pressed during printing
Do not touch the Tape Cutter Lever during printing.
Clear text and formats for a new labelView
Press Shift + Backspace and select Text&Format with the cursor keys and OK.
Change the display languageView
Follow the reviewed Initial Settings language selection.

Guides

Installing power supply and tape cassette

Instructions from the manual
Install batteries and a tape cassette9 steps
  1. Turn power off before replacing batteries or tape.
  2. With LCD facing down, press the grooved cover tab and push in the depicted arrow direction.
  3. Pull an installed cassette straight up.
  4. Insert six new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries or six fully charged AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries, matching polarity.
  5. Replace all six together and do not mix ages, types, charging levels, manufacturers or models.
  6. Charge Ni-MH batteries in a specialized charger; the printer does not charge them.
  7. Insert a TZe cassette as shown inside the case and gently press until it clicks.
  8. Use only 3.5, 6, 9 or 12 mm tape; remove protective plastic first and check the tape end feeds under the guide.
  9. Close the cover and gently press until it clicks.
Power-off cover access and print-head location.
Power-off cover access and print-head location.

Diagram key

  • Cassette Cover: With LCD facing down, press the grooved tab and push in the depicted arrow direction. Pull an installed cassette straight up.
  • Print Head and enlarged inset: The source identifies the print head and its location. Never touch it; use the dry cleaning instructions.
  • Tape Cutter Lever: The cutter lever; never touch its blade.
  • Cover-opening arrow: The arrow depicts the direction for opening the cover.
  • Inset pointer: Connects the print-head enlargement to its location in the printer.
Cassette insertion and complete tape path.
Cassette insertion and complete tape path.

Diagram key

  • End of Tape: The tape end must feed under the tape guide.
  • Toothed Wheel: The cassette’s labeled toothed wheel.
  • Tape Cassette: Use a marked Brother TZe cassette in 3.5, 6, 9 or 12 mm; remove protective plastic first and gently press until it clicks.
  • Cutter’s Edge: Do not touch the cutter blade.
  • Tape Guide: The enlarged guide locates the tape end beneath it.
  • Tape Exit Slot: Tape outlet; do not insert foreign objects.
  • Cassette-insertion arrow: Shows the cassette entering the compartment.
  • Tape-guide enlargement pointer: Shows the complete tape-guide/end-of-tape detail.
  • Curved wheel arrow: The rotation direction printed on the toothed wheel.
Six-battery orientation, with complete polarity enlargement.
Six-battery orientation, with complete polarity enlargement.

Diagram key

  • Six battery positions: Use six new AAA LR03 alkaline or six fully charged AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries, matching polarity. Turn off before replacement.
  • Repeated + and − marks: Match every cell to the depicted polarity. Replace all six together; never mix ages, types, charging levels, manufacturers or models.
  • Repeated insertion arrows: Show the cells entering their compartments.
  • Polarity enlargement and pointer: Repeats the alternating +/− orientation at the compartment.
Connect the optional AC adapter4 steps
  1. Use the specified voltage and AD-24ES/AD-24ESA/AD-24ESAW/AD-24ESA-01/AD-24ESAW-01.
  2. Insert the adapter cord into the printer jack, then plug into a grounded AC electrical outlet.
  3. For backup memory, the manual recommends batteries together with the optional adapter in case one power method fails.
  4. Keep connections dry, fully insert the plug, avoid loose outlets and hold the adapter when disconnecting.

Lcd and keyboard

Instructions from the manual
Read LCD and keyboard controls5 steps
  1. The LCD displays one row of 15 characters.
  2. Text labels allow 80 characters and spaces; templates allow 50.
  3. Space returns a selected setting to its default.
  4. Preview or displayed label length may differ from printed output.
  5. The reviewed figure identifies every numbered indicator and control, including both Shift keys.

Initial settings

Instructions from the manual
Set power, language and units6 steps
  1. Supply power with six AAA batteries or the optional adapter and press Power.
  2. Press Menu, select Language with Left/Right and OK, choose the language and press OK.
  3. Default is English.
  4. Press Menu, select Unit with Left/Right and OK, choose inch or mm and press OK; default is inch.
  5. Power turns off after five minutes without key presses.
  6. Esc cancels; Accepted appears for approximately one second after OK.

Accessories

Instructions from the manual
Replace the cutter unit4 steps
  1. If repeated use makes the cutter blunt and it no longer cuts tape cleanly, order TC-4 from an authorized Brother reseller.
  2. Remove the two green cutter-unit sections in the illustrated arrow directions.
  3. Gently push the replacement into place until it snaps.
  4. WARNING: Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
TC-4 cutter replacement location and complete removal arrows.
TC-4 cutter replacement location and complete removal arrows.

Diagram key

  • Two green cutter-unit sections and upward arrows: Remove both sections in the depicted arrow directions. Install a new TC-4 gently until it snaps. Do not touch the cutter blade.
  • Enlarged inset and pointer: Locates both sections at the printer cutter.

Entering text

Instructions from the manual
Switch uppercase and lowercaseView
Press Caps to turn uppercase on or off. Text labels allow 80 characters and spaces; templates allow 50. Esc cancels.
Create a two-line labelView
Move the cursor to the next line position and press Enter. Use 9 mm or 12 mm tape for two-line printing. A return symbol appears when Enter is pressed.
Insert a tabView
Press Menu, select Tab with Left/Right and press OK; alternatively press Tab. A tab symbol appears when inserted.
Set tab lengthView
Press Menu, choose Tab Length with Left/Right and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 0.0–4.0 inch / 0–100 mm range and press OK. Space restores the default.
Enter accented characters3 steps
  1. Enter the base character, press Accent, choose with Accent or Left/Right and confirm with OK.
  2. Refer to the complete Accented Characters table.
  3. The order depends on the selected language.
Set label length4 steps
  1. Press Menu, choose Label Length with Left/Right and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–12.0 inch / 30–300 mm range and press OK.
  2. A lock appears for a specific length.
  3. Space restores automatic text-based length.
  4. After printing, cut the printed dots with scissors so the label length matches the LCD.
Delete characters or clear a label3 steps
  1. Backspace deletes individual letters and spaces.
  2. Press Shift + Backspace, select Text Only with Left/Right and OK to clear text.
  3. Select Text&Format instead to clear text and settings.
Move to the start or end of textView
Press Shift + Right to move to the end; Shift + Left moves to the beginning.

Printing labels

Instructions from the manual
Preview a labelView
Press Preview. Left/Right shows hidden text when it does not all fit the LCD. OK, Enter or Esc exits Preview. Preview may differ from printed output.
Feed tapeView
Press Shift + Preview to feed approximately 1 inch (25 mm) of blank tape. Do not pull tape; this can damage the cassette.
Print, cut and apply a label5 steps
  1. Press Print, select Copies from 1–9 with Left/Right or a number key and press OK.
  2. For one copy press OK after Print.
  3. Do not touch the cutter while Printing... or Feeding... appears.
  4. When printing ends, push the cutter lever.
  5. Fold the printed label lengthwise with text inward to expose the split backing edges; peel and apply.
Print increasing numbers2 steps
  1. Enter numbers, move the cursor to the number to increment with Left/Right, press Shift + Print, choose Numbering with Left/Right and OK, choose the highest number to print and press OK.
  2. Up to nine labels print, incrementing the selected number by one after each label.
Print mirror labels2 steps
  1. Enter text, press Shift + Print, select Mirror with Left/Right and OK, then confirm Mirror Print? with OK.
  2. Use clear tape so the label reads correctly from the opposite side of glass, windows or another transparent surface.

Printing labels (cont)

Instructions from the manual
Set margins and Chain Print7 steps
  1. Press Menu, select Margin with Left/Right and OK, choose Full, Half, Narrow or Chain Print and OK.
  2. Menu then 2 is a shortcut.
  3. Full leaves 1 inch each side, Half 0.47 inch and Narrow 0.16 inch; cut printed dots with scissors.
  4. For more than one copy with minimum margin choose Narrow.
  5. For Chain Print: enter text; press Print; enter the copy count; press OK; at OK to Feed? press Esc to change text; clear text, enter the next label and press Print; after the last label at OK to Feed? press OK.
  6. Feed tape with Shift + Preview before cutting or text may be cut off.
  7. Do not pull tape.

Saving label files

Instructions from the manual
Save a label file6 steps
  1. Enter text.
  2. Press File, choose Save with Left/Right and OK, choose the file number and press OK.
  3. Up to 20 labels can be stored, each with 80 characters including spaces.
  4. At Overwrite?, OK overwrites the existing file; Esc cancels.
  5. Saved text and settings can be reused, edited or overwritten.
  6. Menu then 4 also opens File.
Print a saved label file3 steps
  1. Press File, choose Print with Left/Right and OK, choose the file number and press OK.
  2. Choose Copies from 1–9 with Left/Right or number keys and press OK.
  3. Menu then 4 also opens File.
Open a saved label fileView
Press File, choose Open with Left/Right and OK, choose the file number and press OK. Menu then 4 also opens File.

Name label

Instructions from the manual
Create a Name Label template10 steps
  1. Press Menu, select Name Label with Left/Right and OK, choose one of the six layouts with Left/Right and OK, enter Text 1 and OK, enter Text 2 and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–7.8 inch / 30–200 mm range and OK, choose Print and OK.
  2. Templates require 12 mm tape and allow a maximum 7.8 inch (200 mm) length.
  3. Templates cannot be edited.
  4. Fixed lengths may omit text or display Text Limit! when too long.
  5. Only highlighted shaded symbols in the complete symbol tables work in Deco Mode.
  6. Shift + Backspace opens Clear?; OK clears and Esc cancels.
  7. The most recent template opens automatically.
  8. Esc returns to the previous step.
  9. To exit, press Esc or select Cancel with Left/Right and press OK when Print appears.
  10. Auto adjusts to the correct length and prints text once; Space returns to Auto.

Deco mode

Instructions from the manual
Create a Deco Mode template10 steps
  1. Press Decomode, choose one of the twelve layouts with Left/Right and OK, enter text and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–7.8 inch / 30–200 mm range and OK, choose Print and OK.
  2. Templates require 12 mm tape and allow a maximum 7.8 inch (200 mm) length.
  3. Templates cannot be edited.
  4. Fixed lengths may omit text or display Text Limit! when too long.
  5. Only highlighted shaded symbols in the complete symbol tables work in Deco Mode.
  6. Shift + Backspace opens Clear?; OK clears and Esc cancels.
  7. The most recent template opens automatically.
  8. Esc returns to the previous step.
  9. To exit, press Esc or select Cancel with Left/Right and press OK when Print appears.
  10. Auto adjusts to the correct length and prints text once; Space returns to Auto.

Font key

Instructions from the manual
Set font, size, width and style9 steps
  1. Press Font, select each item with Left/Right and OK.
  2. Fonts: Helsinki, Brussels, US, Florida, Belgium, San Diego, Los Angeles, Calgary and HEL + Atlanta, Adams, Brunei, Istanbul, Sofia or Germany.
  3. Combined fonts use Helsinki for letters including accents and the second font for numbers and symbols.
  4. Sizes: Large, Medium, Small.
  5. Widths: Normal, ×2, ×1/2.
  6. Styles: Normal, Bold, Outline, Shadow, Solid, Italic, I+Bold, I+Outline, I+Shadow, Vertical.
  7. Printed size depends on tape width, characters and lines; at minimum size the printer defaults to a custom Helsinki-based font for small or multiline text.
  8. Esc cancels.
  9. Refer to the complete Font Samples table.

Frame key

Instructions from the manual
Select a frameView
Press Frame, choose a design with Left/Right and press OK. Esc cancels. The complete Frame Designs catalog spans 1–99, with 1 Off.

Symbol key

Instructions from the manual
Enter symbols3 steps
  1. Press Symbol, choose Basic or Pictograph with Left/Right and OK, select a category and OK, choose a symbol with Left/Right and OK.
  2. Esc cancels.
  3. Use the complete category tables and only their highlighted shaded symbols for Deco Mode.

Shortcuts (symbol)

Instructions from the manual
Use symbol category shortcuts3 steps
  1. After Symbol and Basic/Pictograph selection, use category shortcuts.
  2. Basic: Space Punctuation; A Business; B Mathematics; C Brackets; D Arrows; E Unit; F Greek Letter; G Number 1; H Number 2; I Number 3; J Number 4; K Basic Shape; L Electrical.
  3. Pictograph: Space Fun; A Family; B Fashion; C Vehicle; D Sports; E Hobby; F Animal; G Event; H Food; I Flower; J Messaging; K Signs; L Audio/Visual; M Nature; N Others.

Shortcuts

Instructions from the manual
Use menu and Shift shortcuts2 steps
  1. Menu then Space: Language; 1: Label Length; 2: Margin; 3: Name Label; 4: File; 5: Tab; 6: Tab Length; Backspace: Clear; 7: Unit.
  2. Shift + Backspace: Clear; Shift + Preview: Feed; Shift + Print: Print Options.

Resetting the pt-d201cs

Instructions from the manual
Reset the printer5 steps
  1. Reset clears all text, settings and stored files.
  2. Turn off.
  3. Hold Shift and R, then press Power to turn on.
  4. Release Power first, then release Shift and R.
  5. The printer turns on with its internal memory reset.

Helpful tips

Instructions from the manual
Store or dispose of batteries5 steps
  1. Remove batteries for extended non-use.
  2. Dispose at an appropriate collection point, not general waste, following federal, state and local rules.
  3. Wrap batteries with cellophane tape for storage or disposal to prevent short circuits.
  4. Never mix old/new batteries; replace all six together.
  5. Mixing different battery types such as alkaline and Ni-MH may cause an explosion.

General precautions

Instructions from the manual
Clean, handle and store safely10 steps
  1. Use only a soft dry cloth to clean the printer; never alcohol or other organic solvents.
  2. Use a soft wipe for the print head; never touch it.
  3. Do not insert foreign objects into the outlet, adapter connector or battery compartment.
  4. Check the material and conditions before applying labels; labels may peel, become irremovable or transfer color.
  5. Use only supported marked TZe tape and the documented purposes.
  6. Avoid direct sun, rain, heaters, hot appliances, extreme temperatures, high humidity or dust.
  7. Do not apply excessive cutter pressure, print with an empty cassette or pull tape during printing/feeding.
  8. Failure, repair or exhausted batteries can lose stored data; disconnection beyond three minutes clears text, formats and stored files.
  9. Remove the protective display sticker.
  10. The printer does not charge rechargeable batteries and printed text or length may differ from the LCD.

Safety precautions

Instructions from the manual
Stop use for abnormal heat or damage8 steps
  1. Use only the specified voltage and AD-24ES/AD-24ESA/AD-24ESAW/AD-24ESA-01/AD-24ESAW-01.
  2. Do not use during a lightning storm or in high humidity.
  3. Keep the printer, adapter, plug and batteries dry.
  4. Do not overload, damage, forcibly bend or pull the cord; place heavy objects on it; disassemble or modify equipment; short battery terminals; change batteries with sharp metal objects; or throw batteries into fire or expose them to heat.
  5. Fully insert the plug, avoid loose outlets and hold the adapter when disconnecting.
  6. Disconnect the adapter, remove batteries immediately and stop use for abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual.
  7. Do not use damaged, leaking or deformed batteries or damaged battery labels.
  8. If leaked fluid reaches eyes, immediately rinse with a large amount of clean water and seek medical attention.
Handle batteries and cutter safely7 steps
  1. Keep the printer, parts and labels out of children’s reach and mouths; if swallowed seek medical attention.
  2. Do not touch hot metal near the print head after printing or the cutter blade.
  3. Rinse battery fluid from skin or clothes with clean water immediately.
  4. Remove batteries and/or disconnect the adapter when not intending to use the printer.
  5. Use only specified batteries with correct polarity, without mixing ages, types, charge levels, manufacturers or models.
  6. Do not drop or hit equipment, press the LCD or put fingers inside when closing the cover.
  7. Read Ni-MH battery and charger instructions and charge with a specialized charger.

Federal communications commission (fcc)

Instructions from the manual
Respond to radio or television interference2 steps
  1. For radio or TV interference determined by turning the equipment off and on, try reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna, increasing separation, connecting the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit, or consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
  2. Unauthorized changes may void authority to operate equipment.

Controls and parts

See the manual diagrams 1 diagram
PT-D201CS guide: LCD indicators and keyboard, matching the listed PT-D201. Complete key for 28 numbered controls.
PT-D201CS guide: LCD indicators and keyboard, matching the listed PT-D201. Complete key for 28 numbered controls.

Diagram key

  • 1: Size
  • 2: Cursor
  • 3: Underline / Frame
  • 4: Width
  • 5: Style
  • 6: Caps
  • 7: Label Length; the lock appears when a specific length is selected.
  • 8: Cursor key: Right; with Shift goes to end of text.
  • 9: OK key
  • 10: Escape key
  • 11: Cursor key: Left; with Shift goes to beginning of text.
  • 12: Power key
  • 13: Menu key
  • 14: Font key
  • 15: Character keys, including the repeated letters, digits and secondary punctuation on them.
  • 16: Tab key
  • 17: Caps key
  • 18: Both Shift keys; used with the documented Shift combinations.
  • 19: File key
  • 20: Print key; Shift + Print opens print options.
  • 21: Preview key; Shift + Preview feeds tape.
  • 22: Frame key
  • 23: Symbol key
  • 24: Decomode key (Deco Mode)
  • 25: Backspace key; Shift + Backspace clears text or formats.
  • 26: Enter key; inserts a return for a second line.
  • 27: Accent key
  • 28: Space key

Model details

Model and compatibility

Power supply
Six AAA LR03 alkaline or six AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries, with the optional adapters named in the guide; no in-printer charging.
Tape
Marked Brother TZe tape widths3.5,6,9,12mm; two lines need9/12mm and templates12mm.
Dimensions and weight
Approximately165mmW ×155mmD ×68mmH;490g without batteries and cassette.

Related reviewed instructions

Manuals and sources

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

Manuals, error messages and practical checks for the products you own.

An independent reference. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.