MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PT-D215e

13 errors · 10 troubleshooting topics · 37 guides

Brother PT-D215e

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

Errors and messages

Messages and indicator states from the manual
Battery Low!weak batteries
If using AAA alkaline batteries, replace them with new ones. If using Ni-MH batteries, charge them fully.
Battery Empty!batteries need replacement
The installed batteries are running low and need replacement for continued operation.
Invalid!invalid numbering or length selection
4 checks
No text above Numbering cursor
Check that text exists above the cursor.
Invalid Numbering character
Select a valid character for Numbering.
Invalid Tab Length or Label Length
Select a valid length.
Invalid template ribbon/tape length
Select a valid template length.
No Text!no text to print or preview
5 checks
Stored file contains no data
Check the stored text file.
Print pressed with no text
Enter text before printing.
Shift + Print pressed with no text
Enter text before print options.
Preview pressed with no text
Enter text before previewing.
OK or Enter pressed in a template with no text
Enter text before confirming the template.
2 Line Limit! / 1 Line Limit!line count exceeds tape capacity
2 checks
Third line entered
Do not enter a third line.
Two lines printed or previewed on 3.5 mm or 6 mm tape
Install 9 mm or 12 mm tape for two lines.
No Cassette!no cassette installed
Install a supported cassette with power off.
Cutter Pressedcutter pressed during printing
Do not touch the Tape Cutter Lever during printing.
Text Full!text capacity reached
The maximum is 80 characters for text or 50 characters for templates.
Change Lengthtext exceeds ribbon or tape length
Reduce the text or select Auto for the ribbon/tape length.
No Frame OK?frame requires wider tape
For a frame marked as requiring 12 mm tape, install a 12 mm cassette. Select OK to print without a frame, or Esc to cancel.
Feed OK?chain Print feeding prompt
During Chain Print, press Esc to change text and print the next label. After the last label, press OK, and feed ribbon/tape before cutting so no text is cut off.
Insert 0.47"template requires 12 mm cassette
Use a 0.47 inch (12 mm) cassette.
Use TZe Tape!cassette needs TZe mark
Use a cassette with the TZe mark.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing
Display stays blank3 checks
Battery insertion
Check that batteries are correctly inserted.
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Adapter connection
Check that the adapter is correctly connected.
Margins are too largeView
Select Half, Narrow or Chain Print under Margin for smaller margins.
Print fails or characters are malformed3 checks
Cassette insertion
Check that the cassette is correctly inserted.
Empty cassette
Replace an empty cassette.
Cassette cover
Close the cover correctly.
Settings clear on their own2 checks
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Power disconnected for more than three minutes
All display text and format settings clear after more than three minutes without power.
Blank horizontal line on ribbon or tapeView
Remove the cassette and gently wipe the Print Head up and down with a dry cotton swab. Do not touch the print head directly with your hands.
Machine does not respond to keysView
Follow the reviewed Resetting the P-touch 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 only 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 cutter lever during printing.
Clear text and formatting2 checks
Clear shortcut
Press Shift + Backspace, select Text&Format with the cursor keys and press OK.
Menu command
Press Menu, select Clear and then Text&Format with the cursor keys, confirming with OK.
Change language settingView
Follow the reviewed Initial Settings language selection.

Guides

Installing power supply and ribbon cassette or tape cassette

Instructions from the manual
Install batteries and a ribbon or tape cassette9 steps
  1. Turn power off before replacing batteries or cassettes.
  2. With the LCD facing down, press the cover’s grooved tab and push in the arrow direction.
  3. With power off, replace all six batteries together with new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries, or use six fully charged AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries.
  4. Match polarity.
  5. Do not mix old and new batteries, different 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 ribbon or tape cassette according to the drawing inside the case, then gently press until it clicks.
  8. Use only 3.5, 6, 9 or 12 mm TZe tape; remove protective cassette plastic first.
  9. Close the cover and gently press until it clicks.
PT-D215e cover access, print-head location and six-battery orientation.
PT-D215e cover access, print-head location and six-battery orientation.

Diagram key

  • Cassette Cover: With LCD down and power off, press the grooved tab and open in the depicted direction.
  • Print Head and enlarged inset: Print-head location. Never touch it directly; use only the dry cleaning instructions.
  • Tape Cutter Lever: The labeled cutter lever; never touch its blade.
  • Cover-opening direction: The arrow shows how the cover opens.
  • Six battery positions and repeated +/− marks: Use six AAA LR03 alkaline or six fully charged AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries, matching the shown polarity. Replace all six together and do not mix types, ages or charging levels.
  • Repeated insertion arrows: Shows the batteries entering the compartments.
  • Polarity enlargement and pointer: The enlargement repeats the alternating +/− battery orientation.
PT-D215e cassette insertion and tape path.
PT-D215e cassette insertion and tape path.

Diagram key

  • Ribbon Cassette or Tape Cassette: Use a supported TZe cassette, remove protective plastic and gently press in until it clicks.
  • End of Tape: The tape end feeds under the tape guide.
  • Toothed Wheel: The toothed wheel on the cassette.
  • Tape Guide: Guide position, enlarged in the inset; verify the tape end feeds under it.
  • Cutter Edge: Do not touch the cutter blade.
  • Tape Exit Slot: Tape outlet; do not put foreign objects inside.
  • Tape-path inset and pointer: The enlargement shows the end of tape at the guide.
  • Cassette insertion arrow: Shows the cassette being pressed into its compartment.
  • Curved wheel arrow: Shows the rotation direction marked on the toothed wheel.

General precautions

Instructions from the manual
Connect the optional AC adapter5 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 side jack, then plug into a grounded AC electrical outlet.
  3. For memory backup, the manual recommends batteries together with the optional adapter if one power method fails.
  4. Keep plugs dry, fully insert the plug and do not use a loose outlet.
  5. Hold the adapter when disconnecting.
Clean, handle and store safely7 steps
  1. Use only a soft dry cloth for the printer; never alcohol or other organic solvents.
  2. Use a soft lint-free cloth for the print head and never touch it directly with your hands.
  3. Check the surface and conditions before applying ribbon/tape; it may peel, become irremovable or transfer color.
  4. Do not insert foreign objects, expose equipment to direct sun, rain, heaters, extreme temperatures, humidity or dust, apply excessive cutter pressure, print with an empty cassette, or pull tape during printing or feeding.
  5. Data may be lost through failure, repair or exhausted batteries; power disconnection beyond three minutes clears text, formats and saved files.
  6. Remove the protective clear display sticker before use.
  7. The printer does not charge rechargeable batteries; printed text and length may differ from the LCD.
Handle batteries and cutter safely7 steps
  1. Keep equipment, parts and tapes 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 disconnect the adapter when not intending to use the printer.
  5. Use only specified batteries with correct polarity; do not mix age, type, charge, manufacturer or model.
  6. Do not drop or hit equipment, press the LCD or put fingers inside when closing the cover.
  7. Read battery and charger instructions; charge Ni-MH batteries with a specialized charger.

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, choose Language with Left/Right, press OK, choose the display language and press OK.
  3. The default is English.
  4. Press Menu, choose Unit with Left/Right and OK, choose inch or mm and press OK; default is inch.
  5. The printer turns off after five minutes without key presses.
  6. Esc cancels; Accepted appears for about one second after OK.

Contrast

Instructions from the manual
Adjust LCD contrastView
Press Menu, select LCD Contrast with Left/Right and OK, then select -2, -1, 0, +1 or +2 and press OK. Default is 0. Space returns to the default.

Supplies and accessories

Instructions from the manual
Replace the cutter unit4 steps
  1. If the blunt cutter no longer cuts cleanly, order replacement TC-4 from an authorized Brother reseller.
  2. Remove the two green cutter sections in the illustrated arrow directions.
  3. Gently push the new cutter into place until it snaps.
  4. WARNING: Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
PT-D215e cutter board and TC-4 replacement locations.
PT-D215e cutter board and TC-4 replacement locations.

Diagram key

  • Cutter Board: The labeled board beside the cutter, enlarged in inset1.
  • 1 and curved board arrow: The source inset depicts the board and its rotation arrow; the written instructions in this guide specify replacing the cutter unit if cutting is no longer clean.
  • 2 and two upward arrows: Remove the two green cutter-unit sections in the directions shown. Install the replacement gently until it snaps into place.
  • Both inset pointers: The pointers locate the board and cutter-unit sections in the printer.

Lcd and keyboard

Instructions from the manual
Read LCD and keyboard controls5 steps
  1. The LCD displays one row of 15 characters.
  2. A text label allows at most 80 characters and spaces; templates allow 50.
  3. Space returns a setting to its default.
  4. The reviewed diagram identifies every display indicator and keyboard control.
  5. Preview and displayed ribbon/tape length may differ slightly from printed output.

Entering text

Instructions from the manual
Switch uppercase and lowercase3 steps
  1. Press Caps to turn uppercase on or off.
  2. A text label allows 80 characters and spaces; templates allow 50.
  3. Esc cancels operations; Accepted appears for approximately one second after OK.
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. The return symbol appears when Enter is pressed.
Insert a tabView
Press Menu, select Tab using Left/Right and press OK. A tab symbol appears when a tab is inserted.
Set tab length2 steps
  1. Press Menu, select Tab Length using Left/Right and OK, then choose Auto or the displayed 0.0–4.0 inch / 0–100 mm range and press OK.
  2. Space restores the default; the default length depends on ribbon or tape size.
Move to the start or end of textView
Press Shift + Right to move to the end; press Shift + Left to move to the beginning.
Enter accented characters3 steps
  1. Enter the base character, press Accent, choose with Accent or Left/Right, and press OK.
  2. Refer to the manual’s Accented Characters table.
  3. Character order depends on the selected language.
Set ribbon or tape length4 steps
  1. Press Menu, select Label Length using Left/Right and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–39.0 inch / 30–999 mm range and press OK.
  2. A lock appears for a set length.
  3. Space restores Auto based on text.
  4. After printing ribbon, cut the printed dots with scissors so the ribbon matches the displayed length.
Delete characters or clear a label3 steps
  1. Backspace deletes individual letters and spaces.
  2. To delete all text, press Shift + Backspace, select Text Only with Left/Right and press OK.
  3. To delete text and settings, use Text&Format instead.

Printing ribbons / tapes

Instructions from the manual
Preview a labelView
Press Preview. Left/Right shows hidden text when the LCD cannot display it all. OK, Enter or Esc exits Preview. Preview may differ from actual print.
Feed ribbon or 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 label6 steps
  1. Press Print, choose Copies with Left/Right or number keys from 1–9, then press OK.
  2. For one copy press OK after Print.
  3. Do not touch the cutter while Please Wait appears.
  4. For tape, wait until printing ends and Please Cut appears, then push the cutter lever.
  5. For ribbon, feed with Shift + Preview after printing, then cut with scissors.
  6. To remove tape backing, fold lengthwise with text inward, expose the split backing edges, peel and apply.
Print increasing numbers2 steps
  1. Enter numbers, move the cursor to the number to increment, press Shift + Print, select Numbering with Left/Right and OK, select the highest number to print and press OK.
  2. Up to nine labels print, increasing the selected number by one after each.
Print mirror labels2 steps
  1. Enter text, press Shift + Print, choose Mirror with Left/Right and OK, then confirm Mirror Print? with OK.
  2. Use clear tape so it reads correctly from the opposite side of glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.

Printing ribbons / tapes (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 press OK.
  2. Full leaves 1 inch each side, Half 0.47 inch and Narrow 0.16 inch.
  3. Cut printed dots with scissors.
  4. For Chain Print: enter text; press Print; enter the copy count; press OK; at Feed OK? press Esc to change text; clear text and enter the next label, then press Print; after the last label press OK at Feed OK?.
  5. Feed ribbon/tape with Shift + Preview before cutting or part of the text may be cut off.
  6. Do not pull tape.
  7. Cut printed dots with scissors.

Saving ribbons / tapes files

Instructions from the manual
Save a label file3 steps
  1. Save up to 20 labels, each with up to 80 characters including spaces.
  2. Enter text, press File, choose Save with Left/Right and OK, choose file number 1–20 and press OK.
  3. At Overwrite OK?, OK overwrites the existing file; Esc cancels without saving.
Print a saved label fileView
Press File, choose Print with Left/Right and OK, choose file number and OK, choose Copies from 1–9 with cursor or number keys and press OK.
Open a saved label fileView
Press File, choose Open with Left/Right and OK, choose the saved file number and press OK. Saved text and settings can be reused, edited or overwritten.

Text

Instructions from the manual
Create a repeating text template8 steps
  1. Press Ribbon, choose a layout with Left/Right and OK, enter text and OK, set the displayed label length 1.2–39.0 inches / 30–999 mm and OK, choose Print and OK, choose 1–9 copies and OK.
  2. Font selects font, size and style after text entry; Frame selects a frame.
  3. Use your own text or the built-in two-line Text Samples.
  4. Templates require 12 mm cassettes.
  5. Templates cannot be edited and template files cannot be saved.
  6. At Print press Esc to return to text entry.
  7. The most recent template opens automatically.
  8. Please Cut appears for two seconds after OK.

Initial marks

Instructions from the manual
Create an initial-mark template11 steps
  1. Press Pattern, select category Text with Left/Right and OK, then select Initial mark and OK.
  2. Choose the layout and OK, enter text and OK, choose Auto or a displayed 1.2–39.0 inch / 30–999 mm label length and OK, choose Print and OK, then 1–9 copies and OK.
  3. Above Auto, text repeats within the set length; text exceeding the length may not print completely.
  4. Available length depends on text length.
  5. Font changes the font; Continuous Frame also allows size and style.
  6. Templates require 12 mm cassettes.
  7. Templates cannot be edited and template files cannot be saved.
  8. At Print press Esc to return to text entry.
  9. The most recent template opens automatically.
  10. Please Cut appears for two seconds after OK.
  11. For Initial Marks and Continuous Frame, press Preview when Print is displayed to preview.

Continuous frame

Instructions from the manual
Create a continuous-frame template11 steps
  1. Press Pattern, select category Text with Left/Right and OK, then select Continuous and OK.
  2. Choose the layout and OK, enter text and OK, choose Auto or a displayed 1.2–39.0 inch / 30–999 mm label length and OK, choose Print and OK, then 1–9 copies and OK.
  3. Above Auto, text repeats within the set length; text exceeding the length may not print completely.
  4. Available length depends on text length.
  5. Font changes the font; Continuous Frame also allows size and style.
  6. Templates require 12 mm cassettes.
  7. Templates cannot be edited and template files cannot be saved.
  8. At Print press Esc to return to text entry.
  9. The most recent template opens automatically.
  10. Please Cut appears for two seconds after OK.
  11. For Initial Marks and Continuous Frame, press Preview when Print is displayed to preview.

Patterns

Instructions from the manual
Print a pattern template8 steps
  1. Press Pattern, select category Patterns with Left/Right and OK, choose the design and OK, set the displayed 1.2–39.0 inch / 30–999 mm length and OK, choose Print and OK, then 1–9 copies and OK.
  2. Patterns do not allow text.
  3. Space restores the default 3.9 inch (100 mm) length.
  4. Templates require 12 mm cassettes.
  5. Templates cannot be edited and template files cannot be saved.
  6. At Print press Esc to return to text entry.
  7. The most recent template opens automatically.
  8. Please Cut appears for two seconds after OK.

Font key

Instructions from the manual
Set font, size, width, style and alignment7 steps
  1. Press Font, choose each setting with Left/Right and OK.
  2. Fonts: Helsinki, Atlanta, Brussels, US, Belgium, Adams, San Diego, Florida, Istanbul, Sofia, Bolivia, Calgary, Berlin, Venezia.
  3. Sizes: Large, Medium, Small.
  4. Widths: Normal, ×2, ×1/2.
  5. Styles: Normal, Bold, Outline, Shadow, Solid, Italic, I+Bold, I+Outline, I+Shadow, Vertical.
  6. Alignments: Left, Center, Right, Justify.
  7. Actual size depends on tape width, character count and lines; at minimum size a custom Helsinki-based font enables the smallest text on narrow or multi-line ribbon/tape.

Frame key

Instructions from the manual
Select a frame5 steps
  1. Press Frame, choose the frame with Left/Right or its number and press OK.
  2. Esc cancels.
  3. The 0.47 inch / 12 mm TAPE indicator marks frames requiring 12 mm cassettes.
  4. Gray-numbered designs in the manual are 12 mm only: 56, 58, 64–74 and 75–78.
  5. Refer to all 96 numbered designs in the manual; 01 is Off.

Symbol key

Instructions from the manual
Enter symbols4 steps
  1. Press Symbol, choose History, Basic or Pictograph with Left/Right and OK, select a category and OK, select a symbol and OK.
  2. Up to seven recently used symbols join History; History does not allow a category selection.
  3. Refer to the full Basic Symbols and Pictograph Symbols tables.
  4. Category shortcut keys are reviewed in the next topic.
Use symbol category shortcuts2 steps
  1. For Basic categories use: Space Punctuation; A Mathematics; B Brackets; C Arrows; D Unit; E Fractions; F Roman Numerals; G Shapes; H Number.
  2. For Pictograph use: Space Emojis; A Music; B Clothes; C Travel; D Sports; E Animals; F Decorative; G Astrology; H Holiday; I Events; J Kitchen; K Food & Bev; L Crafts; M Baby; N School; O Home Office; P Audio Visual.

Shortcuts

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

Resetting the p-touch

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.

Safety precautions

Instructions from the manual
Stop use for abnormal heat or damage5 steps
  1. Use only the specified voltage and AD-24ES/AD-24ESA/AD-24ESAW/AD-24ESA-01/AD-24ESAW-01.
  2. Keep equipment, adapter, plug and batteries dry.
  3. Do not use during a lightning storm or in humid locations; overload, damage, forcibly bend or pull the cord; disassemble or modify equipment; use damaged, deformed or leaking batteries; short battery terminals; use sharp metal objects to change batteries; or throw batteries into fire or expose to heat.
  4. If abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual occurs, disconnect the adapter, remove batteries immediately and stop use.
  5. If leaked fluid reaches the eyes, rinse immediately with a large amount of clean water and seek medical attention.

Helpful tips

Instructions from the manual
Store or dispose of batteries5 steps
  1. Remove batteries for prolonged non-use.
  2. Dispose at an appropriate collection point, not general waste, observing federal, state and local rules.
  3. Wrap batteries with cellophane tape for storage or disposal to prevent short circuits.
  4. Do not mix old/new batteries; replace all six together.
  5. Mixing battery types such as alkaline and Ni-MH may cause an explosion.

Controls and parts

See the manual diagrams 1 diagram
PT-D215e LCD indicators and keyboard: complete key for 31 numbered controls.
PT-D215e LCD indicators and keyboard: complete key for 31 numbered controls.

Diagram key

  • 1: Size
  • 2: Cursor
  • 3: Underline / Frame
  • 4: Width
  • 5: Style
  • 6: Caps
  • 7: Ribbon/Tape Length
  • 8: OK key
  • 9: Cursor key: Right
  • 10: Cursor key: Left
  • 11: Escape key
  • 12: Power key
  • 13: Menu key
  • 14: Frame key
  • 15: Font key
  • 16: Character keys, including repeated letters, digits, secondary symbols and punctuation shown on them.
  • 17: Tab key
  • 18: Caps key
  • 19: Both Shift keys; used with the documented Shift combinations.
  • 20: File key
  • 21: Tape cutter lever and scissors mark. Do not use during printing; cut tape after Please Cut. Feed ribbon and cut it with scissors.
  • 22: LCD: one row of 15 characters; text labels allow 80 characters/spaces and templates 50. Preview or displayed length may differ from printed output.
  • 23: Print key
  • 24: Preview key
  • 25: Symbol key
  • 26: Pattern key
  • 27: Ribbon key
  • 28: Backspace key
  • 29: Enter key
  • 30: Accent key
  • 31: Space key

Model details

Model and compatibility

Power supply
Six AAA LR03 alkaline or six AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries; optional adapters as listed in the manual. No in-printer charging.
Tape and ribbon
TZe tape widths3.5,6,9,12mm; ribbon and pattern cassettes12mm.
Dimensions and weight
Approximately157mmW ×150mmD ×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
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